What is a Steam Deck? Everything you need to know about Valve's console

Gamers have plenty of choices when it comes to picking a new console. While the Nintendo Switch ruled the portable gaming roost for quite some time, it’s now facing new challengers. The Valve Steam Deck is one such device. But what is a Steam Deck, and which should you get if you’re interested? We cover the portable console in more detail below.

What is a Steam Deck, and how does it work?

The Steam Deck is a portable, handheld gaming console developed by Valve. In short, the console allows users to access titles from the popular gaming storefront Steam while on the go. But this isn’t its only use case. Valve’s console is far more versatile and user-customizable vs the Nintendo Switch.

Although the console runs a Linux-based distribution by default, it can also run Windows if desired, with Valve making the necessary tools and drivers freely available. Beyond gaming, the console doubles as a portable PC replacement. It supports external controllers, mice, keyboards, monitors, and external displays when connected to a Steam Deck dock.

What games can you play on a Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck allows users portable access to some of the best Steam games, including classics like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Portal 2, and more. SteamDB’s lists of verified and playable games are a great way of discovering which titles are supported. Steam’s content library is constantly expanding, too, and with it, the Steam Deck’s list of supported titles.

How to check if a game is compatible with Steam Deck

Steam has also rolled out a verification system known as Deck Verified. The program indicates to users which games are fully functional on the machine, as tested by Steam staff. You’ll notice one of four distinct icons located below each game’s title that indicate the following:

• A green checkmark suggests the game is verified and compatible with the Steam Deck and should run without issue.
• A yellow circle with an i indicates that the game runs on the device effectively, but users may have to jump through a few more hoops to run it flawlessly.
• Unsupported games will wear a gray no-entry symbol.
• Finally, a question mark within a broken circle suggests that Steam staff hasn’t yet checked the game. It may work, it may not.

Importantly, the Steam Deck is a handheld computer, so installing third-party game launchers, like Battle.net, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, is also possible. You can also access NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service to play heavier titles that might not run natively on the Deck’s hardware.

Alternatively, the Steam Deck runs on Steam OS, but users can install an alternative operating system to broaden game support. Installing Windows on the machine allows you access to more standalone titles or subscription programs like Xbox Game Pass. For instance, you’ll also need Microsoft’s OS to play Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail on the Steam Deck. This is largely due to the anti-cheat systems used by HoYoVerse.

Additionally, if the games on Steam don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of emulators for the Steam Deck for those who prefer the games of yesteryear.

Steam Deck specs

Find a table below detailing the core Steam Deck specs, including the original and OLED models.

Steam Deck performance

The Steam Deck is a powerful system for its size. It’s not the most powerful in its category, but its balanced specs sheet ensures a solid experience across multiple games and use cases. However, users must choose the optimum graphics settings for best performance. Valve has included several settings to help users customize their gaming experience on the Steam Deck. This includes a frame rate limit toggle, a TDP limit toggle, and the inclusion of AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) tech, which aims to upscale game details without tanking the frame rate.

Regarding raw processing numbers, the Steam Deck packs a GPU capable of 1.6 teraflops — more computing power than the original Xbox One but slightly less than the PS4. That’s plenty of power to run most titles on the Steam library. When it comes to more demanding PC games, the device may struggle, but this is where cloud gaming services might come in handy.

How much does a Steam Deck cost?

• Steam Deck LCD (256GB NVMe): $399
• Steam Deck OLED (512GB NVMe): $549
• Steam Deck OLED (1TB NVMe): $649

Valve originally offered consumers three Steam Deck configurations, with the cheapest version packing 64GB of eMMC storage. However, Valve has discontinued this model and the 512GB LCD model. In terms of models with LCD screens, Valve only offers the 256GB NVMe variant which costs $399.

In late 2023, Valve rolled out revised OLED screen models, introducing a 7.4-inch AMOLED display, a larger battery with more efficient chipset, and a 1TB storage option. It starts at $549 for the 512GB model and $649 for the 1TB model.

Where can you buy the Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck has been around for a while, but you may still have difficulty finding one beyond Valve’s channels. The company says the only official way to buy the Deck is through Steam in Canada, the EU, the UK, and the US. However, you can find many of the best Steam Deck accessories beyond Valve’s storefront.

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