The Steam Deck is a portable gaming computer made by Valve Corporation. It is designed to play games available on Valve's Steam platform. This device was created using lessons learned from Valve's earlier projects, such as the Steam Machine and Steam Controller. The Steam Deck uses a special AMD chip and SteamOS, an operating system based on Linux. This product shows Valve's shift to developing its own hardware, following challenges with earlier devices that relied on outside companies and required support for Linux-based games.
Since its release in February 2022, the Steam Deck has received much attention for its popularity and flexibility. It can run both games originally made for Linux and Windows games using Proton, a tool that helps Windows games work on Linux. The device also includes a desktop mode and allows users to install other Linux programs. Over time, the Steam Deck has had several updates, including models with OLED screens introduced in November 2023. Although some people have criticized its battery life, the Steam Deck has sold millions of units and has had a major impact on the portable gaming market. It has also inspired interest in similar handheld gaming devices.
History
In 2015, Valve introduced the Steam Machine series, which are gaming computers that use a type of software called SteamOS based on Linux. These machines influenced the later development of the Steam Deck. By April 2018, Valve stopped producing the Steam Machines but still aimed to create an open-hardware platform. Scott Dalton, the Steam Deck designer, explained that the Steam Machines faced a problem: both players and game developers needed to adopt Linux for the machines to become popular. However, few Linux games were available during the Steam Machine’s time, so Valve created Proton, a tool that helps Windows games run on Linux without changes.
In 2015, early prototypes of the Steam Controller included a small screen in the middle that could act as a second display for games. One idea was to use this screen to stream game content from a computer to the controller, a concept that later inspired the Steam Deck. Valve realized that working with other companies to make Steam Machines was difficult, so they decided to develop their own hardware. Dalton said, "The more we do internally, the more we can create a complete product." In May 2021, rumors about a portable gaming device called "SteamPal" appeared, based on updates in Steam’s code and comments by Gabe Newell, Valve’s CEO. Reports confirmed that Valve was working on new hardware.
Valve officially announced the Steam Deck on July 15, 2021. The device came in three models with different storage options and was sold in North America and Europe starting in February 2022, with other regions following later that year. Gabe Newell said the Steam Deck was a product he had always wanted as a gamer and a mobile device he had always wanted for developers. He emphasized that the device’s performance and user experience were the most important factors. Newell noted that the base price was lower than expected but necessary to meet gamer expectations. He also highlighted the system’s openness, allowing users to install non-Steam software, as a key advantage over traditional consoles.
By December 2022, Valve was working on improvements for the Steam Deck, such as per-game power settings and performance upgrades, and planning a second-generation model. In 2023, Valve released two new Steam Deck models with OLED screens, larger batteries, and better cooling. These models replaced two older versions. Valve’s designers said they had wanted OLED screens for the original launch but could not find suitable ones at the time. They also mentioned plans for a Steam Deck 2 with better CPU and GPU chips, but these improvements are expected to take two to three years to develop. Lawrence Yang, a system designer, said Valve would wait for major advancements in computer chips before releasing a new version. In November 2025, Valve’s software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that they wanted significant improvements in performance and efficiency, not just small increases, for the next Steam Deck.
Hardware
The original Steam Deck was released in February 2022. It uses a custom AMD APU, which combines a CPU and GPU. This APU is based on AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 technologies and is named Aerith, after a character from Final Fantasy VII. The CPU has four cores and eight threads, and the GPU has eight compute units. Together, they provide about 1.6 TFLOPS of performance. Both the CPU and GPU can change their clock speeds depending on the task. The CPU runs between 2.4 and 3.5 GHz, while the GPU runs between 1.0 and 1.6 GHz. Valve said the CPU is similar in power to Ryzen 3000 desktop processors, and the GPU is similar to Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards. The device has 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, arranged in a way that allows data to move quickly between components, with a total bandwidth of 88 GB/s.
The Steam Deck is designed for handheld use. It has a 7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1280×800 pixels and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Games are set to use vertical synchronization when possible. The device includes two thumbsticks, a directional pad, ABXY buttons, two shoulder buttons on each side, four buttons on the back, and two trackpads under the thumbsticks. The thumbsticks and trackpads use touch-sensitive sensors. A gyroscope helps with movement controls, and the device provides haptic feedback for touch sensations.
The Steam Deck supports Bluetooth for connecting input devices like game controllers and has built-in Wi-Fi for internet access. It includes stereo sound through a digital signal processor, a microphone, and a headphone jack. The device has a 40 watt-hour battery. Valve estimated that for lighter tasks, the battery lasts 7 to 8 hours, and for more demanding games like Portal 2, it lasts 5 to 6 hours. The system includes an optional feature to limit frame rates, which helps save battery life. At release, the Steam Deck was only available in black to simplify production, though Valve mentioned future plans for other colors. Valve worked with iFixit to provide replacement parts for repairs.
The Steam Deck was sold in three models based on storage: a base model with 64 GB of eMMC storage, a mid-tier model with 256 GB of NVMe SSD storage, and a high-end model with 512 GB of NVMe SSD storage. The base model uses PCI Express 2.0 x1, while the other models use PCI Express 3.0 x4. All models use the same M.2 2230 interface for storage. Valve said the built-in storage is not meant to be replaced by users, though it can be replaced for repairs. Additional storage is available through a microSD card slot that supports microSDXC and microSDHC formats.
Valve aimed to create a handheld device that could run most Steam games. They chose not to use non-x86 processors, which would have been easier to make but limited game compatibility. Through discussions with AMD, Valve found a solution using their Zen 2 and RDNA 2 technologies. They believed the Steam Deck’s performance would remain useful for many years, even with future improvements like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Valve said they plan to release future versions of the device, but the timing will depend on technology advances and device limitations.
After the Steam Deck OLED was announced on November 9, 2023, the 64 GB LCD and 512 GB LCD models were discontinued. These models received price cuts and were sold until December 2024, when they were cut again and eventually ran out of stock. On December 20, 2025, the 256 GB LCD model was discontinued, with a note that production had ended. By February 17, 2026, all remaining 256 GB LCD models (and OLED models) were sold out.
Two new models were released on November 16, 2023: the 512 GB OLED and the 1 TB OLED. The 64 GB LCD and 512 GB LCD models were discontinued, with the 256 GB LCD becoming the new base model. The new base and flagship models (256 GB LCD and 1 TB OLED) had the same prices as the old base and flagship models. Upgrades in the new models include a larger 7.4-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, a battery with 25% more capacity, and better cooling. The OLED model uses a new APU based on 6 nm technology named Sephiroth, after a character from Final Fantasy VII. A limited edition 1 TB model was released in North America with translucent plastic casing and orange components.
Since early 2026, newer Steam Deck models have been hard to find in many regions due to a global shortage of memory components.
A dock was released on October 6, 2022. It connects the Steam Deck to an external power source and a monitor via HDMI or DisplayPort, allowing the device to output up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz. This can also be done with a USB to HDMI adapter without the dock. Performance does not change whether the device is docked or used in portable mode. The dock supports variable refresh rate monitors, Ethernet, and USB connections for controllers. It works with third-party docking stations. External GPUs are not officially supported, but tests showed they can work through the M2 slot.
The Steam Deck OLED was released on November 16, 2023. It includes a larger 7.4-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, a battery with 25% more capacity, and improved cooling. The OLED model uses a new APU based on 6 nm technology named Sephiroth, after a character from Final Fantasy VII. A limited edition 1 TB model was released in North America with translucent plastic casing and orange components. The 64 GB LCD and 512 GB LCD models were discontinued, with the 256 GB LCD becoming the new base model. The new base and flagship models (256 GB LCD and 1 TB OLED) were priced the same as the old base and flagship models (64 GB LCD and 512 GB LCD).
Software
The Steam Deck uses SteamOS version 3, which is based on the Arch Linux operating system. Earlier versions of SteamOS for Steam Machines used Debian Linux. Valve chose Arch Linux for the Steam Deck because it supports continuous updates, a feature Debian was not designed for.
A special application programming interface (API) is available for game developers. This API lets developers set specific options for games running on the Steam Deck compared to regular computers. In the Steam storefront, developers can upload a special file depot with lower-resolution textures and other simplified game elements. Steam automatically detects the user’s system and downloads the correct files when a game is installed.
The Steam client on the Steam Deck has a redesigned interface that works differently from the desktop version. Unlike Steam’s Big Picture mode, which was made for televisions and treated as a separate software branch, the Steam Deck version stays consistent with the desktop client. It includes features that make navigation easier with a controller, such as battery life indicators and wireless connectivity displays. In February 2023, Valve replaced Big Picture mode with a version based on the Steam Deck’s interface. The Steam client on the Deck supports all standard Steam features, including user profiles, friends lists, game communities, cloud saving, Steam Workshop, and Remote Play.
Remote Play allows the Steam Deck to act as a controller for games running on a computer, offering extra control options beyond traditional keyboards, mice, or standard controllers. The Steam software on the Deck also includes a feature to pause games, which Valve considers essential for the device. Games that do not use the Steam Deck API automatically convert controller input. For example, the touch-sensitive controllers on the Deck translate input for games that usually require keyboard and mouse controls. In January 2022, Valve introduced Dynamic Cloud Sync, which allows cloud saving to happen while a game is running, improving portability on the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck displays compatible games from the Steam storefront. Games developed for Linux run directly on the device. SteamOS also includes Proton, a compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on Linux. According to ProtonDB, some popular games are not yet compatible with Proton due to anti-circumvention, anti-cheat, or digital rights management (DRM) systems. Valve is working with developers of these systems to improve Proton support and encourage Linux-specific versions of games. In September 2021, Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat became available for macOS and Linux, making it easier to use with Proton. Valve collaborated with Epic to simplify the transition of Easy Anti-Cheat to Proton. Another anti-cheat system, BattlEye, also confirmed compatibility with Proton, requiring developers to enable it. Valve tested games on Linux and with Proton and found none that failed to meet a minimum of 30 frames per second, a performance level similar to eighth-generation consoles. Proton supports AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaling technology but is not compatible with Nvidia’s DLSS.
To address game compatibility issues, Valve added a review process in October 2021 to ensure games work well on the Steam Deck. Games that are fully playable, including those using Proton or DRM solutions, are marked as “Verified.” Games that may need user adjustments, such as using a system control to access an on-screen keyboard, are labeled “Playable.” Games that are not fully compatible, like VR games or those using Windows-specific codecs, are marked “Unsupported.” These ratings may change as software improves and developers update games. By 2025, Valve planned to use SteamOS on other portable gaming devices and included a version of the Steam Deck’s compatibility system in a May 2025 update to help users identify compatible games.
Users can download games to the Steam Deck’s internal storage or an SD card, with each treated as a separate Steam Library. This allows users to swap SD cards with different game libraries. Valve is exploring the ability to pre-load games on SD cards outside the Deck, such as through a personal computer. In February 2023, the ability to download games from a local network Steam installation was added. While the Deck is designed for games on the Steam storefront, desktop mode allows installation of third-party storefronts like the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or Origin. Users can replace SteamOS with another operating system or set up multi-booting. Microsoft Edge can also be used for Xbox Cloud Gaming, giving users with Xbox Game Pass access to its game library. Valve stated it would support Microsoft in bringing Xbox Game Pass to Steam and the Steam Deck if desired. The system’s open design allows users to install emulators to play games from other consoles or computers.
The Steam Deck’s operating system can also be launched into desktop mode, which uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and an immutable file system. Third-party tools like Decky, EmuDeck, and the batocera.linux distribution are available to add functionality, typically installed through desktop mode.
The Steam Deck was used as a remote control for animatronics at Walt Disney World and as a remote-operated gun turret by Ukrainian forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Release
Pre-orders for the Steam Deck began one day after its announcement. Only people who had Steam accounts before June 2021 could pre-order the device to prevent resellers from buying all the units and making it harder for others to purchase. The high demand for pre-orders caused the Steam website servers to briefly stop working. By September 2021, development tools for the Steam Deck were being sent to developers. To help prepare for the release in Asia, Valve partnered with KOMODO to support local production, translation, and distribution.
The Steam Deck was officially released on February 25, 2022, in North America and Europe. In Europe, the device cost €419 or more, £349 to £569 in the United Kingdom, 4,300 kr in Denmark, and 3,987 to 4,219 zł in Poland. As part of the launch, Valve released Aperture Desk Job, a free game from the Portal series, on March 1, 2022. It was designed to demonstrate the Steam Deck’s features but can also be played with an external controller. To help developers create software for the device, Valve shared the SteamOS Devkit Client and Server under open-source licenses. Windows drivers are provided by Valve and AMD, but Valve does not offer support for them. In the first days of the release, the company’s leader, Gabe Newell, personally delivered some of the first units to people in Seattle.
Because the Steam Deck was so popular, some pre-order buyers were told that later shipments of the 64 GB model and 256 GB NVMe model would arrive in the second quarter of 2022, while the 512 GB NVMe model would be available in the third quarter of 2022. In November 2021, Valve informed pre-purchasers that the global shortage of computer chips would delay the release until February 2022, keeping the original order sequence for delivery.
By June 2022, Valve increased the number of Steam Decks being shipped each week, helping to meet initial orders. By August 2022, production exceeded expectations, allowing the company to send units to customers who had originally been scheduled to receive them in the fourth quarter of 2022. By October 2022, Valve fulfilled all pre-orders and opened the Steam Deck for general purchase without requiring reservations. However, Valve may return to a reservation system if demand becomes too high. In December 2022, the Steam Deck was officially sold in Asia. In October 2024, Valve announced that the device would be available in Australia starting in November, with prices ranging from A$649 to A$1,049. It was released on November 19, 2024.
Reception
The first response to the Steam Deck announcement was positive. Epic Games' Tim Sweeney and Xbox Game Studios' Phil Spencer praised Valve for creating the Steam Deck. Sweeney called it an "amazing move by Valve!" Spencer said he was happy to see Valve "get so many of us excited to take our games with us wherever we play."
Many news sources compared the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch, which is known as the first hybrid video game console. Valve explained that they did not think about the Switch when designing the Deck. Instead, they made choices to meet the needs of people who already enjoyed playing games on the Steam platform. By chance, the Steam Deck ended up having similar functions to the Switch. The Verge noted that the Steam Deck is more powerful than the Switch, but it has shorter battery life. The Verge also said the Steam Deck's performance is closer to eighth-generation consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, even though it uses newer technology. Kotaku said the Steam Deck and Switch share similar ideas but target different groups of players. The Switch is for a wide audience, while the Steam Deck is for more serious gamers. Digital Foundry pointed out that even though the Steam Deck has strong hardware, developers working on Windows games may not have the same access to the computer's parts as those working on the Switch because of the Proton compatibility layer.
A major problem reviewers mentioned about the Steam Deck is its short battery life. Matt Hanson of TechRadar said, "the Steam Deck's battery life is pretty poor, lasting about one and a half hours while playing God of War. That will disappoint people who want to use it on long trips." He also said the device feels less portable because of this. Matt Miller of Game Informer called the battery life "punishingly low." Steve Hogarty of The Independent wrote, "The battery life is the Steam Deck's biggest weakness. It uses power quickly, with some games draining the battery in as little as two hours." Seth G. Macy of IGN said, "The biggest issue I had was battery life. It varies a lot and is the biggest challenge to making untethered PC gaming a reality." Richard Leadbetter of Eurogamer said, "Fan noise and battery life may only be fixed with a more efficient processor."
Omdia reported that 1.62 million Steam Decks were sold in 2022. They predicted the device would sell more than 3 million units by 2023. In 2022 and most of 2023, the Steam Deck was one of the most popular items on the Steam store. Valve said in November 2023 that they had sold "multiple millions" of the Steam Deck. International Data Corporation estimated that between 3.7 and 4 million Steam Decks had been sold by February 2025, the device's third anniversary.
Legacy
The Steam Deck helped start a trend of similar handheld gaming devices. These include the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, which were released in 2023, and the MSI Claw A1M, which was released in 2024. The ROG Xbox Ally, a partnership between Asus and Microsoft that uses Windows and supports Xbox Game Pass and platforms like Steam, was announced in June 2025. This device has been compared to the Steam Deck in similar ways.