The Nintendo Switch (OLED model) wasn't the "Pro" upgrade many expected it to be with 4K support and new internals but before its announcement, other handhelds aimed to take the role of the "Switch Pro". The AYA NEO and GPD Win 3 are among those devices shooting for that nickname since they are able to run recent AAA PC games on the go, given that they are handheld gaming PCs. Their efforts and popularity, although niche, enticed companies like Lenovo and Tencent to make similar concepts or patents; indicating that these indie companies might have more serious competition in the future.

It seems like this will indeed be the case and these handheld gaming PC manufacturers will need to brace themselves as Valve is itself entering this market with a Valve-branded handheld gaming PC. This news was actually reported back in May and today we have the official confirmation. In a Steam post today, Valve revealed the Steam Deck, an AMD-based handheld gaming PC that is expected to begin shipping in December 2021 in select regions.

The software giant partnered with AMD to create a custom APU for the handheld that is said to be "optimized for handheld gaming". "It is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope," reads the announcement.

It will run on SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based) and there will be several models of the Steam Deck, which differ on the storage capacity, with the base model starting at $399. However, every model will include a microSD slot for additional storage capacity. For more details about the models available and their price, refer to the image below:

You can find additional specs details in the images below (click/tap to enlarge):

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And just like the AYA NEO and GPD Win 3, the Steam Deck will also have a dock which will be sold separately. This accessory will provide ports for external displays, wired networking, USB peripherals, and power. More details about the dock's pricing will be announced at a later date but you can find some specs details in the thumbnail below:

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Valve says that the Steam Deck will start shipping this December to the United States, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom, with more regions coming in 2022. However, to be able to purchase one, you will need to book a paid reservation which will let you pre-order when the time comes. This reservation fee will also count towards the Steam Deck purchase price.

"The main reason for reservations is to ensure an orderly and fair ordering process for customers when Steam Deck inventory becomes available," writes Valve in the announcement FAQ. "The additional fee gives us a clearer signal of intent to purchase, which gives us better data to balance supply chain, inventory, and regional distribution leading up to launch."

Reservations for the Steam Deck will open Friday July 16th, 10am PDT. For more details about the new handheld gaming PC, head to the source link and official Steam Deck website linked below.

Are you interested in getting one?

SOURCE
Steam Deck Official Website

 

[Xzi]

I think we're in store for a lot of these kinds of devices in the near future.

You're probably right, but I doubt many companies are going to be willing to take a loss on the hardware like Valve is doing.

I don't really mind that it can play PC games, but I feel there might be other issues that haven't been addressed thoroughly.

Such as? If the hardware is quality that's all that really matters, users can address any software problems on their own.

 

[krasaty]

I imagine that you'll be able to use Game Pass on this device, which really makes me think Nintendo should work something out with Microsoft already, put streaming Game Pass on the Switch and/or allow us to remote play our own Xbox with our own Switch.

You should be able to if you install windows 10 since it's just a PC. Otherwise, microsoft doesn't support gamepass on linux,

 

[LightyKD]

I really wanted one more USB port on the Steam Deck, A or C, I don't care just one more port would have been nice. Now I need to find a decent hub with card reader to sticky pad to my deck.

 

[Xzi]

I really wanted one more USB port on the Steam Deck, A or C, I don't care just one more port would have been nice. Now I need to find a decent hub with card reader to sticky pad to my deck.

I'm gonna wait to see how they price the official dock, and which third-party docks will actually fit it. Steam Deck is considerably thicker than Switch, after all.

 

[NyaakoXD]

Such as? If the hardware is quality that's all that really matters, users can address any software problems on their own.

It's just me being skeptical, that's all. I'll wait for more hands-on, in-depth reviews and whatnot.

 

[Kioku]

Even more options now that RetroArch is on Steam.

Don't even need to run it on Steam.

 

[Xzi]

Don't even need to run it on Steam.

You sure don't, but it'll be a very convenient option for people who want to stay within their ecosystem.

 

[GhostLatte]

Finally was able to put the $5 down

 

[Owenge]

You should be able to if you install windows 10 since it's just a PC. Otherwise, microsoft doesn't support gamepass on linux,

You can.

 

[DbGt]

Just preordered mine, 679 euros (801 USD!!) for the 512gb version.

I still have my doubts, don't know if I will buy it in the end. Hopefully we get much more information before having to pay for the device,

 

[mattyxarope]

I'm gonna wait to see how they price the official dock, and which third-party docks will actually fit it. Steam Deck is considerably thicker than Switch, after all.

The IGN interview said that you can use any standard usbc hub, and I bet that there will be 3rd party peripherals.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Just preordered mine, 679 euros (801 USD!!) for the 512gb version.

I still have my doubts, don't know if I will buy it in the end. Hopefully we get much more information before having to pay for the device,

Honestly I think that's too much for a glass screen (when there will be glass screen covers) and storage. I think the 64gb or 256gb make more sense, considering you can use an SD card.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

i might shell out after reviews

Considering the first units will be released this December and the rest are back ordered (some until Q2 2022), you're not really going to have a chance to buy one until Q3/4 2022

 

[Xzi]

The IGN interview said that you can use any standard usbc hub, and I bet that there will be 3rd party peripherals.

Yeah but with docking stands in specific, the gap between the front and back is only so wide. They're usually made for phones or Switch. Those that are made for tablets would probably have a better chance of fitting Steam Deck.

 

[mattyxarope]

Yeah but with docking stands in specific, the gap between the front and back is only so wide. They're usually made for phones or Switch. Those that are made for tablets would probably have a better chance of fitting Steam Deck.

True, but what I meant was that you can use even a USB-c dock "adapter" that's just a dongle.

 

[Something whatever]

Y'all over there crying about lack of storage. I been ready for years! This device is the culmination of a 6 year dream!

WHAT IS THIS?!!!!

 

[Xzi]

WHAT IS THIS?!!!!

SD cards that he installed games on individually and printed labels out for. Been a good while since I've seen a full-sized SD.

 

[Something whatever]

SD cards that he installed games on individually and printed labels out for. Been a good while since I've seen a full-sized SD.

I low-key want to know how to do this

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

I low-key want to know how to do this

I mean...you just setup a Steam Library on an SD card's drive letter, install games to different cards, and then you can just swap them and refresh Steam. I keep a Steam SSD that functions basically the same without having to have some folio of slow, flimsy SD cards that I'd have to swap. Can easily keep games on my gaming PC, gaming laptop, and GPD Win 3 without having to re-download or take up space on each device.

 

[mattyxarope]

I mean...you just setup a Steam Library on an SD card's drive letter, install games to different cards, and then you can just swap them and refresh Steam. I keep a Steam SSD that functions basically the same without having to have some folio of slow, flimsy SD cards that I'd have to swap. Can easily keep games on my gaming PC, gaming laptop, and GPD Win 3 without having to re-download or take up space on each device.

This is some big brain stuff, ngl

 

[Kioku]

Y'all over there crying about lack of storage. I been ready for years! This device is the culmination of a 6 year dream!

That's actually kinda cool.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

This is some big brain stuff, ngl

Nah that's nothing, the real big brain move is doing it over network so you don't even need an external drive. One thing I toyed with for a while was setting up my home server as a universal Steam library for all my PCs. You can setup SMB, map it as a network drive to any PC, and then install games to it.

But I wasn't particularly happy with the amount of load it was putting on my whole network when playing a game, it'd need to have its own separate network that doesn't tie in to your own to be totally doable and I can't be bothered to set that up