Valve's New Steam Deck Can Be Used As A Handheld Xbox

So the talk of a native Gamepass Steam version makes more sense now…

@mousieone if they have a native game pass for steam or Linux, then this is a day one for me.

$399 for 64gb emmc. $529 for 256gb nvme. I'll stick to using xcloud on my phone/laptop with an Xbox controller thanks and save myself $500.

Bit too pricey, sticks are too high and button placements are a bit off as well. Not for me.

I wish the actual hardware looked a bit nicer. Otherwise it's pretty interesting!

I find it fine for the current games on the market and generally "previous-gen" games. but in 2 years I don't know what this feels like. Naturally a comparison with a dedicated desktop PC or a XSX is not very fair since it is a handheld. So the pitch is "switch but it can play all the games on steam". It isn't exactly bad. Play Halo Infinite or CoD games locally on a handheld anywhere has a certain appeal no doubt.

extremely intrigued by this, can play pc exclusives, ported playstation titles, and gamepass games all on this thing. not to mention emulators and all that. I hope that Valve works with xbox to make a gamepass app accessible without uninstalling the OS. Perfect opportunity for xbox to get game pass onto a handheld device. Phil/xbox team would be crazy not to work with them. With playstation now being more open to porting older titles to pc it could be an great way to bridge the gap between xbox-pc-playstation.

Definitely going to wait until it comes out to watch more reviews and such. but if there is more functionality added with game pass i would definitely invest in this. 100x better than the switch OLED lmao.

I sit next to my router and voilà, my phone is an Xbox. It may not be perfect but it's wayyy smoother since the server upgrade.

@Xiovanni well the Vita sadly crashed and burned

I just look at the layout of this thing and then look at the Switch and even handheld Xbox phone attachments and can’t help but be turned off by Steam’s design. It looks like someone combined a Steam controller with the SEGA GameGear then slapped an OLED in the middle.

I think it's kind of awesome. I just bought a fairly decent gaming laptop (Asus 2021 G14) about 3 weeks ago, so I probably don't need this, but I love the form factor and price point. If I knew this existed before the return period for my laptop elapsed, I probably would went for this instead. Even though my laptop is a lot better in many ways, it also costed a lot more, and I really only got it to keep myself satisfied until building my own desktop becomes feasible again. Oh well, hopefully other people get to enjoy this thing! I might bite if there's a redesign model or whatever in a couple years if this is successful. My internet, even at work, just isn't good enough for xcloud/streaming.

@Xiovanni Sounds like you should look into a Switch Lite..

I find this interesting.. but I have a Series X and a Switch so I don’t know if I can really justify it. If I didn’t have a Switch… Or I guess if I didn’t have an Xbox..

This is really exciting for me, a handheld gaming PC and all of the other possibilities gaming wise with it being a PC. When this comes out I suspect I'll rarely use my Switch as aside from the odd button layout this looks more comfortable to use and performance is no contest.

I can essentially play my Steam library and much of my Xbox library all as basically a handheld console, not to mention it's emulation potential. Bring it on

I'm curious if this uses the same haptics found in the fantastic steam controller? If so, this will be an absolute treat.

@NotoriousWhiz @mousieone @The_New_Butler even if it doesn't work with Stream OS, you can simply put Windows on this thing and have Gamepass that way and still have Steam as well

Being able to install Windows on it is the only reason it's worth buying. But at its low price compared to all the other devices like that that came out last year and this year, I can't wait for a teardown to see where costs were saved and quality slashed.

I get the felling this will do alright, much better than the other "portable pcs" that have popped up over the years and certainly better than the "consoles" did before but I think it's going to be a bit of a butt to live with once it can't run new games well.

Imagine if MS made an xbox handheld that could access Xbox, 360, x1, x1x, ,xss, xsx stores but it can't run anything beyond X1 titles now. That's an annoyance that's only going to get bigger.

@The_New_Butler I wouldn't say a lot of messing about, even leaving it as is you're going to have most of the online stores to play games from and at 720p it'll run them pretty easily

With the Switch Pro dream being dead now, a portable steam machine is actually a tempting prospect.

For a portable this is an excellent bit of kit.
You can play Xbox PC games and PlayStation PC games on the go natively vs Cloud solutions.
MS just need to implement Game Pass within Steam and we are on to a winner for a proper native Xbox portable machine.

@Xiovanni you would have been a perfect customer for the Playstation Vita, it's such a shame that little handheld didn't get a bigger following.

I thought Steam OS was dead?

I've got like 1000 Steam games but recently sold most of my pc gaming hardware due to the ridiculous value of used parts, and because I'm tired of big rigs, maintenance of them and the heat/power usage. My plan was to just game on Series S until someone did a handheld pc right. Well, I'm reserving one today. Can't wait to play games like MCC, Gears 5 and Sekiro natively on a portable.

If you're not heavy into pc gaming and the Steam ecosystem, and been watching handheld pcs progress then this value might not be so clear but this is the dream for a lot of people, flaws like storage aside. It's to Steam users what Switch is to Nintendo fans.

Sadly the media is leading people to think of this as a console and direct competitor to Switch but its demographic is different.

@The_New_Butler It has Proton (see more at https://www.steamdeck.com/en/developers, https://www.protondb.com, or search "Proton (software)" in wikipedia). That is essentially a compatibility layer that allows windows version of games to run without any need from the developer to port it.

From what I heard, it works pretty well with a bunch of games, and I wouldn't be surprised if that is how they got Control and Death Stranding to work.

@The_New_Butler just looking through their website now and found this

Your Steam Library, anywhere
Once you've logged into Steam Deck, your entire Steam Library shows up, just like any other PC. You'll be able to find your collections and favorites - exactly where you left them.

A new Steam operating system
On Steam Deck, your games run on a different operating system than the one on your desktop PC. It's a new version of SteamOS, built with Steam Deck in mind and optimized for a handheld gaming experience. It comes with Proton, a compatibility layer that makes it possible to run your games without any porting work needed from developers. For Deck, we're vastly improving Proton's game compatibility and support for anti-cheat solutions by working directly with the vendors. “Hold on to your butts!”

So yeah all of your games will play

@Xiovanni Gravity Rush is an excellent title, I played the original and would recommend it to pretty much anybody. I've never played anything like it before of since.

In respect to picking up a Vita, I think you're right. The platform is dead and you'd be much better served by a PS4. So unless you're a vintage game and system collector it's best not to bother with it.

I like it but i dnt see where it fits into my lifestyle. Ive got a switch. As well and a mid/high range laptop. If i keep the ps4 pro at home as well as the series s, and stream my games there...between those 3 ecosystems there isnt anything else i want 2 play.

This thing must have like a 2 hour battery life..

I didn't realise it was running Linux. How many games out of the average Steam library will be compatible with it? I've got loads of old games I'd want to play, but I'd bet most wouldn't be compatible.

I have really mixed feelings about this thing. The battery life, when you read between the lines is kind of similar to launch Switch for the heavy games. That's serviceable but not amazing. The build reminds me of steam controller, which is an amazing controller, but the build quality is....questionable. The bottom end one more is cheaper than a Series X which is nice, but the eMMC memory is....Switch-like. It works for Switch games but is painful for big games, so the two other models make the most sense. I dislike that only the top model gets the anti-glare screen. Or that they did "fast" vs "faster" between the mid and top end SSD. It almost seems like if you're going to get one, the top end one is really the only one worth considering, or the bottom end one if you're cool with budget stuff. The dock isn't included but will probably be cheap. And depending on how powerful it is, it's certainly cheaper than an Alienware for a decent gaming laptop, and better suited to it.

The screen is only 800p, and an unspecified LCD tech. That doesn't sound amazing.

It's cool. Yesterday I was half tempted to put an order in today. I haven't ruled it out yet. It would be an awesome way to get me back into PC gaming (I bought X1X instead of PC when I was debating, haven't touched PC in ages.) But, then, most of my library is on XB + PS + Switch....do I really need a Steam library too? Game sharing at the same time, which I use won't work (but you can loan the games I believe.) To be fair, xcloud, and local xb/PS streaming won't let you do that either.

I'm torn. It's a cool curio. I was going to get a Switch OLED, but the preorders fell through (I actually was in the checkout at Best Buy and THEN found out it's in-store pickup only, which I'm not doing, so I canceled...bye bye preorder. If that's the future of preorders, I think XSX is the last console I'll ever preorder or own in the first year or two of release...not doing store pickups.) So since Switch OLED is gone, I'm kind of debating between a Steam Deck (worse screen than Switch OLED, better everything else) or just upgrading my Surface Pro (2017 won't get Win11 anyway), and relying on Xcloud, PS Now, and/or local streaming onto a big fancy screen. Not as slick as Steam, but has other benefits.

BUT then I'm wearing down my Series X/ Pro which is hard to replace still (and in-store only!?) if something happens to it if I stream locally.

Thanks gaben!

Versatile and powerful handheld with TV output. It's quite appealing... more than Switch that has old smartphone technology.

A few interesting things, the sticks are not cheap like in Switch and the buttons are "positioned perfectly".

https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck

This is a powerful and versatile little machine.

I think it seems a better option than a switch more powerful and can play steam games so no paying Nintendo premium on games

So this is basically the ultimate handheld? All Pc games, gamepass, playstation now and even nodded switch games and roms?

@UltimateOtaku91 Does it do PS Now? I thought Now as Windows-only. You can install Windows on this, but as the article notes, that could be a lot more complicated and creaky than they want it to sound (Remember trying to install Linux on PS3 Phat, LOL). It'll do XCloud through Chrome though, so there's that. And maybe it'll play Sony games on launch day with the Steam version.

That would be hilarious actually. The honest to goodness Vita 2, that plays the biggest PS games on launch day, sold by Valve....

If that actually happened and worked that way, I really wouldn't need a PS anymore. Between Game Pass and Steam Deck I'd play all my Sony games on any platform but PS

@BlueOcean Only problem is it's still a built in battery, and we don't know how replaceable, and sticks will fail - all sticks end up failing. On a $90 Joycon it sucks. On a $630 Steam Deck top end...that's excruciating.

My other question is unless you're already a PC gamer with a big Steam library, if a "powerful for a handheld" that you can dock to the TV feels more limited than streaming from XCloud/Xbox/Now/PS and then "docking" by logging into the console.

It's super cool, I'm very tempted, and yet, when I think of the practicality while I have a library and streaming access not on PC/Steam, if it's kind of unfriendly to add yet another library. I'm not sure if the bottom tier model is that worthwhile, but I'm also second guessing if the top end is worthwhile at all as its life will be limited and it may still be too big a compromise docked. It's not going to be XSX/PS5 power, for sure, so if you already have those...why buy a AAA game on the Steam Deck? Really cool for new customers though, or existing Steam players.

This thing is quite intriguing though I have a question for you PC guys and those a bit more saavy. Are current micro sd cards fast enough/capable of playing games like Froza/Halo/gears etc right off the card itself? Its one thing for Switch games but can they handle big games like these without issue??

Excuse my ignorance and thanks in advance!!

@redd214 "Possible?" Yes. "Enjoyable?" Depends on your tolerance. The fastest ones are of course suitable for 8k video streaming, but that's still a steady read/write, not the very large and bursty data associated with large game files. Then again the base model has the eMMC which is theoretically the same as Switch/WiiU internal, and about the same as a fast microSD. So apparently they feel it's good enough.

It would be great if we could get an Xbox specific handheld so you could download a few games to take on the go with you. Xcloud and remote play are great but it’s never going to be fully reliable when you have to rely on wi fi and mobile date coverage. Maybe this is the closest we will get.

@NEStalgia People that defend the portability of Switch and that buy third-party content on Switch that runs at 400p 25fps might be tempted. Add those that already have a Steam library, a day one purchase, probably. Then the huge homebrew community that is into Nintendo games and handhelds. The people that hacked SNES Mini to add Donkey Kong Country 2 and 3 and Super Mario All-Stars, that hacked the 3DS and Switch in spite of the hurdles just because they are handheld consoles. Then those attracted by Xbox games on a portable console/PC (probably on Windows or middleware) and Game Pass Cloud on the browser. The official and unofficial possibilities are endless. If it doesn't succeed I'd be surprised.

The battery should be easy to replace but we'll see.

@BlueOcean Yeah, if I were still a heavy PC gamer with a Steam library I'd be all over this thing as a dream come true. And like you said, everyone that tries third party on Switch because it's the only realistic option, now has a far, far better option. It's pricey, but cheaper than bespoke gaming PC vendors, and pretty slick overall.

Nice box. I kinda wish I could justify one, but I know it would never get real use and would end up a glorified Xbox streaming client. Building a Steam library from 0 would suck, and I already have so many games in my library on PSXB (and switch) that I hovered over the preorder buttons for hours, then opted not to do it.

Kinda wish I had, I instead found the Walmart link for Switch OLED, tried my hand at that and, you can see my results on the NL threads.....it was an unmitigated disaster that will haunt me for the next week and a half until all the auth charges roll off my account. UGH!

I suspect Windows on it will be a little clunky and if you don't enjoy the tinkering aspect, not fun (thats' why I got out of PC and got XB to begin with), but very cool if you do. I think if you are one of the majority that can't use cloud (or local) streamed games reliably it might be a dream come true. If you can play streamed games reliably.... it's a little bit of a harder sell, especially if you have an XSX/PS5 sitting locally that should outpace it easily.

Someday after launch maybe I'll cave though.

@NEStalgia Series X (and Xbox One X before it) is the console that has satisfied me the most in my gaming life and, realistically, I don't need anything else although I'll always keep Wii U, New 3DS and SNES Classic near. Wii U was the last "real" console from Nintendo and although I have a Switch, it's a Wii U 1.1. First-party content from Nintendo is either a rehash or has dropped in quality. I can't compare it to what they did on SNES, N64, GameCube, 3DS and even Wii and Wii U. I also dislike their new policies: more expensive software (since Breath of the Wild), no backwards compatibility, paid yet weak online and cloud saves and no cross-buy (Wii U and 3DS have partial cross-buy between them and with Wii), low-quality and expensive hardware and accessories, bad customer service, illegal (in UK & EU) digital rights that they had to change a little bit... Sony share lots of these traits with Nintendo (I also have a PS4).

I don't need a Steam Deck but I think it's a lovely machine, especially for those that like handheld consoles (handheld PC), homebrew or have a Steam library. I might get one but not early. I can't believe you pre-ordered the Switch OLED, you really need to level up your spirit stat to resist Nintendo's spells 😂 and since you already have a Switch, your money would be better spent on Steam Deck.

@BlueOcean Yeah, agreed. Switch is the wiiu mid gen refresh, absolutely. And yeah the quality of their content has been depressing. Acnh is a low, imo, but everyone loves it for reasons I can't fathom. Third parties shine.. Capcom really has been great, though that's on pc, as are falcom games. And ps.

Wholly agreed on Sony becoming more and more Nintendo like. It's why I've always said I want Xbox to fail. Success looks like those two. Failure looks like this

Well, thanks to the Walmart debacle I didn't order an oled or a steam deck. I'm PROBABLY going to upgrade my Surface Pro and go all xcloud/Now . I've wanted a switch with a screen that didn't suck since 2017. Steam deck would be too costly to run given the library gap I'd start with. Cloud it is! If surface does ok.

With bt headphones OR wired. The anti Samsung/Nintendo. And it's a better pc than steam deck

@NEStalgia Yeah, I'm tired of Nintendo and Sony but of course Nintendo will always be part of my life even if it's by playing old games. I am happier with my modded SNES Classic than with my Switch.

Since I got a Surface Laptop 4 (the second-best Intel model, I was saving money for months) I understand why you appreciate Surface that much. It's not a gaming laptop but it's incredibly powerful, quiet, cool, compact and fast. The keyboard and the screen are awesome and I'm using the touch screen sometimes for browsing. This laptop is great for typing, browsing, middle-tier gaming, emulators and Xbox Cloud and I got the Surface Earbuds for free that are awesome.

@BlueOcean lol, were all trapped in an abusive marriage with Nintendo!

Yeah the surface line is so well designed. There's always those little imperfections, but it's otherwise so good. OG surface book was so cool with the detachable GPU. I'm not sure they do that anymore. The way I use laptops the Pro is perfect as the sort of tablet sort of computer. Nothing else quite like it (Nintendo just copied the stand ) it's not my work one, I need a big heavy desktop replacement or desktop for that unfortunately.

@carlos82 That’s true but a Native App means a less fiddling but yeah it’s nice to see something like this with so many options for games.

@NEStalgia What I am wondering now after looking at all this new hardware (Switch OLED and Steam Deck) is when will Microsoft announce the Elite Controller Series 3... With the new Series D-pad that is great, the share button (not that we care much) and hopefully batteries compartment. My Elite Controller Series 1 is the best controller I've hold in my hands but the sticks rubber is disintegrating and the grips are unglued.

@BlueOcean haha, yeah, or sounds like v3 will include some dual sense features. Unfortunately that guarantees a sealed battery. And they have never really figured sticks out. I liked the v1. I still love the new stock controllers more I think. A v3 elite in their shape would be great, but the batteries, ongoing build cheapness, high price are a turn off. It's almost....... Nintendo-like!

@BulkSlash all of them are compatible as its a new OS that has a Windows compatibility layer

@redd214 essentially it'll be like playing them from a good old style hard drive and perfectly serviceable for most games

@mousieone I'd be very surprised if it doesn't find it's way on natively as they've been pretty up front about you being able to get your games from other stores and even wiping their OS.

@The_New_Butler valve have designed a program called proton. It is designed to make windows games work natively on Linux. So anything on Steam should work in steam OS and on Steam deck. The only games that it struggles with is games with anti cheat software like Apex, fortnite etc but Valve have said they are working directly with these companies to sort before release.

@NEStalgia True although it doesn't seem to be deliberated like Nintendo's cheapness 😂.

@Xiovanni I would love a clamshell Switch (lite or regular), myself.

@BlueOcean the incompetence excuse only works for Sega.

@carlos82 that was my thought. GP actually has revenue that could be shared as well, as opposed to a store front l And MS wants GP everywhere.

@notleks_ Looks like you thought wrong.