You may have heard of the Steam deck, but you are not sure what the advantages of using it are. This versatile console offers us the PC gaming experience combined with the portability of a handheld console. In this article we explain all the positive aspects that it brings to our gaming experience.
This revolutionary console has been developed by Valve Corporation (creator of the popular video game platform Steam) being officially launched on the market in 2022. Since then until today, many players have been seduced by it. We review its features below. main features, its practical functions and also its limitations.
Steam Deck Specifications
Steam Deck is a portable console that has been designed to run PC games directly from the Steam platform. Due to its appearance, it is easy to be reminded a bit of classic consoles such as the Nintendo SwitchHowever, this console is much more powerful in terms of hardware. These are its specifications:
- Dimensions: 298 mm x 117 mm x 49 mm.
- Weight: 640 grams.
- Processor Custom AMD APU.
- CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2,4-3,5 GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CU, 1,6 GHz (1,6 TFlops FP32)
- Screen 7-inch touch LCD (1280×800 pixel resolution and 60Hz refresh rate).
- Battery with autonomy of up to 8 hours (50 Wh), which may be longer or shorter depending on the game and the configuration chosen.
- Gamepad Controls: ABXY buttons, D-pad, L and R analog triggers, display and menu buttons, 4 assignable grip buttons
- Two Joysticks full-size analog, with capacitive touch function.
- Storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB (plus a high-speed microSD card slot).
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, and support for a wide range of peripherals. 3,5mm headphone jack.
- Operating System SteamOS 3.0, based on Linux and optimized specifically for the Steam ecosystem.
Valve introduced the Steam Deck to the public as the "ultimate portable console." It stands out for its compatibility with a large number of games available on Steam, although it also allows the installation of external launchers and emulators.
In addition to video games, the Steam Deck It can function as a mini-computer If we activate the “Desktop Mode”, we can install alternative operating systems (such as Windows) and also modify the controls and software.
Advantages and limitations
Using the Steam Deck opens up a wide range of possibilities, as we explain below. But Along with its undeniable advantages, it must be taken into account that it has some important limitations.It is good to know all these aspects to know how far a player can go with this magnificent hybrid console:
Advantages of Steam Deck
- Portability, without compromising the power to play the most demanding titles. A difficult balance to achieve that this console does achieve.
- Access to a large number of gamesAmong them, those on the Steam platform are specifically optimized for their hardware.
- High compatibility with a wide range of peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mice…): This makes it possible to use it as a small desktop PC.
- Updates available that Valve is releasing regularly with the aim of improving the user experience.
Steam Deck Limitations
- Battery duration. Not bad for a portable device, but it can get lacking when working with demanding games. In such cases, the 8-hour battery life can be reduced to less than half.
Weight and sizeThe Steam Deck weighs 640 grams and is larger than most portable consoles. This can be a bit uncomfortable for users who are not used to these features, especially for longer gaming sessions. - Learning curve especially long to learn how to manage all its options, specifically if we are going to use the Desktop mode, for which the user is required to have a certain level of technical knowledge.
Steam Deck Uses
The Steam Deck is an ideal console for the PC gaming fans who wants to enjoy this experience from the convenience of a portable console. To play anywhere and anytime. It is also highly valued by those users who like to customize and experiment with software and hardware. On the other hand, thanks to its emulation capacity, it is a fantastic resource for retro game lovers.
This unusual portable console (unusual for its features and dimensions) has managed to change the way we enjoy video games, with a balanced proposal that combines the power and versatility of a PC with the agility of a portable console.
Its peculiar design may not have been to everyone's taste, but sales figures leave no doubt about its commercial success. This is the point that best reflects the correctness of Valve's idea.