Valve has introduced its own handheld console, the “Steam Deck”. With this, you can also play your Steam games on the go. MeinMMO has summarized all the important information for you.
Valve has introduced a “Steam Deck” handheld console. We at MeinMMO have summarized the most important information for you and present all known information about the Steam Deck in this article.
If there are new updates, we will supplement the article for you. You can also find all information about the new OLED model of the Steam Deck on MeinMMO.
Steam Deck Release – When is the console available?
When can you buy the Steam Deck? Since Friday, July 16, 2021, at 7 PM, you can pre-order the new handheld console. There are no longer any issues, and you can now order the Steam Deck without problems. You should expect a delivery time of 1 to 2 weeks.
You can pre-order the Steam Deck directly in the Steam store (via steampowered.com).
When is the Steam Deck release? According to Valve, the Steam Deck release is on February 25, 2022 (via steampowered.com). Since February 25, 2022, you can order the Steam Deck.
The new OLED model of the Steam Deck can be pre-ordered starting November 17, 2023. Again, we expect delivery times of 1 to 2 weeks.
We from MeinMMO have summarized all information regarding the release and for whom the console from Valve is worth it here for you:
Steam Deck Price – What will the console cost?
How much is the Steam Deck? With the introduction of the OLED model, there are some price adjustments that we will list here. The prices for the console start at 419 euros. With this, you can already get the model with 256 GB.
Whether there will be a “Trade-In” program for the Steam Deck can also be read on MeinMMO.
You should note that both LCD models, the version with 64 GB and with 512 GB, will no longer be produced and sold out. In the future, you will only be able to buy three different models, starting at 256 GB and 419 euros:
| Steam Deck LCD, 64 GB (Sold Out) | 369.00 euros |
| Steam Deck LCD, 256 GB | 419.00 euros |
| Steam Deck LCD, 512 GB (Sold Out) | 469.00 euros |
| Steam Deck OLED, 512 GB | 569.00 euros |
| Steam Deck OLED, 1 TB | 679.00 euros |
Regarding the price, Valve CEO Gabe Newell had already commented. And he believes that the price of the Steam Deck is “painful” for Valve itself.
Steam Deck Design – This is what the handheld console looks like
The console comes in a simple, black design. In its overall structure and format, the new console resembles a Nintendo Switch, which also relies on buttons on the right and left of the display.
Additionally, you get 2 thumbsticks, 4 triggers (2 bumpers and 2 analog), 4 grip buttons, and 2 track pads. There are also 8 additional buttons (ABXY/View/Options/Steam/Quick Access), a D-pad, and buttons for power and volume. The buttons are arranged around the display.
What does the Steam Deck look like? You can find the first pictures of the console here in our image gallery.
Steam Deck Specs – What is inside the handheld console
What hardware is in the console? The new handheld console features an AMD processor with a graphics chip. The fast combo processor powers a 7-inch display with a maximum resolution of 1200×800 pixels and a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz.
The OLED version comes with a 7.4-inch OLED display and a maximum refresh rate of 90 Hz. The maximum resolution of 1200×800 pixels remains unchanged.
Can I expand the memory? Yes, you can expand all models of the Steam Deck with a memory card. All models offer you an expansion slot. Valve is discontinuing the model with 64 GB, so after it sells out, you will only be able to acquire a Steam Deck with at least 256 GB.
If you have an extensive gaming library on Steam and want to play many games, you should consider whether you want to go for the larger memory right away.
How much does the Steam Deck weigh? Valve’s handheld console weighs 669 grams and is more than twice as heavy as the Nintendo Switch, which weighs about 300 grams.
What do the specs look like in detail? Valve relies on AMD hardware for its handheld console. Here we present the specs in a clear table format.
| Steam Deck | Steam Deck OLED | |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3.0 (based on Arch Linux) | SteamOS 3.0 (based on Arch Linux) |
| Display | 7-inch display, 1200×800 pixels, 60 Hz refresh rate LCD display | 7.4-inch display, 1200×800 pixels, 90 Hz refresh rate OLED display |
| Brightness | 400 nits | |
| Processor | AMD APU, Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz | AMD APU, Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz |
| Graphics Chip | 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz | 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB eMMC / 256 GB SSD / 512 GB SSD | 512 GB NVMe-SSD 1 TB NVMe-SSD |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSD slot | MicroSD slot |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| WiFi | WiFi 5; Dual-band WiFi, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | WiFi 6E |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm stereo headphone jack | 3.5mm stereo headphone jack |
| Battery | 40 Whr battery, 2 – 8 hours of playtime | 50 Whr battery, 3 – 12 hours of playtime |
| Size | 298 mm x 117 mm x 49 mm | 298 mm x 117 mm x 49 mm |
| Weight | ~669 grams | ~669 grams |
What versions are there? As of now (as of November 2023), Valve offers 5 different models of the Steam Deck: Three LCD models and two OLED models. However, two LCD models, the model with 64 GB and with 512 GB, are to be discontinued. In the future, you will have three different models to choose from.
- The first version is the model with 256 GB internal storage (NVMe-SSD), which uses an LCD screen. The price is 419.00 euros
- The second model comes with 512 GB internal storage (NVMe-SSD) and features an OLED display. The price is 569.00 euros.
- The third version comes with 1 TB internal storage (NVMe-SSD) and also offers an OLED display. It also includes exclusive start animations and a virtual keyboard with exclusive design. The price is 679.00 euros.
When you compare this with the old prices, you will get significantly more for your money in the future. Because now you get 1 TB of storage for nearly 700 euros, previously you only got 512 GB and an LCD screen for that amount.
Steam Deck – What accessories are available?
This is known so far: Valve has already stated in its official post that there will also be a docking station for the Steam Deck.
The docking station is now available on Steam and costs 99.99 euros. With the device, you can connect your Steam Deck to a TV or gaming monitor.
Steam Deck Gameplay – Which games run on the device?
How well will the games perform? Since the console offers a resolution of 720p, most games should run smoothly on the console. Even demanding games that require fast hardware should not be an issue.
The console relies on the operating system SteamOS, which is based on “Arch Linux”. To play games, SteamOS uses “Proton”. “Proton” is a compatibility layer that allows Windows programs to run on Linux.
The only limitation is that the games must also work with Proton, as they rely on it in SteamOS.
From our own experience, we can report that SteamOS and Proton have become so refined that many third-party shops and programs can be easily installed on the Steam Deck. However, this can sometimes require patience and a bit of finesse to set the right settings.
Are there already benchmarks? So far, there are no official performance tests from the Steam Deck. We have to be patient here. Instead, there are already unofficial benchmarks for the Steam Deck that show how much performance the device could deliver.
Is there already gameplay? You can watch gameplay on IGN, where the console has already been tested. The video is embedded here for you:
Steam Deck Battery – How long can we play at a stretch?
Inside the Steam Deck is a 40-watt-hour battery. According to Valve, the battery should last 2 to 8 hours. The new Steam Deck OLED features a 50-watt-hour battery. Here, the battery should last a bit longer, 3 to 12 hours.
How long you can ultimately play depends on which game you want to play on the go. If you want to play very demanding titles, the battery life may decrease accordingly. MeinMMO tested Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Steam Deck, and here it was already over after 90 minutes of playtime.
What else is happening in the hardware market? Many users are still waiting for Nintendo to finally announce a Switch Pro, but that seems unlikely for now.
Because Nintendo has now introduced the Nintendo Switch OLED, giving the Nintendo Switch some detail upgrades like the name-giving OLED and an improved docking station.
What do you think of the Steam Deck? Do you like the introduced console or do you think the console has no chance in the market?
