DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Steam Deck announced by Valve

85 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/steam-deck-announced-by-valve.209977/

true_lies
true_lies Original post #1
Jul 16, 2021 at 10:51 AM
Steam Deck is here. Starting $399 for base 64 GB. Shipping December 2021.
Zen2 4C/8T CPU
RDNA 2 GPU
16 GB RAM
7" 1280x800 60 Hz Display

pkkumarcool
Jul 16, 2021 at 11:27 AM
Steam Deck is here. Starting $399 for base 64 GB. Shipping December 2021.
Zen2 4C/8T CPU
RDNA 2 GPU
16 GB RAM
7" 1280x800 60 Hz Display

64 gb is too low for games and its very costly imo
omega44-xt
Jul 16, 2021 at 11:36 AM
64 gb is too low for games and its very costly imo
Price is ok IMO, provided it performs close to AMD R3 4350G APU in games, like even 60-70% of its performance would be great as well. Not to forget, there are a lot of low requirement PC games which will run on it, surely not latest AAA titles.
pkkumarcool
Jul 16, 2021 at 11:54 AM
Price is ok IMO, provided it performs close to AMD R3 4350G APU in games, like even 60-70% of its performance would be great as well. Not to forget, there are a lot of low requirement PC games which will run on it, surely not latest AAA titles.
But dont you think 64gb storage is too low for atleast AAA games Yeah its good if you play indies.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:08 PM
Its not meant for AAA games to be fair, control, fallen order and doom eternal is just a topping..

Yes 64 GB is too low but you can always expand with a micro SD. Get a 512 GB for peace of mind, im actually interested in this. If it has good enough battery life im considering it.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:09 PM
Price is ok IMO, provided it performs close to AMD R3 4350G APU in games, like even 60-70% of its performance would be great as well. Not to forget, there are a lot of low requirement PC games which will run on it, surely not latest AAA titles.
R3 4350G has RDNA 1.0 gpu i think, steam deck has RDNA 2.0 ( the same arch as AMD RX 6xxx series).. I dont think even 5xxxG series processors have RDNA 2. Correct me if im wrong, AMD has been very dodgy with this
thetechfreak
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:12 PM
No reason to buy something underpowered like Nintendo Switch once this is available. Unless, you want to play their exclusives ofcourse.
Desmond
Desmond #8
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:17 PM
Most people already have plenty of games on steam and getting this seems like a no brainer. Especially if they are planning on making all Windows games work like they claim.

If you have dark souls or skyrim on Steam, makes no sense to buy it again to play on Switch.

Only doubt I have is how they will manage anti-cheat. This runs SteamOS 3, which is based on Arch Linux. Steam on Linux uses Proton to run Windows games, but Proton does not support anti-cheat yet. Which means that games like PUBG, Apex, Rainbow Six might not run. But let's see if they have some solution by December.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:44 PM
Most people already have plenty of games on steam and getting this seems like a no brainer. Especially if they are planning on making all Windows games work like they claim.

If you have dark souls or skyrim on Steam, makes no sense to buy it again to play on Switch.

Only doubt I have is how they will manage anti-cheat. This runs SteamOS 3, which is based on Arch Linux. Steam on Linux uses Proton to run Windows games, but Proton does not support anti-cheat yet. Which means that games like PUBG, Apex, Rainbow Six might not run. But let's see if they have some solution by December.
I can see battlefield 3 picture in the video, which did have punk buster. But maybe it was just a promotional thing. Regardless I doubt this is a device meant for multiplayer
Desmond
Desmond #10
Jul 16, 2021 at 12:49 PM
Last I checked Punk Buster runs on Wine, I tried it with Battlefield 4 (on Origin) and it runs without any problems. So I think Battlefield 3 should run too. But I don't know whether Battlefield 3 has the new server browser UI or it's still on the old web based UI.

I have doubts about EAC and BattleEye though.
RumbaMon19
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:17 PM
The page says it can run AAA games as well. Is this due to small screen size? It seems difficult for r3 to run all that. Also, is the GPU same as the one available with r3 ?
SaiyanGoku
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:22 PM
Steam Deck is here. Starting $399 for base 64 GB. Shipping December 2021.
Zen2 4C/8T CPU
RDNA 2 GPU
16 GB RAM
7" 1280x800 60 Hz Display

This should be in technology news. This is like Nintendo switch but 100 times better.

@whitestar_999 @Desmond David please move this to a new thread.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:24 PM
The page says it can run AAA games as well. Is this due to small screen size? It seems difficult for r3 to run all that. Also, is the GPU same as the one available with r3 ?
GPU is better than R3 for sure. It is running at 720p, must be targetting 30 fps
Desmond
Desmond #15
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:29 PM
The page says it can run AAA games as well. Is this due to small screen size? It seems difficult for r3 to run all that. Also, is the GPU same as the one available with r3 ?
Perhaps there will be graphical concessions but let's see once more objective reviews come up.
This should be in technology news. This is like Nintendo switch but 100 times better.

@whitestar_999 @Desmond David please move this to a new thread.
Done.
GPU is better than R3 for sure. It is running at 720p, must be targetting 30 fps
I don't think this is a huge issue when you have the ability to play your entire steam library on the go.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:37 PM
Yeah i dont mind 720p 30fps for aaa titles, i m sure indies would run at 60. And thats where this will shine.
true_lies
true_lies #17
Jul 16, 2021 at 1:49 PM
I think this would specially be great for gamers, new and old who've stacked up some old games in their library (like me) but not looking for the hassle to install and play them sitting in front of their PC. They can do that just on the move, and then play the more recent AAA games on their PC. Games few years old would not be taxing on the hardware either and play smoothly.
Cyberghost
Jul 16, 2021 at 7:28 PM
No mention about the battery whether it is removable or not
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 7:30 PM
It won't be removable which means it's lifetime is a max 3 years. That's the thing about products like these. Also I doubt it will launch in india
omega44-xt
Jul 16, 2021 at 9:27 PM
R3 4350G has RDNA 1.0 gpu i think, steam deck has RDNA 2.0 ( the same arch as AMD RX 6xxx series).. I dont think even 5xxxG series processors have RDNA 2. Correct me if im wrong, AMD has been very dodgy with this
It will have a 5W SoC maybe, so let's see how it performs.
skeletor
skeletor #21
Jul 16, 2021 at 10:20 PM
R3 4350G has RDNA 1.0 gpu
Does it? I think it has some refined Vega version.

I think AMD is yet to release any APU with RDNA architecture.
Nerevarine
Jul 16, 2021 at 10:28 PM
Does it? I think it has some refined Vega version.

I think AMD is yet to release any APU with RDNA architecture.
You are right its vega 7/8. This should be a massive increase in performance. The performance per wattage should be a good indicator how the GPU performance of the newest exynos would be. Because that too is built with a close collab with AMD featuring RDNA2.
007
007 #23
Jul 16, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #24
Jul 16, 2021 at 11:27 PM
Lets see if makes it to the market or not. And this is not the Final Build.
D
Deleted member 345628 #25
Jul 16, 2021 at 11:42 PM
64 Gigs is too less and if you have to go for something like 512 GB , You might as well get a budget gaming laptop in that range .
I don't see any reason why someone would buy it in that kinda price range when you can get a laptop(which also happens to be portable) .
It makes sense to buy a PSP or a nintendo Console (games normally you can't play on windows ) .... But , why would anyone buy it?
IMO this seems like a waste of money . I might as well buy a XBOX Controller and a budget gaming PC with Big Screen .
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #26
Jul 17, 2021 at 12:19 AM
Its a personal preference. I would not buy this instead I would stick to Switch or PSP console.
Portability is the major factor for this one.
Desmond
Desmond #27
Jul 17, 2021 at 1:36 AM
Lets see if makes it to the market or not. And this is not the Final Build.
Typical Valve.
64 Gigs is too less and if you have to go for something like 512 GB , You might as well get a budget gaming laptop in that range .
I don't see any reason why someone would buy it in that kinda price range when you can get a laptop(which also happens to be portable) .
It makes sense to buy a PSP or a nintendo Console (games normally you can't play on windows ) .... But , why would anyone buy it?
IMO this seems like a waste of money . I might as well buy a XBOX Controller and a budget gaming PC with Big Screen .
A laptop is portable, but still not as portable as this. Also all models come with a microSD slot, so you can put a 1 TB card if you can and you are good to go.

Though there are a few things that might result in a bad experience, one being that many of the games on PC might not be optimized for such a small display and as such could result in much smaller UI which could be hard to read. But I think this largely depends on the games and the developers willingness to patch them. In either case I am not expecting many games to be suitable for this.

Edit:

2kliksphilip's video on this

Desmond
Desmond #29
Jul 17, 2021 at 10:04 AM
Apparently Gabe has confirmed that the SSDs will be replaceable.
TheSloth
TheSloth #30
Jul 17, 2021 at 12:28 PM
I just now read here in comments that the battery will be fixed. Isn't that a deal breaker for many at that price? Wouldn't the battery capacity reduce sooner since this has a powerful hardware and will be required to charge often before gaming on it?
Nerevarine
Jul 17, 2021 at 1:39 PM
I just now read here in comments that the battery will be fixed. Isn't that a deal breaker for many at that price? Wouldn't the battery capacity reduce sooner since this has a powerful hardware and will be required to charge often before gaming on it?
That's the one thing, I know it won't be user replacable.. but if after market replace would be possible, it would just extend the longevity so much.
thetechfreak
Jul 17, 2021 at 2:24 PM
SSD will be replacable btw. Someone from reddit mailed the Gabe.

*i.redd.it/ot54t097umb71.jpg
Vyom
Vyom #34
Jul 17, 2021 at 2:25 PM
Portable? It's massive in size. Just LOOK at the big guy holding in IGN's video. Won't fit in your trouser pockets for sure! xD /s

Screenshot from 2021-07-17 14-19-45.png


I am more excited by the fact that it's a full blown PC, where theoretically we can wipe SteamOS to install any other OS like windows!
But surely, I am happy for the impact this shiny object could have on the Linux gaming.
Nerevarine
Jul 17, 2021 at 3:12 PM
SSD will be replacable btw. Someone from reddit mailed the Gabe.

*i.redd.it/ot54t097umb71.jpg
Kudos to GabeN for actually replying to these sort of things lol
TheSloth
TheSloth #36
Jul 17, 2021 at 5:52 PM
That's the one thing, I know it won't be user replacable.. but if after market replace would be possible, it would just extend the longevity so much.
Don't you think if they allowed this then it will make their product even more attractive to buyers? Compare to having a non-replaceable battery which will could be a main deterrent to buyers since no one wants to buy a new console every 3-4 years. Why this idea is not even on the deck here?
Nerevarine
Jul 17, 2021 at 5:57 PM
Don't you think if they allowed this then it will make their product even more attractive to buyers? Compare to having a non-replaceable battery which will could be a main deterrent to buyers since no one wants to buy a new console every 3-4 years. Why this idea is not even on the deck here?
Planned obsoleteness doesnt really apply to Valve because this is a brand new territory and they might not even have a successor to this product, which is why your point makes sense. but I dont know, maybe manufacturing costs is low for embedded battery etc.
pkkumarcool
Jul 17, 2021 at 6:08 PM
*uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210717/79d49683ff38e4b90407bf11ad607fc5.jpg

If dota 2 will run smooth it’s a win win for me

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Desmond
Desmond #39
Jul 17, 2021 at 6:40 PM
IMO watching a Dota 2 match in the client is much better than watching a stream.

Playing though will be a problem I think since it's basically like playing Dota 2 using a trackpad.
true_lies
true_lies #40
Jul 18, 2021 at 2:05 PM
Spec Analysis of the Steam Deck by Digital Foundry

Sent from my Nokia 6.1 Plus using Tapatalk
Desmond
Desmond #41
Jul 19, 2021 at 4:46 AM
I think we will just have to wait and see when actual hands-on reviews come. All videos so far seem to be mostly speculation.
Extreme Gamer
Jul 20, 2021 at 3:47 PM
Portable? It's massive in size. Just LOOK at the big guy holding in IGN's video. Won't fit in your trouser pockets for sure! xD /s

<snip>

I am more excited by the fact that it's a full blown PC, where theoretically we can wipe SteamOS to install any other OS like windows!
But surely, I am happy for the impact this shiny object could have on the Linux gaming.
You may need new drivers if it's Windows that you want to run. IINM it uses custom AMD silicon, and the IO parts (controller stuff mostly) may not be prepped for Windows. Not to mention power management, where tuned drivers are critical.

Also even though the SSD is replaceable, just how many manufacturers make high capacity units in the M2.2230 size? High density SSD chips are expensive, even if it's QLC.
Nerevarine
Jul 20, 2021 at 4:11 PM
Highest capacity M2.2230 is 512, so it's better to buy it directly.
Nerevarine
Jul 20, 2021 at 8:20 PM
highest capacity model from valve
setanjan123
Aug 4, 2021 at 8:03 PM
I think this would specially be great for gamers, new and old who've stacked up some old games in their library (like me) but not looking for the hassle to install and play them sitting in front of their PC. They can do that just on the move, and then play the more recent AAA games on their PC. Games few years old would not be taxing on the hardware either and play smoothly.
Yep the exact issue I have. I have a bunch of indies that I never play. This thing will be pretty costly here in India most likely. I've been thinking about just streaming to my iPad from my PC. A lot of those games get ported to iOS/Android but are priced very high compared to Steam. Switch ports prices are another thing altogether.
Desmond
Desmond #48
Aug 14, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Official Valve Steam Deck ad

true_lies
true_lies #49
Sep 25, 2021 at 9:17 AM
Easy Anti-Cheat now supports the Steam Deck
BattleEye Anti-cheat confirms Steam Deck support
true_lies
true_lies #50
Sep 25, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Also in the new FAQs for Steam deck

What can you tell us about the BIOS and does it allow dual-boot?​

Multi-boot is supported - you can have multiple OSes installed and choose which one to boot into. Users will have access to the BIOS menu.

Can you boot an OS off the SD card?​

Yes, Steam Deck supports boot from microSD.
Desmond
Desmond #51
Sep 25, 2021 at 4:56 PM
Easy Anti-Cheat now supports the Steam Deck
BattleEye Anti-cheat confirms Steam Deck support
This is a big step forward for gaming on Linux (even on desktop). Though I personally prefer if it was not an opt-in option and be available universally.
Also in the new FAQs for Steam deck
This was confirmed long time ago. Though IMO running Windows on it would be a very bad idea because of the bloat that Windows has.
RumbaMon19
Sep 25, 2021 at 5:16 PM
This was confirmed long time ago. Though IMO running Windows on it would be a very bad idea because of the bloat that Windows has

Yup, considering the hardware, they have certainly optimised steam os for that , windows with bloat like windows defender, updates and telemetry will slow it down.
Æsoteric Positron
Sep 26, 2021 at 8:45 AM
Yup, considering the hardware, they have certainly optimised steam os for that , windows with bloat like windows defender, updates and telemetry will slow it down.
I would like to interject for a moment,
What you are referring to as Windows, is in fact, Windows/bloat, or as I've recently taken to calling it Windows + bloat. Windows is not an product unto itself, but rather another paid component of a fully functioning M$ system made annoying by the bloat, ads and spyware comprising a full system as defined by Microsoft executives.
Nerevarine
Oct 8, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Yeah but constantly pausing to explain an obvious thing is too pedantic, I stopped watching and watched the original video. lol
true_lies
true_lies #57
Oct 8, 2021 at 12:40 PM
Two points that really stood out for me and I'm sure for many:
1. Its your PC, you have every right to open it up and do what you want.
2. Source for replacement parts, SSDs, Thumbsticks and more in the future.

Taking shots at others and advocating for Right to Repair in a way.

Sent from my Nokia 6.1 Plus using Tapatalk
Desmond
Desmond #59
Oct 19, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Desmond
Desmond #60
Feb 8, 2022 at 2:56 AM
true_lies
true_lies #61
Feb 8, 2022 at 9:07 AM
I wouldn't call it "Valve has knocked it out of the park" just yet till full in depth review, but so far it's looking great. The cons he states seem subjective and would be based on personal use and taste.

Sent from my Nokia 6.1 Plus using Tapatalk
Desmond
Desmond #62
Feb 15, 2022 at 4:17 PM
You can check what percent of your Steam library is compatible with the Steam Deck at this website - CheckMyDeck
Desmond
Desmond #63
Feb 16, 2022 at 10:57 AM
true_lies
true_lies #64
Nov 18, 2023 at 8:59 PM
Steam Deck OLED
  • Better brighter slightly bigger screen, same resolution though
  • Higher Refresh rate
  • Bigger battery
  • 6nm APU vs 7nm APU from the original
  • Better Cooling
  • WiFi 6
  • More storage for basically the same price
STO.jpg

STO1.jpg
Desmond
Desmond #65
Nov 19, 2023 at 10:18 AM
Yeah, I saw. Though it's kinda pointless since it's not available in India. I hope Valve would partner with some retailer in India to sell Steam Decks.
SaiyanGoku
Nov 19, 2023 at 12:36 PM
I hope Valve would partner with some retailer in India to sell Steam Decks.
IIRC they were having problems with payment system recently. It'll be a shame if they can't capitalize on Nintendo's complete absence, at least officially.
thetechfreak
Nov 30, 2023 at 4:30 PM
Yeah, I saw. Though it's kinda pointless since it's not available in India. I hope Valve would partner with some retailer in India to sell Steam Decks.
you can ask your friend who comes from USA to bring one for you...
omega44-xt
Nov 30, 2023 at 5:44 PM
I actually see sales posts regarding Steam Deck on TE or reddit r/IndianGaming relatively frequently. IMO people bought because of hype later realised its not as useful as they thought.

I'm still of the opinion that Google & Apple should take gaming more seriously as Switch is weaker than even a few years old flagship phone. Apple took its first step at least.
Stormbringer
Dec 1, 2023 at 5:12 AM
I actually see sales posts regarding Steam Deck on TE or reddit r/IndianGaming relatively frequently. IMO people bought because of hype later realised its not as useful as they thought.

I'm still of the opinion that Google & Apple should take gaming more seriously as Switch is weaker than even a few years old flagship phone. Apple took its first step at least.
I see Steam Deck as a secondary gaming device for people who already have a gaming PC or Console at home and enthusiasts. It's for gaming when traveling.

Switch sells due to it's first party games. Switch is 6 years old. Strong rumors indicate a Switch successor next year. It will probably sell well too unless they pull a Wii U. Also I think gamers prefer a dedicated gaming device over a phone(my opinion).
omega44-xt
Dec 1, 2023 at 9:03 AM
I see Steam Deck as a secondary gaming device for people who already have a gaming PC or Console at home and enthusiasts. It's for gaming when traveling.

Switch sells due to it's first party games. Switch is 6 years old. Strong rumors indicate a Switch successor next year. It will probably sell well too unless they pull a Wii U. Also I think gamers prefer a dedicated gaming device over a phone(my opinion).
Agreed on both points.

My point is just that phones are a more convenient secondary gaming device than Steam deck or Switch. Phones just lack top quality games. You will always carry your phone anywhere you go. Time will tell what happens.
SaiyanGoku
Dec 1, 2023 at 11:10 AM
I see Steam Deck as a secondary gaming device for people who already have a gaming PC or Console at home and enthusiasts. It's for gaming when traveling.
If I had to game while travelling, I'll just use retroarch on my phone. For me, steam deck or even ROG ally are expensive accessories and I'd rather save money for next laptop/desktop.
Nerevarine
Dec 1, 2023 at 11:44 AM
If I had to game while travelling, I'll just use retroarch on my phone. For me, steam deck or even ROG ally are expensive accessories and I'd rather save money for next laptop/desktop.
How about Gamepass ultimate with 5G, it works butter smooth. Just get a kishi, and you are done.

In terms of battery life this would be a lot better than any of the steam deck and stuff.
setanjan123
Dec 1, 2023 at 11:48 AM
Agreed on both points.

My point is just that phones are a more convenient secondary gaming device than Steam deck or Switch. Phones just lack top quality games. You will always carry your phone anywhere you go. Time will tell what happens.
Maybe because both of those handhelds are kinda big. I recently got a 2DS XL and it's as portable as my phone and has a game library that blows any phone out of the water. I just carry it with me these days. Really useful for short or semi long gaming sessions without draining the phone battery which can be a big concern when you are traveling.
setanjan123
Dec 1, 2023 at 11:51 AM
How about Gamepass ultimate with 5G, it works butter smooth. Just get a kishi, and you are done.

In terms of battery life this would be a lot better than any of the steam deck and stuff.
5G drains battery quite a bit lol. And Xcloud isn't even available officially in India AFAIK. I don't think the VPN solution is as reliable as having a local system. Cloud gaming isn't there yet.
Nerevarine
Dec 1, 2023 at 1:19 PM
goku is in canada atm, so it shouldnt be an issue for him.
omega44-xt
Dec 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM
How about Gamepass ultimate with 5G, it works butter smooth. Just get a kishi, and you are done.

In terms of battery life this would be a lot better than any of the steam deck and stuff.
Not available in India officially

5G drains battery quite a bit lol. And Xcloud isn't even available officially in India AFAIK. I don't think the VPN solution is as reliable as having a local system. Cloud gaming isn't there yet.
I carry a power bank always. Even if I am just watching videos, phone battery is not sufficient for more than a 2hr flight IMO (considering you need to reach airport 2hr early & time from airport to home).
pkkumarcool
Dec 1, 2023 at 2:12 PM
Why android is not pushing gaming compared to ios?
omega44-xt
Dec 1, 2023 at 3:57 PM
Why android is not pushing gaming compared to ios?
Fragmentation in OS, lots of hardware configs, people not willing to pay $60 for games (hence all the free to play successes like CoD, PUBG/BGMI & Genshin)
SaiyanGoku
Dec 29, 2023 at 12:08 AM
Is anybody using it here to emulate switch and retro consoles? I tried switch oled at best buy yesterday and immediately got hooked to the mario demo they had on it.
pkkumarcool
Dec 31, 2023 at 6:52 AM
Is anybody using it here to emulate switch and retro consoles? I tried switch oled at best buy yesterday and immediately got hooked to the mario demo they had on it.
how much is it on best buy?
Desmond
Desmond #82
Dec 31, 2023 at 11:48 PM
Why do you need to jailbreak the Steam Deck? It runs Linux.
Desmond
Desmond #84
Jan 1, 2024 at 5:47 AM
Oh my bad.

Though, accessing the root account and filesystem in the Steam Deck is simply a matter or running a single command.
thetechfreak
Jan 21, 2024 at 11:45 AM

Ayaneo’s Next Lite is a $299 Steam Deck competitor with unofficial SteamOS

Source: *www.theverge.com/2024/1/10/24033161/ayaneo-next-lite-steam-deck-competitor-steamos

Ayaneo’s attempt to launch a bargain-price competitor to the Steam Deck has been confusing, to say the least, but the company has now published a product page that clears most things up. The Ayaneo Next Lite will cost $299, will not ship with an official build of SteamOS but rather an unofficial fork, and come with a four-year-old AMD processor that’s arguably less potent than the one in the original Steam Deck LCD.

1705817695306.png