Compact, light, features a touchscreen, and can run almost
any desktop application with relative ease, Valve’s recent creation has taken
the internet by storm. Steam Deck, a handheld device quoted to be a fully
portable PC, can run video games and applications as if it were an actual
desktop.
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Given the handheld’s scheduled December release, it is time
to look at what makes this magical piece of hardware tick.
How much power can you expect form the Steam Deck?
According to Valve, all the Steam Decks on offer are
identical, with the only difference being available storage. The Steam Deck
features three models, with the smallest hosting 64GB of storage, the middle-ground
hosting 256GB, and the highest hosting 512GB. It is important to note, however,
that the 64GB model of the SteamDeck has eMMC memory, which is slower than its
256GB and 512GB SSD counterparts.
While Valve has confirmed that storage can expand via MicroSSD
cards, it is highly likely that these expandable memory chips will be
significantly slower than the device’s internal SSDs. While this has yet to be
tested, many fans of portable devices around the world already predict that
MicroSSDs will have a significant impact on the Steam Deck’s performance.
However, as mentioned, the Steam Deck’s specs are the same in
all three versions of the portable handheld. It comes with a seven-inch
touchscreen, underneath which sit four Zen 2 cores, totaling to eight threads.
As for the graphics processing, the AMD RDNA 2 architecture is used to power
everything you see on screen, amounting to 512 cores behind the scenes. While
this is not exactly groundbreaking in terms of stationary desktops, this
architecture is sure to create a spectacular performance.
The deck has been confirmed to have 16GB quad-channel
LPDDR5, a great improvement compared to the current dual-channel RAM trend that
has been growing in the handheld sector.
The Steam Deck runs with a 1280x800 display at 60Hz, and
with the screen being capable of touch input, there is not much to say about
the screen performance other than it being serviceable. However, while the
native resolution and refresh rates are average in terms of existing handheld
devices, Valve has stated that the device will be compatible with external
displays. While it is unclear at this stage whether it would be possible to operate
the device at 4k native, there are rumors about the device using AI upscaling
to increase graphic fidelity on larger displays.
Unfortunately, battery life is where the deck falls flat. Based
on Valve’s statements, the Steam Deck can run up to 8 hours before needing a recharge.
In other words, if you’re looking to boot up the deck and play some graphic-intense
games or potentially fiddle around with a bit of video editing, the deck’s
battery takes a nosedive and can deplete as early as three hours into the
session.
What can I actually do with the Steam Deck?
As mentioned by Valve, the aim is for Steam Deck to become
the leader of the handheld PC. The device is preloaded with Linux, an operating
software that Valve has selected as baseline due to its ability to run faster
than its alternative, Windows OS. However, Gabe Newel, founder and president of
Valve, has stated that Valve has no intentions in limiting its users to their
chosen OS.
For users, this means absolute control over their operating
environment as well as the tasks that they choose to perform. While the Steam Deck
is first and foremost a portable gaming device and will primarily be used as
such, Valve has made it clear that if it runs on your desktop – it’s going to
run on the Steam Deck. This means that if you’re looking for a larger screen
for your on-the-go Netflix or Hulu viewing sessions, the Steam Deck would be a
perfect fit for you.
Valve has also stated that the Steam Deck is highly
versatile in terms of connectivity to other devices, featuring one USB 3.1
port, two USB 2.0 ports, and DisplayPort, along with an HDMI to ensure that each
user’s experience can be customized.
In short, the answer to this question is best summarized by
a Valva quote:
“Use the deck like you would your PC – because it is.”
Alright, I’m sold. Where can I get it?
While the pre-orders have already begun (and have been
shut-down multiple times due to demand), unfortunately the Steam Deck is not
available in the Middle East — not available for direct purchase, that is.
If you’re looking for a way to grab a deck upon release, the
best possible way is to order it off American or European websites from
resellers. While resellers will most likely put up the deck at an increased
price, it is the only way that someone in Jordan can purchase it.
A big caveat of purchasing the deck from abroad is the need
to have a US or EU based Steam account. This would mean that whoever you end up
trusting with $650 in cash would also have create a Steam account to purchase
it for you. Keep in mind that there is a possibility that the deck will only
operate with Steam accounts that are region-locked to the US or the EU, meaning
that your existing library would not transfer over.
In conclusion, the Steam Deck is possibly one of the most
anticipated pieces of hardware to hit the market in 2021. While difficult to
grab in the region, unofficial websites such as eBay for US purchases or OnBuy
for Europe purchases are already filling up with sellers offering their
pre-ordered decks for purchase.
Alternatively, if Valve’s index sales patterns are to be
followed, there is a chance that the deck will make its way into your
neighboring electronic stores by late 2022.
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