The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device made by Valve, the company behind the Steam game store that many PC gamers already know and love. First released in 2022, the Steam Deck aims to do something a bit different from traditional consoles — it brings full PC gaming into a portable, handheld format. Think of it as a gaming PC you can hold in your hands.
So, What Exactly Is the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck isn’t a typical console like a PlayStation or Xbox. It’s actually a portable PC that runs SteamOS, a gaming-focused operating system based on Linux. This means you can jump straight into your Steam library, but you’re not locked into a single way of using the device.
You can play games on the built-in screen, hook it up to a TV or monitor, or even plug in a keyboard and mouse and use it like a small desktop computer. It’s designed to be flexible, whether you want to game on the sofa, on the go, or at a desk.
What’s Inside the Steam Deck?
For a handheld device, the Steam Deck packs in some impressive hardware.
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Processor and graphics: A custom AMD chip that’s built to balance performance and battery life, letting it run many modern PC games smoothly.
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Memory: 16 GB of RAM, which helps games load faster and run more reliably.
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Screen: A 7-inch touchscreen on the original models, with a larger and better-looking OLED display on newer versions.
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Controls: It has all the usual controller buttons, plus touchpads that are especially useful for PC games that normally expect a mouse.
Storage and Battery Life
The Steam Deck comes in different storage sizes, and you can easily add more space with a microSD card — great if you like keeping lots of games installed at once.
Battery life really depends on what you’re playing. Indie games and older titles can last several hours, while big, graphics-heavy games will drain the battery faster. The good news is that you can tweak settings to find a balance between performance and battery life that works for you.
Games and Compatibility
One of the Steam Deck’s biggest strengths is game support. Many Steam games work straight out of the box, and Valve clearly labels which games run best on the device. Even though it runs a different operating system than most PCs, clever software makes it possible to play a large number of Windows-based games without much trouble.
Because it’s basically a PC, you’re not limited to just Steam. If you’re comfortable tinkering, you can install other software, use different launchers, or customise the system to your liking.
What Do People Like About It?
Players often praise the Steam Deck for letting them play “proper” PC games wherever they are. Being able to pause a game on your PC and continue it later in handheld mode is a big plus for many users.
There’s also a strong community around the Steam Deck, with people sharing tips, performance tweaks, and custom control layouts. That community support has helped the device improve over time and stay relevant.
That said, it’s probably best suited to people who are at least somewhat familiar with PC gaming. While it’s easy to use for basic gaming, some features feel more PC-like than console-like.
Different Models and Value
Valve now offers multiple versions of the Steam Deck. Newer models with OLED screens look better, last longer on battery, and feel more polished overall. Older models are still around at lower prices, making the Steam Deck a solid value compared to many other handheld gaming PCs.
Thanks to its direct connection to Steam and fairly reasonable pricing, the Steam Deck has carved out a unique spot in the gaming world.
Final Thoughts
The Steam Deck is a great option if you like PC gaming but want more freedom in how and where you play. It’s powerful, flexible, and surprisingly versatile for a handheld device. While it may not be for everyone, especially casual console-only players, it’s a fantastic choice for gamers who enjoy having control over their setup.
In short, if the idea of taking your PC game library with you sounds appealing, the Steam Deck is definitely worth checking out.
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Gaming Console
Product information
€2,780.68
Product Review Score
4.39 out of 5 stars
226 reviews
