Steam Deck | Release date, specifications, compatibility

Steam Deck | Release date

Steam Deck is Valve's new portable PC, a platform designed to be enjoyed in a versatile way, both in desktop and mobile mode. The idea of ​​the American company is to create a PC that can approach all those looking for a platform to play PC titles at medium details or for those looking for an extension to their PC gaming.

In this article, which we will update constantly, you can find all the information of Valve's PC: release date, prices, specifications and compatibility. We invite you to follow it to stay up to date on the latest news.

Steam Deck, how it is made and technical specifications

Steam Deck is a portable PC that is very reminiscent of Nintendo Switch and the UFO prototype of Alienware unveiled during CES 2020. It is a platform capable of running almost the entire Steam library, with the possibility of installing other programs and clients such as Xbox Game Pass. Below you can read the general technical specifications of the machine.

CPU Zen 2 4c / 8t, 2,4-3,5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32) GPU 8 RDNA 2 CU, 1,0-1, 6 GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32 RAM 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (88GB / s) MEMORY Different from version to version DISPLAY 1200 x 800 (60Hz) - LED (7 inch) OPERATING SYSTEM Steam Os 3.0 With these features, Valve aims to run games at a maximum resolution of 800p, with medium-high details at 60 FPS on almost all games. Whether this is possible or not, we will find out only with the benchmarks that we will be able to deepen when we have it in your hands.

In the next chapter we will describe the versions, but before that it is important to underline that the SSD memory of the first version can be changed, even if the procedure, according to Valve, must not be simple. In addition to this, however, it is possible to improve the storage of games via MicroSD.

In terms of size and weight, the PC measures 298mm x 117mm x 49mm and weighs 669 grams, double that of the Nintendo Switch (for comparison). The analogs are symmetrical, positioned high up, close to the 7-inch screen. The directional cross and buttons are also at the top, right next to the analogs. The PC also features triggers, backbones and two track pads. Mice, keyboards and peripherals are supported.

Steam Deck can also be connected to any monitor (or TV) via Dock (sold separately) or with a normal USB-Type C cable. Having said that, it should be noted that the output resolution will still remain anchored to 800p and this could make the image appear on modern screens, a bit outdated.

Steam Deck, prices and versions

Steam Deck is proposed on the market in three different versions, which differ mainly from the type of SSD. It is not excluded that in the future Valve may propose other versions, but at the moment those proposed for sale are the following.

Steam Deck - 64GB eMMC Steam Deck - 256GB SSD NVMe

Steam Deck - 512GB NVMe SSD Price 419 € 549 € 679 € Fast Memory - ✔ ✔ Quality anti-glare etched glass - - ✔ Case ✔ ✔ ✔ (exclusive) Exclusive Steam Profile Bundle - ✔ ✔ Exclusive Theme - - ✔

Steam Deck, what works and what not

Steam Deck will use the SteamOs 3.0 operating system based on Linux and which uses Proton technology to run the titles. If you do not know at all what Proton is, we recommend reading this dedicated in-depth study.

Anyway, Proton is still an immature technology, but on paper it should allow all (or most) of the Steam library to run on the Steam Deck. The only titles with some problems are all those video games like Apex Legends, Destiny 2, PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege, this because of their anti-cheat software. Valve is however working hard to ensure that these titles can run from the launch day of the platform.

In addition to this, it will be possible to install operating systems, programs and other clients such as the Epic Games Store and above all, not to be underestimate, Xbox Game Pass, as well as emulators of various kinds. The possibilities of "personalization" of the machine, therefore, at least on paper, seem infinite, but it will be necessary to have it in your hands to actually verify its potential.

The only doubts we have, at the moment, is the actual optimization of all the games for the screen and the writings, as soon as we know more we will not hesitate to update the article.

Steam Deck, release date

The release date of Steam Deck precisely delineated. The first pre-ordered prices will arrive in Q1 2022, the distribution will take place from December 2021 onwards, this means that we will have to wait a few months before seeing it at work.