The best handheld console ever created is probably Valve’s Steam Deck, which retails for $399. Although it isn’t flawless, it outperforms devices like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita in terms of technology. It’s almost magical how such a tiny computer can run Steam games. A technological marvel has been made by Valve.
While most Nintendo Switch games performed well at first, consumers’ expectations have changed since the console’s launch in 2017. Players desire and, quite honestly, expect a certain degree of performance from newer games in a world after Xbox Series X|S and PS5. Nintendo‘s once-ambitious hybrid platform simply lacks the technology necessary to run many modern titles at 60 frames per second. This explains why there are so many discussions and rumours about a rumoured Nintendo Switch Pro model.
According to the specs, the Steam Deck has a powerful chipset with an AMD Zen 2 CPU clocked at 2.4–3.5GHz, 8 RDNA 2 CUs capable of up to 1.6 Teraflops, and 16GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory. For the average player, these specifications translate into generally good performance across a variety of gaming genres. We tested close to 30 titles and were continuously astonished by the visual fidelity and performance that this portable gaming device was capable of.
STEAM DECK SPECS
- Release Date: Feb 22, 2022
- Price: $399 (starting), $529 (reviewed)
- Chipset: Custom AMD Zen 2 “Van Gogh” APU
- Storage: 64 GB (starting), 256 GB (reviewed)
- Operating system: Steam OS 3.0
- Display: 7-inch LCD touchscreen (reviewed)
- Max Resolution: 1280 x 800 (16:10)
- Max Framerate: 60 fps
- Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 3.5 mm audio jack, 1 microSD card reader
- Size: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches
- Weight: 1.47 pounds
- Battery Life: 3 hours 51 mins (as tested)
You can’t go wrong with getting a Steam Deck if you’re a Steam user who wants to take your games on the go or if you want a more powerful handheld than the Nintendo Switch. It takes a while to receive one, but the wait is well worth it.
