Valve's Steam Deck is the latest advancement in PC technology which is sure to completely change the gaming experience for all Steam users. The system is designed to capitalize on the platform in a unique way so that players can utilize Steam on the handheld device.
According to the information available on steamdeck.com, it has a number of incredible features, many of which hardcore gamers would be delighted to see. However, for beginners to PC gaming, or perhaps for those who are still unfamiliar with the Steam Deck, there's a huge array of things that audiences need to know about the device before making the leap from PC to Steam Deck or perhaps from other consoles.
Works As A PC
The basic premise behind the Steam Deck is that it actually functions as a regular PC. Indeed, a monitor can be plugged into the handheld device, and users can actually continue to do everything they would normally do on a regular computer. In fact, it doesn't even need to be used for gaming.
Because of its capabilities, a user could actually remove Steam from the console and use it as a regular PC. Its ease of use, touch screen options, and small size are of course beneficial when looking to replace a regular PC. However, these things all make it perfect as a gaming device as well so fans can enjoy some of the best PC games of all time.
Comes With An Optimized Version Of Steam
When buying a Steam Deck the player will be given the device itself with Steam already downloaded onto the console. Once again, the PC can actually be used for anything else, but the version of Steam downloaded on the device is optimized for handheld gaming.
The full Steam Store is available on the console, and players are able to take the games with them wherever they go. A new homepage has been designed so that players can easily access the many brilliant Steam titles, stats, and other such options that they have become used to on a monitor.
Jumping Between Devices
It's really important that fans are able to play their games on any platform or device. Of course, the same Steam login can be used anywhere that players use their games. This means that a unique feature has been included on the Steam Deck though. Players can pause their game and switch between devices.
That means that, while a player might be using Steam on the Steam Deck, they can pause the game on the console, load it up on their PC, and continue from exactly the same place without utilizing in-game savepoints and other such options. It's a great way to market these titles as easier to use.
Handheld Gaming
The Steam Deck is a handheld device, and, as such, it comes with a number of options that take advantage of the format. Of course, it does mean that players can take their games out anywhere and also attach them to a larger screen similar to the way the Nintendo Switch works.
The console has a number of input and output options as well, from headphones to HDMI cables and capture card devices. It also has a touch screen which can be used alongside a traditional thumbstick and button setup. Plus it has buttons on the back of the console for added adaptability.
Customization
Much like with any other PC, Steam encourage their players to completely customize their experience. While on other consoles like Xbox and PlayStation there's mostly a set format, Steam allows its user to set up the device however they wish; from the home page to the controller itself.
For instance, there are countless ways to set up the handheld device alone to ensure the best gameplay experience. Whether it's the use of the bumpers, D-Pad, or perhaps even some of the alternative buttons accessible at the back of the control, or perhaps the sensitivity of the device.
The Developer
The company behind the Steam Deck may be familiar to gamers, although not in terms of creating hardware like this. Valve is actually responsible for the creation of the physical device and the software behind it, but their past is mostly in game development, though.
The developer has made games for Steam in the past such as Half-Life, which is a classic first-person shooter from the mid-2000s. The incredibly famous Portal series is also from the company, so they can clearly be trusted to understand how players interact with their games.
Trackpads
One of the interesting additions to the console is the use of trackpads. While PC games will be used to using a mouse—and indeed a keyboard, which can both be connected to the device—the console also comes with trackpads which work in a similar way.
These are precise devices that actually allow players to use their thumb on these pads as if it's a mouse on a computer. That means that games that work best on PC are not any weaker on the console, as the same types of control options are available to players. Similar technology was implemented in the Steam Controller.
No Exclusives
Steam Deck doesn't quite work as a normal console; because it's a device that can utilize the power of Steam itself, it will not have any exclusive titles. While it does have access to everything available on Steam, right now, games are not being created specifically for the console.
Of course, this is very different from the likes of the PlayStation and Xbox, but a great way to ensure players have maximum options when utilizing Steam. Exclusive titles would be an interesting—if controversial—method of boosting unit sales, but Valve likely won't pursue that option.
Pricing
There's a number of different options for the types of Steam Deck available based on their storage. However, the price points reflect the various different options. The pricing chosen is also very competitive and takes into account other consoles on offer, as well as PCs themselves.
The standard 64GB version is $399. The next console up, the 256GB edition, is $529, and finally, the 512GB iteration comes in at $649. It's unclear how these prices will change as time goes on or whether Valve wishes to release additional consoles at lower prices, though that isn't particularly likely.
Release Date
While reviewers have already had a hands-on opportunity with the device and there are other Steam options available, the full Steam Deck is yet to be released. However, for the US there's already a release date in mind, with the console scheduled for December 2021.
Of course, this means Valve can capitalize on the holiday season, but, overseas it's looking like the Steam Deck will have a release at some point in 2022. No additional plans have been released in terms of a long-term schedule on updates and additional consoles.