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:
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.
But the move to Arch makes sense to me, and seeing them officially announcing working with anti cheat vendors is good to know, that could make ashes of creation work at some point in time for me (their alpha/beta access is too expensive for me anyway).
Also, this the best looking (IMO) handheld I ever seen. And it has two joysticks, two touch-pads and a classic dpad, nothing is left out.
Last edited by dubigrasu on 15 July 2021 at 10:13 pm UTC
Quoting: AppelsinQuoteCurrently it's limited to United States, Canada, European Union, and the United Kingdom with more regions becoming available in 2022.
Nothing for Norway then (or Switzerland, or Iceland or Luxemburg)? Or is this just a ploy to make us join the EU?
Nah it's a conspiracy to dismantle 7th of June 1905 and bring you guys back in the caring arms of Mother Svea
This could be really, really big.
Quoting: dubigrasuWait, I see underneath paddles, 4 of them. Wasn't a big lawsuit about this?
Well the design of this was probably done before they got hit with that patent lawsuit. On the other hand perhaps they think that this new design isn't violating the patent or they have managed to license the patent (unlikely).
Quoting: KohlyKohlI'm concerned about the size. It looks to be about 150% larger than the Switch and that was already a bit uncomfortable (It often ends up resting on me).
I'm also concerned about the switch to Arch. I would have preferred a more stable distribution such as Ubuntu.
Still, at the price point + specs for the base model, it will be hard to talk myself out of purchasing this.
Seams to be slightly larger than the Wii U gamepad and that one was quite comfortable for me at least.
Easy Anti cheat is now free for all developers, no matter the engine:
https://youtu.be/X_7fdMpRDEQ
That said i just await the myriad of youtube thumbnails, holding a steam deck at an angle with gawping expression "HOW TO INSTALL WINDOWS ON THE STEAM DECK!11!1!! AMAZING PERFORMANCE ALL YOUR GAMES NOW WORK..".
So i don't see it being quite the 'holy grail' of Linux gaming just yet, there is still an ideological uphill battle to fight.
Last edited by Lofty on 16 July 2021 at 4:12 pm UTC
Great to see it running Linux on custom AMD hardware.
Great to see twin sticks and twin touchpads.
Great to see a pledge from Valve on the subject of anticheat. Very excited by this!
Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised that third party app support like Netflix, Prime and Spotify hasn't been mentioned?
But overall, I'm super-excited. Reckon I'll stick myself in the pre-order queue. For £4, I can always change my mind when my delivery date comes through and they ask for payment. Although... I doubt I will change my mind. This whole thing just looks pretty damn epic.
Quoting: SolitaryQuoting: KohlyKohlQuoting: Purple Library GuyQuoting: KohlyKohlI'm also concerned about the switch to Arch. I would have preferred a more stable distribution such as Ubuntu.It's not like you're going to be installing a stack of AUR stuff. Someone's carefully set up bare-bones Arch is probably very stable.
Arch is inherently less stable by design. Adding in the AUR just makes it more unstable. Arch has its place I just don't think a consumer device is one of them.
Just because it's based on Arch doesn't mean it needs to have Arch issues. The updates are still tested and controlled by Valve. It is SteamOS, not Arch.
Absolutely agree. I run Arch on my desktop and some various home servers. My desktop is the messiest with AUR stuff wedged and lots of random bits I tinker with, and even that hasn't had any issues in a long time. The issues I have had were ones I caused. My servers are kept lean and focused, and I have never had an issue with them. Even when I slack off and realise I haven't updated packages in months, it all just works as it's as minimal as possible.
On the contrary, I recently switched to Ubuntu to give it a go again, expecting it to be something that would just work and have a decent default experience. Sure, it installed easily and had a flashy GUI, and I didn't have to manually do everything as I do when installing Arch, however I have had more issues with Ubuntu in a few weeks than I had on Arch in the last two years. Stuff that just worked in Arch due to up to date packages and a huge central repo has involved forum scouring for fixes, random private repos added, and a host of other issues. Give me Arch anyday.
Quoting: scaineGreat to see actual hardware, instead of a loose spec.
Great to see it running Linux on custom AMD hardware.
Great to see twin sticks and twin touchpads.
Great to see a pledge from Valve on the subject of anticheat. Very excited by this!
Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised that third party app support like Netflix, Prime and Spotify hasn't been mentioned?
But overall, I'm super-excited. Reckon I'll stick myself in the pre-order queue. For £4, I can always change my mind when my delivery date comes through and they ask for payment. Although... I doubt I will change my mind. This whole thing just looks pretty damn epic.
I think the third party apps built in would really cement this device, for those who just want them there ready to use. You can obviously just load up a browser and login or install services manually yourself, but a slicker ready to go option would be best for most people.
Patreon
PayPal
See more from me