Steam Deck: Everything You Need to Know About the Handheld Gaming Device

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device that allows you to play your Steam games on the go. It was developed by Valve, the company behind Steam, and it was announced in July 2021. The Steam Deck has a 7-inch touchscreen, dual analog sticks, trackpads, gyro sensors, and built-in speakers. It also has a microSD slot for additional storage and a USB-C port for charging and connecting to external displays.

The Steam Deck runs on a custom version of SteamOS, which is based on Linux1. You can access your entire Steam library, as well as other apps and services, on the device1. You can also install Windows or other operating systems on the Steam Deck, if you prefer4. The Steam Deck is designed to be versatile and user-customizable.

The Steam Deck comes in three models, with different storage capacities and features:

• 64GB eMMC internal storage ($399)

• 256GB NVMe SSD internal storage ($529)

• 512GB NVMe SSD internal storage ($649)

The 256GB and 512GB models also include an exclusive Steam Community profile bundle, and the 512GB model has a premium anti-glare etched glass screen.

The Steam Deck is expected to start shipping in December 2021, but you can reserve your spot in the queue now by paying a $5 deposit. You can do that by visiting the official website here or the Steam store page here.

State Of Steam Deck

The current state of Steam Deck is that it is a handheld gaming device that has been released by Valve in February 2022, but it is not widely available yet. The demand for the device is high, but the supply is limited due to various factors, such as the global chip shortage and the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Valve has implemented a reservation system that allows people to queue up for a chance to order the device, but the estimated delivery dates are different depending on the region and the model.

The Steam Deck is popular among PC gamers who want to play their Steam games on the go, as well as those who are interested in a versatile and user-customizable device. According to a survey conducted by Overkill, a website dedicated to Steam Deck news and reviews, over 1200 people participated and 94% of them have purchased or preordered a Steam Deck. The survey also revealed that the most played games on the Steam Deck in December 2022 were Elden Ring, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Cyberpunk 2077, Halo Infinite, and Half-Life: Alyx. Additionally, Valve revealed that the Steam Deck supported over 7000 games as of January 2023, ranging from AAA titles to indie gems.

If you want to buy a Steam Deck, you can visit the official website here or the Steam store page here and make a reservation for $5. However, you may have to wait for several months before you can place your order and receive your device. Alternatively, you can try to find a Steam Deck from other sources, such as online marketplaces or resellers, but you may have to pay a higher price or deal with potential scams.

Popular Steam Deck Games

Here are some of the popular games available for Steam Deck, ranked by their playtime in December 2022 and February 2023:

Vampire Survivors

This is a top-down roguelite shooter game where you have to survive waves of zombies and vampires in a post-apocalyptic world. You can upgrade your weapons, skills, and abilities as you progress, and unlock new characters and modes. The game has a simple but addictive gameplay, and supports local co-op and online multiplayer.

Elden Ring

This is an open-world action RPG game from the creators of Dark Souls and Sekiro. You can explore a vast and dynamic world full of secrets, enemies, and bosses, and customize your character with various weapons, spells, and skills. The game has a rich lore and story, and supports online co-op and PvP.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

This is an epic fantasy adventure game where you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who is searching for his missing adopted daughter. You can travel across a huge and immersive world full of quests, characters, and choices, and engage in combat with swords, magic, and alchemy. The game has a stunning graphics and sound, and includes all the DLCs.

Hades

This is a roguelike action game where you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades who is trying to escape from the underworld. You can fight your way through randomly generated rooms full of enemies and traps, and collect various boons from the gods of Olympus that enhance your abilities. The game has a fast-paced and rewarding gameplay, and a witty and charming narrative.

Persona 5 Royal

This is an enhanced version of the acclaimed JRPG game where you play as a high school student who leads a double life as a phantom thief. You can explore Tokyo by day, and infiltrate the distorted realms of corrupted people by night. You can also form bonds with your friends and allies, and summon powerful personas to fight with you. The game has a stylish art and music, and a captivating story.

Red Dead Redemption 2

This is a western-themed action-adventure game where you play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw who is part of a gang that is on the run from the law. You can experience a realistic and detailed world full of activities, animals, and events, and interact with various characters and factions. You can also engage in gunfights, horse riding, hunting, fishing, and more. The game has a stunning graphics and sound, and an emotional story.

Stardew Valley

This is a farming simulation game where you inherit a farm from your grandfather and start a new life in a rural town. You can grow crops, raise animals, mine ores, craft items, fish, cook, and more. You can also befriend or romance the local villagers, and participate in festivals and events. The game has a relaxing and charming gameplay, and supports online co-op.

Hogwarts Legacy

This is an upcoming Harry Potter RPG game where you create your own witch or wizard character who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the late 1800s. You can explore the magical world full of mysteries, dangers, and secrets, and learn various spells, potions, and skills. You can also choose your house allegiance, make friends or enemies, and shape your own legacy.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device that lets you play your Steam games on the go. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, dual analog sticks, trackpads, gyro sensors, and built-in speakers. It runs on a custom version of SteamOS, which is based on Linux, and supports over 7000 games as of January 2023. You can also install Windows or other operating systems on the device, if you prefer.

The Steam Deck comes in three models, with different storage capacities and features. The 64GB model costs $399, the 256GB model costs $529, and the 512GB model costs $649. The 256GB and 512GB models also include an exclusive Steam Community profile bundle, and the 512GB model has a premium anti-glare etched glass screen.

The Steam Deck is popular among PC gamers who want to play their Steam games on the go, as well as those who are interested in a versatile and user-customizable device. Some of the most played games on the Steam Deck in December 2022 were Vampire Survivors, Elden Ring, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hades, Persona 5 Royal, Red Dead Redemption 2, Stardew Valley, and Hogwarts Legacy.

It promises to revolutionize the way we play PC games. It offers portability, versatility, and user-customization. It is also compatible with thousands of games from various genres and platforms. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore fan, the Steam Deck has something for you.

What do you think of the Steam Deck? Are you planning to buy one? What games are you looking forward to playing on it?