In some of the most impressive and surprising gaming news of the year, Valve’s digital game distribution platform Steam has announced the launch of the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck is a Nintendo Switch style portable gaming platform with the ability to act as both handheld console and plug-and-play computer. It will contain gamers’ entire Steam libraries and will be powerful enough to play any of the myriad AAA titles available there.
What are the Steam Deck Specs?
Arguably the most powerful handheld gaming device of all time, the Steam Deck boasts the following impressive specs:
- CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
- GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
- 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (5500 MT/s)
- 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio)
- 7″ optically bonded LCD
- Bluetooth 5.0 (support for controllers, accessories, and audio)
- Wi-FiDual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Built-in mic for multiplayer
How will the Steam Deck affect Mobile Gaming?
Over recent years, advancements in smartphone specs have led to mobile gaming becoming an increasingly respected platform. Gone are the days of Flappy Bird and Temple Run; today, mobile gamers can play any number of fully fledged fan-favourite RPGs that were originally built for console and PC.
While many of these high-end games have received mobile spin-offs, many gamers sought to recreate their more demanding gaming experiences with mobile ports instead – a lot of which are behind a paywall. Gamers who already had these games on Steam ended up paying twice. High-end gaming on the go may be forever changed by the introduction of the Steam Deck which will grant players with the ability to play even the most demanding MMORPG on the move.
Furthermore, mobile gamers are often last-in-line when it comes to multi-platform game releases and updates. Take the example of the stunning and creative Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective which has already released on Steam meanwhile leaving mobile gamers still patiently waiting their turn. Gamers on the go now won’t have to wait so long to play the most hotly anticipated games.
Having the ability to have a handheld portable gaming PC will likely have widespread consequences for the market, game developers, and publishers alike. We eagerly await the shake-up, though we suspect the end of mobile gaming won’t be happening anytime soon.
Steam Deck pre-orders are available now with shipping expected just before Christmas. The Steam Deck comes with three price options: £349 for 64GB, £459 for 256GB, and £569 for 512GB.
