Steam Deck: Everything we know

Valve is getting into the handheld gaming business. Here's the scoop on the new Steam Deck.

1. When is the Steam Deck release date?

Steam Deck ships this December, yet even if you reserve one, it doesn't mean you'll receive it this year. Valve is listing "expected order availabilty" as Q1 2022 for the 64GB version, Q2 2022 for the 256GB Deck, and Q3 2022 for the 512GB.

2. How much does the Steam Deck cost?

The Steam Deck costs: – $399 for the 64GB version – $529 for the 256GB version – $649 for the 512GB version RESERVE NOW

3. Are there differences between each version?

Besides increased storage, the more expensive Steam Deck models feature faster NVMe SSD storage, while the cheapest version is listed with a 64GB eMMC (embedded multi-media card).

4. Steam Deck specs

What are the most important specs of the Steam Deck? Drum roll, please... – CPU: AMD Zen 2 – Core count: 4-core/8-thread – GPU: AMD RDNA 2 – RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 @ 5,500MT/s – Display: 7-inch LCD touchscreen – Resolution: 1280 x 800 – Refresh rate: 60Hz – Battery: 40Whr – Size: 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.8-inch

5. How does Steam Deck compare to the Switch?

Steam Deck is wider, thicker and heavier than Nintendo's handheld. Like the Switch, battery life isn't stellar, with IGN reporting: "It's about 2-8 hours...". Deck also has a dock, but it's sold separetly.

6. Can you use it for more than just Steam games?

You can. Just like your PC, Steam Deck is intended to be an open platform. You can install Windows and even other game storefronts, like the Epic Store or Xbox Game Pass. We just don't know how well non-Steam games will work on it.

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