Thanks to Valve, we’re getting a promising new alternative to the Nintendo Switch or even the newly revealed Nintendo Switch OLED.
Earlier today, the American video game giant announced the Steam Deck, a handheld console that can play Steam titles on the go.
The console is slated for a December 2021 release in the USA, UK, Canada and, EU and will come in three variants, with the base variant starting at $399.
As per its website, Steam Deck is “the most powerful, full-featured gaming handheld in the world.” The console results from a partnership with AMD and houses a custom APU that delivers “more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games.”
Gamers will get to access all this power through a 7-inch 1280×800 touchscreen, two thumbsticks with a D-pad, and a four-button control layout, much like the Steam controller.
Additionally, there will be no streaming involved as Steam Deck will play games on the device directly from the user’s Steam account. The device will also include gyro controls for more precise movement.
Much like Switch, Steam Deck will also get a charging dock (sold separately) to allow gamers to connect the handheld to their TVs and monitors via the console’s USB Type-C port.
The dock will provide a Display Port and HDMI output, an Ethernet adapter, and three USB ports.
On the software front, Steam Deck will run on a new version of the Linux-based SteamOS. But this does not mean that it will be limited to Linux games.
Valve says that its Proton compatibility software has been “vastly improved” and works with anti-cheat systems.
So, you’ll have no issues running Windows games that don’t have official Linux support.
This also links to one of the console’s more significant features: modifiability.
In more ways than one, the Steam Deck will be like a PC as it will allow you to install any software you like, download multiple game stores, and attach multiple peripherals. If you need more storage for games, no problem: the console will include a Micro-SD expandable slot.
One of the handheld’s highlights, you’ll be pleased to know, is its competitive pricing. The three variants of the console will be available right from the get-go: a 64GB model for $399, a 256GB NVMe SSD for $529, and a 512GB NVMe SSD for $649.
Each version will come with a carrying case included, while the 256 GB and 512 GB models will get additional benefits like Steam Community profile bundles and anti-glare etched glass.
If you’re excited by what you’ve read here, you can pre-order the Steam Deck starting Friday, July 16, from 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern on Steam’s website.
The console will sell under a reservation system, and only one will be available per customer. You will also need a Steam account with purchases from before June 2021 if you want to reserve one in the first 48-hours.
Head to Steam Deck’s official website if you want a full section-by-section breakdown of the console.
About Valve Software
Valve Corporation, also known as Valve Software, is an American video game developer, publisher, and digital distribution company based in Bellevue, Washington. Valve is best known for the software distribution platform Steam, along with gaming franchises such as Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, Day of Defeat, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead, and Dota.
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