We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Well today is the big day. Valve has now formally revealed the Steam Deck, a portable handheld gaming console powered by a new version of their Linux-based SteamOS operating system.

"We think Steam Deck gives people another way to play the games they love on a high-performance device at a great price," says Valve founder Gabe Newell. "As a gamer, this is a product I've always wanted. And as a game developer, it's the mobile device I've always wanted for our partners."

Since it's based on Linux, we now know a big reason why Valve has been investing in Linux gaming with the likes of Steam Play Proton. It will play your Linux native titles, with support boosted by Proton. Not only that, Valve said "we're vastly improving Proton's game compatibility and support for anti-cheat solutions by working directly with the vendors". This is pretty amazing, as anti-cheat was the big missing piece. In their FAQ, they make it clear that they are working directly with BattlEye and EAC to get support for Proton.

Anti-cheat support is coming too! That's huge!

The new SteamOS has been optimized for handheld and touchscreen gaming, while it will also have a desktop mode for those who want it. SteamOS 3.0 is also being based upon Arch Linux, with the desktop mode being powered by KDE Plasma.

We also know why Valve has been heavily investing in AMD GPU drivers for Linux too now then. It's a custom APU they partnered with AMD on for Zen 2 + RDNA 2.

Quick specs:

  • Powerful, custom APU developed with AMD
  • Optimized for hand-held gaming
  • Full-sized controls
  • 7" touchscreen
  • WiFi and Bluetooth ready
  • USB-C port for accessories
  • microSD slot for storage expansion
  • 3 different storage options available

The Steam Deck will also have a dock, much like you see with the Nintendo Switch with more ports to play with like USB, wired networking and enabling external displays. More tech info can be seen here.

It's an open system too, since it's basically a PC in your hands. Valve said "you can install third party software and operating systems".

Valve also did a session with IGN where they answered some questions. IGN also has hands-on video to give a better look at the device.

Steam Deck starts at $399, with increased storage options available for $529 and $649. The two higher models have bigger storage space, plus the two higher models actually use an NVMe drive for faster loading time and the top end has an anti-glare screen too.

Reservations open July 16th at 10 AM PDT; shipping is slated to start in December 2021. Currently it's limited to United States, Canada, European Union, and the United Kingdom with more regions becoming available in 2022.

For developers, Valve put up a video overview:

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

See more on the Steam Deck website and the Steam Deck store page.

Is this the holy grail of Linux gaming? Could be.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
96 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
218 comments
Page: «4/22»
  Go to:

kuhpunkt Jul 15, 2021
Quoting: Mohandevir
Quoting: kuhpunkt
Quoting: MohandevirWill we be able to download SteamOS 3.0 somewhere?

Why wouldn't they make this public?

I dont't know, seriously. But since it seems specialized for the Steam Deck hardware... Will it support Nvidia drivers? Are we going to be left on our own to make it compatible with our hardware? SteamOS included quite everything any new PC of that time needed. What is it going to be like for the "other hardware" support?

Don't get me wrong... I'm just asking. I really hope it will be the same as previous SteamOS versions.

I mean, they are also directly working with nvidia to make DLSS compatible with Proton and all that stuff.

They also said that they hope that other vendors will join the market and produce their own handheld PCs and I'm sure that some of them would want to use nvidia instead of AMD.


Last edited by kuhpunkt on 15 July 2021 at 6:44 pm UTC
Raaben Jul 15, 2021
Quoting: kuhpunkt
Quoting: RaabenProton generally works well, but they must have some big updates (other than that anticheat news) and faith to be marketing it as taking your entire library on the go. I know I can put up with some minor work or glitches when using it but the general public who just want handheld Steam? And the games that still flat out don't work? Will be interesting to see what happens.

Really hoping this works out for the best as it could be a nice win for compatibility.

They said they are working directly with Anti-Cheat devs to make everything work with Proton and that they have a lot of stuff that's not in the Public Proton yet.

Yes, that's what I meant. It's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next few months now.
CatKiller Jul 15, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
I've just had a horrible thought: am I going to be compelled to say, "I use Arch, btw," everywhere I go?
Arehandoro Jul 15, 2021
Pre-COVID, travelling was easy. eReader, laptop and the Switch. Now, I will need extra space for the Deck :( This hits right in my spot, and will be pre-ordering tomorrow.
wvstolzing Jul 15, 2021
Quoting: CatKillerI've just had a horrible thought: am I going to be compelled to say, "I use Arch, btw," everywhere I go?

You might have to start saying, "I use Arch, on the way."
1xok Jul 15, 2021
The first handheld x86 device from a big player.
Ehvis Jul 15, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
I would have liked a 1080p screen, but I suppose that would require more GPU power and battery content as well, so maybe a good compromise.

And with a full os included, it's hard to pass up.
BielFPs Jul 15, 2021
QuoteSteamOS 3.0 is also being based upon Arch Linux
So my vision was correct after all

About the situation with anticheat, since It's a kernel problem I think Valve will either use some custom kernel with SteamOS 3.0 and / or they'll have some kind of "hardware id" where EAC / Battlenet can consult (and possibly block) if it's detected the utilization of any cheater software.
Mohandevir Jul 15, 2021
Quoting: kuhpunkt
Quoting: Mohandevir
Quoting: kuhpunkt
Quoting: MohandevirWill we be able to download SteamOS 3.0 somewhere?

Why wouldn't they make this public?

I dont't know, seriously. But since it seems specialized for the Steam Deck hardware... Will it support Nvidia drivers? Are we going to be left on our own to make it compatible with our hardware? SteamOS included quite everything any new PC of that time needed. What is it going to be like for the "other hardware" support?

Don't get me wrong... I'm just asking. I really hope it will be the same as previous SteamOS versions.

I mean, they are also directly working with nvidia to make DLSS compatible with DLSS and all that stuff.

They also said that they hope that other vendors will join the market and produce their own handheld PCs and I'm sure that some of them would want to use nvidia instead of AMD.

Probably, but it could become a model where every hardware vendor will support it's own hardware and where DIY are left on their own. I mean, where there is no "centralized initiative"... Maybe ChimeraOS will have a say to cover that gap?

I'm probably just overthinking it. Just wondering what the SteamOS landscape may look like and what to expect... Probably, nothing really worrying, in fact.


Last edited by Mohandevir on 15 July 2021 at 6:50 pm UTC
RickAndTired Jul 15, 2021
https://youtu.be/5Q_C5KVJbUw?t=110

"Our goal is for every game to work by the time we ship Steam Deck"

Sounds crazy, hope it happens
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.