Steam deck
created by Valve Corporation, is a handheld gaming computer that allows users to play their Steam library on the go. It's a versatile device that bridges the gap between a traditional PC and a gaming console, offering a portable and powerful gaming experience.
Key Features and Design:
The Steam Deck is built for comfort and extended play sessions. Its ergonomic design includes full-sized thumbsticks, buttons, and triggers. Key features that distinguish it include:
* Trackpads: Two square trackpads with haptic feedback provide increased precision and are particularly useful for games not originally designed for a controller, such as first-person shooters.
* Gyro Controls: An integrated 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and capacitive-touch thumbsticks enable motion-based aiming for more precise control.
* Assignable Grip Buttons: Four customizable buttons on the back of the device allow for a more personalized control scheme.
* Display: The Steam Deck offers different display options depending on the model. The original models feature a 7-inch LCD screen, while the newer OLED versions boast a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with a higher refresh rate of up to 90Hz, better brightness, and improved contrast.
* Audio: The device has stereo speakers with an embedded DSP for a clear and immersive soundscape, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dual microphone array.
* Expandable Storage: All models have a high-speed microSD card slot, allowing users to easily expand their storage and access more games.
Technical Specifications
The Steam Deck's performance is powered by a custom AMD APU, a Zen 2 CPU, and an RDNA 2 GPU, optimized for handheld gaming.
* Processor (APU): 6 nm AMD APU with a Zen 2 4-core/8-thread CPU and an 8 RDNA 2 CU GPU.
* RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM.
* Storage: The Steam Deck is available with different internal storage options, including 64GB eMMC, and faster NVMe SSDs in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities.
* Battery: The original LCD models have a 40Whr battery, while the OLED models have a larger 50Whr battery, offering a longer battery life of 3-12 hours depending on the game and settings.
Operating System and Compatibility
The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS 3, a Linux-based operating system. To ensure a wide range of games can be played, Valve utilizes a compatibility layer called Proton, which allows many Windows-only games to run on the Linux-based Steam Deck without requiring developers to port their games.
Games in the Steam store are categorized with compatibility ratings for the Steam Deck:
* Verified: The game is fully functional on the Steam Deck out of the box.
* Playable: The game works but may require some manual tweaking of settings or controls for the best experience.
* Unsupported: The game is not currently functional on the Steam Deck. This can be due to various reasons, such as anti-cheat software that is not compatible with Proton.
Beyond its primary function as a gaming device, the Steam Deck is also a versatile PC. Users can install third-party game launchers like Battle.net or the Epic Games Store, and even install a different operating system like Windows if they choose.
Models and Pricing
Since its launch, Valve has offered the Steam Deck in different models, primarily distinguished by their storage type and capacity. The original LCD models included 64GB (eMMC), 256GB (NVMe SSD), and 512GB (NVMe SSD).
With the release of the Steam Deck OLED, the lineup was refreshed. The original 64GB and 512GB LCD models were phased out, with the 256GB LCD model remaining as an entry-level option. The new OLED models come in 512GB and 1TB variants, featuring a superior display and battery life.
* Original LCD Models (while supplies last):
* 64GB eMMC
* 256GB NVMe SSD
* 512GB NVMe SSD (with an anti-glare etched screen)
* OLED Models:
* 512GB NVMe SSD
* 1TB NVMe SSD
Prices vary by region, but Valve's official Steam store is the recommended place to purchase a new Steam Deck. Refurbished units are also available through Valve's Certified Refurbished program, offering a more affordable option.
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