With the Steam Deck, Valve has introduced a gaming PC in handheld format. The device officially launched on February 25, 2022. MeinMMO summarizes the key thoughts and experiences of the testers for you.
What is the Steam Deck? In the summer of 2021, Valve introduced a handheld console, which reminded many users of a Nintendo Switch Pro. The handheld is supposed to offer you all the functions of a gaming PC while not requiring you to make the usual compromises, like with the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Instead, you should be able to install whatever you want on the device.
Update, February 25, 2022: After the first YouTubers, the first major magazines have also been able to test the Steam Deck. We summarize the reviews for you in our article and explain what the testers think about the Steam Deck.
Are there already tests or reviews? On February 25, the Steam Deck officially launched and the first tests are now online. In our article, you will find the first tests discussed and summarized.
We will continue to update the article with more tests and information in the future. Everything important about the release of the Steam Deck and whether the device is worth it for you can also be read on MeinMMO.
What the first testers say about the Steam Deck
Our colleagues from GameStar write in their test of the Steam Deck that Valve has created a unique device. Because no one has been able to deliver such a “handheld experience for PC games” before. Especially for certain games like racing games or third-person games, the Steam Deck is well suited. However, for other games, such as strategy games or first-person shooters, the device reaches its limits. The noticeably loud fan under load is also disturbing without headphones.
The colleagues from GamePro find in their test of the Steam Deck a similar conclusion. Chris Werian writes that the hardware leaves little to be desired, and the flexibility is also a big plus. However, this openness also has the disadvantage of potentially deterring casual gamers. Valve still needs to improve on the software side. Users who have little desire for initiative or graphics options would be better off with the Switch.
The testers from TheVerge also state in their test of the Steam Deck that you get really powerful hardware with the device. As a gamer, you get a huge range of settings options and can almost return to a game like on the Xbox with “Quick Resume”. The testers at TheVerge also criticize the software and explain that many popular games do not currently work. The performance of the battery also leaves something to be desired at high settings.
The testers from Polygon also point out in their review of the Steam Deck that the Steam Deck is only conditionally suitable for beginners in PC gaming. For casual and occasional gamers, the Nintendo Switch is still the better entry point. However, the performance of the Steam Deck is definitely impressive. You can comfortably play new games like Elden Ring or Dying Light 2 on medium settings on the small device.
What three YouTubers say in their reviews of the Steam Deck
What Linus Tech Tips says: Linus from Linus Tech Tips tests the Steam Deck from Valve in a YouTube video. In his video, he explains what he likes about the device and where the issues are:
- The device feels very good in hand, and all buttons and controls are easily reachable.
- The temperatures are comfortable even during longer gaming sessions. The noise level is also acceptable, and the device doesn’t whine like a PS4 under full load.
- The performance is significantly better in comparison to handheld alternatives. Only in the game Dead Cells does the Steam Deck lag behind the competition. Here, Linus believes it is purely an optimization issue.
- The battery life is also fine and lasts 3.5 hours while playing Ghostrunner at medium quality.
- However, the absolute highlight, according to Linus, is the built-in display, as the Steam Deck easily outperforms the competition here. The colors are richer, and the dimming is excellent.
- Some questions like compatibility with certain games or purchasable accessories remain unanswered.
You can watch the entire video and Linus’s impressions in the English video:
What Gamers Nexus says: Gamers Nexus was also allowed to test the Steam Deck. Steve Burke from Gamers Nexus explains in the channel’s video what he tried with the device.
- The Steam Deck offers a mature hardware design with very good thermal performance. This means that the temperatures remain at a comfortable range even under load.
- Under load, the device is audible, but the noise level is not disturbing.
- The Steam Deck reaches an average of 36.4 FPS in the shooter “Control” at medium settings. The game remains playable according to Gamers Nexus, and the device’s response in fast games is acceptable.
Gamers Nexus also explains that the software of the Steam Deck is still very much in development. Whether the Steam Deck is truly worth the money depends on the software as well.
The video from Gamers Nexus is also embedded here for you:
What The Phawx says: “The Phawx” was also able to test the Steam Deck. In his video, he shows how the Steam Deck performs in some games and also discusses temperatures and other specifics:
- The Steam Deck only gets warm at the center under the display, reaching temperatures of around 45 degrees. The sides and grips stay cool, allowing you to hold the device comfortably.
- Compared to Nvidia’s laptop graphics card MX450, the Steam Deck is superior in most cases. Overall, the device not only provides better performance than the notebook chip but also offers a better overall package.
- The SSD of the Steam Deck is significantly faster than a built-in Micro-SD card; loading times from the SSD are on average twice as fast.
You can also watch the entire video from The Phawx embedded here for you:
These are the first impressions of the Steam Deck
The concern that the Steam Deck is too heavy does not materialize. While the Steam Deck is large, the tester from TomsHardware explains that it still feels good in the hands (via tomshardware.com). The difference between the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch is noticeable, but it does not interfere with gaming.
There is also praise for cooperative gameplay. GamesRadar explains that playing a coop game like “The Ascent” across multiple devices is also easily possible with the Steam Deck (via gamesradar.com). Plus, you don’t feel that one user is gaming on a PC and the other on the Steam Deck. There is no noticeable delay in the game flow.
The Steam Deck does not offer the performance of an Xbox Series X or PS5, but all tested games run smoothly at medium settings without feeling unpleasant (via theverge.com). Testers played titles such as The Witcher 3 or Doom, both of which are considered demanding games.
The tech channel “Linus Tech Tips” was also able to try out the Steam Deck. His first impression is very positive. He praises the design and the good feel of the buttons and thumbsticks. He also finds the resolution to be appropriate for the handheld.
First experiences with the Steam Deck are positive – battery and performance remain a big question mark
Overall, the initial insights are very positive, almost enthusiastic. Testers like many aspects of the new handheld:
- The device is well-built.
- The Steam Deck feels nice in hand despite its size.
- The speakers deliver “solid” sound.
- Seamless gameplay between Steam Deck and PC.
- The Steam Deck already provides the feeling of a gaming PC in handheld format at this time.
But there are still some questions:
- How durable is the built-in battery of the Steam Deck? Valve stated it to be 2 – 8 hours.
- How much performance does the Steam Deck ultimately offer?
- Will games that rely on complicated copy protection mechanisms also work?
These are all open questions that the testers could not assess or explain during their brief playtime. We still have to wait for solid benchmarks or extensive battery tests.
So far, benchmarks for the Steam Deck are still missing
What information is still missing? At the current time (as of November 16, 2021), there are no full tests providing concrete benchmarks for the games. If you are waiting for benchmarks that show how many FPS you can play your games on the Steam Deck, you will still have to wait.
Meanwhile, there are at least unofficial benchmarks that can give some insight into the performance of the Steam Deck. MeinMMO has summarized the key information for you.
How much performance does the Steam Deck offer? Initial benchmarks show the performance
