I have developed a strong fascination for the Steam Deck. It’s not only because I can finally delve into my extensive collection of untouched games, or because it’s the latest trend in portable gaming devices, but mainly because it has granted me the luxury of time to indulge in gaming. The countless hours of free time I had during my teenage and early adult years have long vanished. However, the Steam Deck has managed to carve out a special place in my daily routine. Whether it’s a spare 45 minutes while dinner is cooking, a lunch break, or even a momentary creative block as I write this article, I can always rely on a quick gaming session with Nex Machina on my Deck.
I have been actively following the Steam Deck subreddit for several months now, and I have noticed that not only parents but also individuals with limited free time are experiencing a resurgence in their gaming activities thanks to Valve’s console. Regardless of the specific demographic I belong to, I have dedicated the past four months to playing, experimenting, reflecting, and overall relishing in this device. As such, I would like to share my extended thoughts on the Steam Deck.
Best for:
- A giant catalogue of Steam games
- Impressive hardware
- High-end portable gaming
Skip if:
- You’re a Nintendo fan
- You want to play non-Steam games
- You’re not a fan of tweaking your games
Steam Deck Design
The Steam Deck, to be blunt, is a hefty beast. Recently, I spotted someone playing a Switch Lite on the train and mistook it as a mid-sized phone with a Bluetooth controller attached. In contrast, the Deck offers a vastly more bulky design than other handheld gaming devices. There’s good reason for this, as it runs the latest AAA games, which necessitates its girth.
Valve has effectively reduced the size of the Deck by prioritizing ergonomics. The handles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the trigger buttons are conveniently positioned, eliminating the need to strain your fingers. The only drawback lies in the placement of the rear grips, which are somewhat rigid and necessitate readjustment of the hand to activate them.
The Deck’s matte finish adds a touch of elegance and durability, protecting it from any unexpected knocks or scratches. However, its weight of 1.5 pounds may feel slightly burdensome. Nevertheless, this slight drawback is outweighed by the overall sense of quality and value for money that the Deck provides.
The device possesses several distinctive features of a PC gaming machine, such as expandable storage. If you’re feeling adventurous, you have the option to add your own NVMe SSD, although Valve cautions that any modifications will void the warranty. Additionally, it includes a headphone jack port and a USB-C connection. In a realm favored by tinkering enthusiasts, I acquired a right angle USB-C adaptor to alleviate strain on the port during charging and gameplay. Moreover, I’ve come across individuals who have utilized 3D printing to create various stands and cases for their Decks on the r/SteamDeck subreddit. The range of customization options is extensive and ambitious, allowing you to tailor your experience down to the minutest detail.
Steam Deck Display
Brightness Settings Cause Trouble
The 7-inch display provides an immersive experience and is suitably spacious for the robust frame. Games also appear impressive. Handheld devices offer an advantage in that a high-resolution screen is not necessary due to the smaller size, resulting in a relatively high pixel density. Therefore, the Deck’s 720p resolution may seem modest, but it is inconsequential on a screen of this magnitude.
I found it impressive how intricate and crisp the visuals of all games appeared on the console, especially the newer ones. There exists an optimal balance between graphic fidelity and smooth performance that is evident in games launched three to four years ago. Titles such as Metro Exodus, or the remastered version of GTA 5, showcase stunning visuals. The overall graphics quality improves significantly when streaming games from your PC, Xbox, or PlayStation 5—more details on this will be discussed later.
Version 1: I was amazed by the level of detail and clarity in all games on the console, especially the more recent ones. There is a perfect combination of graphic quality and performance that is evident in games released three or four years ago. Games like Metro Exodus, or the remastered version of GTA 5, look absolutely stunning. The graphics experience is enhanced when streaming games from your PC, Xbox, or PlayStation 5—more information on this will be provided later.
It would have been preferable to have an OLED display that offers richer colors and deeper blacks. An OLED screen would greatly enhance the experience of playing darker horror games such as Alien Isolation, as well as all other games. It is highly likely that Valve will release an OLED version of the Deck or provide an OLED option for the Deck 2 in the near future. However, for the time being, we have to settle for the current screen, which is only satisfactory.
Steam OS And Performance
Handles Both Less Intensive and AAA Games—With Some Tinkering
1. SteamOS serves as the ideal interface for the Deck, as anticipated. It boasts a clean and user-friendly design, showcasing your games in large blocks upon console startup. Within game sub-menus, users can adjust settings, access game details, explore community content, and much more.
The library is also efficiently arranged. Steam categorizes your installed games, games optimized for Deck, and non-Steam games you have loaded onto the device. The number of verified titles is also increasing, now exceeding 5,000 and expanding consistently.
Version 1: The library is also effectively structured. Steam has sections for your installed games, games optimized for Deck, and non-Steam games you have sideloaded onto the device. The list of verified titles is also expanding, currently surpassing 5,000 with more being added on a regular basis.
The performance of the Steam Deck is truly exceptional. I have tested a variety of games that put the console to the test in different ways. Even older and less demanding games like Alien Isolation run flawlessly, even when played on the highest settings. The same can be said for less intensive games. I had no issues downloading and playing Hades, Shredder’s Revenge, and Nex Machina with the graphics settings set to the maximum.
GTA V operates seamlessly on high graphics settings, with the frame rate and refresh rate optimized to their maximum potential. I consistently achieve a smooth 60 frames per second, resulting in an exceptional visual experience. The performance is so impressive that I often find it hard to believe that such smooth gameplay is possible on a portable console.
However, I was eager to put the Deck to the test. Therefore, I decided to download Horizon Zero Dawn, the game that was previously exclusive to PlayStation and involves battling robotic dinosaurs with primitive weapons. Surprisingly, the game’s compatibility with the Steam Deck is not the most unbelievable aspect; it’s the fact that it runs so smoothly. Nevertheless, some adjustments to the settings are necessary. Personally, I have adjusted the graphics to slightly above medium, prioritizing performance over visual quality, and set the refresh rate to 45Hz. This configuration seems to offer the most reliable and stable performance while still delivering an impressive visual experience. It did take me some time to find this optimal balance, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. However, PC gamers are likely familiar with this process.
After experiencing success with several top-tier RPGs, I decided to give Red Alert 3 a try. Although it is not officially endorsed, Steam has deemed it “playable,” albeit with some necessary adjustments to make it compatible with my console. Once I optimized the resolution and graphics settings to their highest levels, the game performed exceptionally well, allowing me to enjoy uninterrupted gameplay for an extended period.
1. Games that do not have full compatibility with the Steam Deck may present a challenge when it comes to adjusting to the controls. Red Alert 3, for instance, is designed to be played with a mouse and keyboard. I found myself frequently checking the controller layout on the Deck to figure out which button replaced the Shift key. However, after getting used to it, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Although my gaming experience was mostly positive, I observed several notable performance problems during the testing phase. Specifically, when the device is awakened from sleep mode, the game’s performance is adversely affected. When playing Horizon Zero Dawn after the console has been in sleep mode, I encountered severe frame rate drops and stuttering. To resolve this issue, I had to restart the console, which can be problematic when playing a roguelike game. While this occurrence is not constant, it happens frequently enough to be quite bothersome.
Another small problem arises: downloading games is not possible when the device is in sleep mode. It must be awake with the screen on, which appears to be counterintuitive. Hopefully, Valve will release an update soon to address this issue.
There are several impressive features present throughout the device. For instance, I opt for using wired headphones while playing online due to the exceptional microphone quality. To experience the highest quality graphics on the Deck, streaming games from your PS5, PC, or Xbox Series X is a recommended approach. It is necessary to be connected to the same network and install specific software to enable this feature (although Steam’s integrated Steam Link function seamlessly works with your PC), but the effort is truly rewarding. This functionality expands your gaming options on the Steam Deck and allows you to enjoy your favorite big screen games from any location within your home.
Steam Deck Battery Life
The Biggest Letdown
The battery performance is subpar, requiring proximity to a charger for prolonged gameplay, especially when engaging in graphics-intensive games. Titles like Elden Ring, Uncharted, and Horizon Zero Dawn have a duration of less than two hours, assuming you are mindful of power consumption. It is not unexpected that these games, originally intended for non-portable consoles, have limited battery life, thus significantly restricting their portability.
Games like Hades and Shredder’s Revenge will now have even better news as they approach a duration of nearly four hours. Personally, I have noticed that during longer journeys without access to a power source, I tend to prefer playing less demanding games in order to maximize the battery life of my device. It’s ironic considering the fact that the device is designed to handle AAA titles for an extended period of time.
With that being stated, Valve’s inaugural handheld console has garnered significant popularity. The demand for this device was so high that the waitlist extended well into the following year. Consequently, it is highly likely that we can anticipate a future version of this console. If Valve is attentive to consumer feedback, it is expected that the forthcoming iteration will feature an enhanced battery life to accommodate the demands of more resource-intensive games.
Steam Deck Verdict
Outstanding Gaming Value
The Steam Deck reignited my passion for gaming as it seamlessly integrated into my hectic, mundane adult routine. While I cherish my PS5, the lengthy setup process and time commitment required often deter me from playing. Consequently, I find myself indulging less frequently and questioning why I neglected it for so long. The culprit? Bills, chores, and obligations. Amidst these demands, the Steam Deck offers a convenient escape, allowing me to game anytime, anywhere.
The battery duration, nonetheless, is a matter of concern. Even with the least demanding games, obtaining more than four hours of gameplay from the console will prove challenging. A portable power pack presents a solution, albeit it entails carrying an additional weighty item.
Valve has effectively addressed the needs of users with varying levels of technical expertise. They have provided the option for those who are interested in exploring desktop mode customization. Additionally, for individuals who prefer a more straightforward gaming experience, Valve has made it possible to simply pick up and play. Moreover, Valve has intelligently curated a verified program to identify games that are compatible with the Deck, ensuring that users do not struggle to make unsupported games function properly.
Currently, however, ensure that you are in close proximity to an electrical socket.
My Expertise
I have been a freelance journalist based in London for more than nine years, contributing to Forbes. My expertise lies in various areas of technology, encompassing reviews, investigations, commentary, and news coverage.
Version 1:
I have been evaluating consumer technology for more than ten years for various prominent publications such as The Guardian, BBC, Independent, TechRadar, and others. Additionally, I serve as the co-host of Audible’s The Squid Scam: Hunting the NFT Con Artists.
How I Tested The Steam Deck
I have extensively utilized the Steam Deck in various locations. Whether it be during extended flights, numerous train journeys, or within the confines of my own home, I have explored its capabilities. From streaming games from my PC to connecting a mouse and keyboard for desktop mode adjustments, I have thoroughly tested the device’s functionalities. Additionally, I have experienced a wide array of indie and AAA games on the Steam Deck, making me well-versed in its operations.
Do I Need A Case?
Indeed, Valve boasts an impressive repair policy in the event that the console becomes damaged. However, it is advisable to avoid finding oneself in such a predicament altogether. Given its substantial size, there is a considerable likelihood of accidentally dropping the console. Additionally, it is worth noting the existence of a vibrant community dedicated to crafting delightful accessories for the Steam Deck through 3D printing, with a plethora of options available on Etsy.
Just a heads up, if you buy the Steam Deck from the case is included with your purchase.
Are There Any Issues With The Steam Deck?
There are a few peculiarities. It is not possible to download games when the device is in sleep mode, and I have observed a few minor glitches scattered throughout. However, Valve is consistently issuing updates to address the majority of these issues. Certain users have experienced inconsistent performance, leading them to return the device to Valve for resolution.
1. Monitor the Steam Deck community on Reddit in case your device starts experiencing glitches, and check for any users facing similar problems.
Are There Any Competitors To The Steam Deck That Are Worth Considering?
There are numerous options available. The handheld PC gaming market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. There are several impressive devices on the market that can compete with the Steam Deck, such as the Asus ROG Ally portable gaming console. However, unlike the Steam Deck which clearly states its compatibility, the ROG Ally does not provide this information, leaving users to guess which games are compatible.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch is also available as an option, boasting an OLED screen and enhanced battery life. However, it is worth noting that the selection of games may be more restricted compared to other platforms, such as the absence of the Tomb Raider franchise. Ultimately, the decision of which portable gaming device to choose depends on your personal preference.
Other Articles You Might Like
Forbes Vetted consistently features a wide range of consumer electronics, providing comprehensive reviews and expert recommendations for top-notch products in various categories. Should you choose to invest in the Asus ROG Ally, we suggest exploring these additional articles that can enhance your gaming experience: