The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer made by Valve Corporation. It is designed to play games available on Valve's Steam platform. Valve created the Steam Deck based on lessons learned from earlier projects, such as the 2015 Steam Machine and the Steam Controller. The device uses a special AMD processor and SteamOS, an operating system based on Linux. This marks Valve's shift to developing hardware in-house, following challenges with earlier Steam Machines that relied on other companies and required Linux support for games.
Released in February 2022, the Steam Deck has become popular due to its ability to run both Linux games and Windows games through Proton, a tool that helps Windows games work on Linux. It also includes a desktop mode and allows users to install additional Linux software. The device has had several updates, including models with OLED screens introduced in November 2023. Although some users have criticized its battery life, the Steam Deck has sold millions of units and influenced the market by promoting portable gaming. It has also inspired interest in other handheld gaming computers.
History
Valve introduced the Steam Machine series of gaming computers in 2015. These computers used a version of Linux called SteamOS. The Steam Machine idea helped shape the later creation of the Steam Deck. By April 2018, Valve stopped producing the Steam Machine but said they still wanted to create an open-hardware platform. Scott Dalton, the Steam Deck designer, explained that the Steam Machine faced a challenge: both players and game developers needed to use Linux for the machines to become popular enough for manufacturers to make them. Few Linux games were available during the Steam Machine’s time, so Valve created Proton, a tool that lets Windows games run on Linux without changes.
Early prototypes of the Steam Controller, released in 2015, had a small LCD screen in the center. This screen could act as a second display for games. One idea was to use the screen to show content from the Steam Link, a device that streams games from a computer to another screen. This concept later influenced the Steam Deck’s design. Valve also learned that making hardware internally was better than relying on other companies to produce Steam Machines. Dalton said, “The more we do this ourselves, the more we can create a complete product.” In May 2021, rumors about a portable gaming device called “SteamPal” appeared in Steam code updates and comments by Gabe Newell, Valve’s CEO. Ars Technica confirmed that Valve was developing new hardware.
Valve officially announced the Steam Deck on July 15, 2021. The device had three models based on storage size and was sold in North America and Europe starting in February 2022, with other regions following later. Gabe Newell said the Steam Deck was a product he had always wanted as a gamer and a device he wanted for developers. He aimed to compete with mobile devices by focusing on performance and pricing. Newell noted that the base price was lower than expected but necessary to meet gamer expectations. He believed the Steam Deck could start a new category of personal computer hardware if it succeeded. The system’s openness, allowing users to install non-Steam software, was a key feature.
By December 2022, Valve was working on improvements for the Steam Deck, such as per-game power settings and performance upgrades. They also planned a second-generation Steam Deck and a new Steam Controller 2. In November 2023, Valve released two new Steam Deck models with OLED screens, longer battery life, and better cooling. These models replaced two older versions. Valve’s designers said they could not include OLED screens at launch because suitable screens were not available at the time. They also mentioned working on a future Steam Deck 2 with improved CPU and GPU chips, but such a device would likely take two to three years to develop. Lawrence Yang, a system designer, said Valve wanted to wait for major improvements in computer chips before releasing a new version. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer, added that Valve aimed for significant performance improvements, not just small increases, in future devices.
Hardware
The original Steam Deck was released in February 2022. It uses a special processor made by AMD, called Aerith, named after a character from Final Fantasy VII. This processor has a four-core CPU with eight threads and an eight-core GPU with a performance of about 1.6 TFLOPS. The CPU runs between 2.4 and 3.5 GHz, and the GPU runs between 1.0 and 1.6 GHz, depending on the task. Valve said the CPU is as powerful as Ryzen 3000 desktop processors, and the GPU is as strong as Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards. The device has 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which can handle data quickly with a total speed 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 refresh rate of 60 Hz. Games use vertical synchronization when possible. The device has two thumbsticks, a directional pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons on both sides, four buttons on the back, and two trackpads under the thumbsticks. The thumbsticks and trackpads use touch-sensitive technology, and the device includes a gyroscope for better control. It also has haptic feedback to provide vibrations during gameplay.
The Steam Deck supports Bluetooth for connecting devices like game controllers and has WiFi that meets IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards. It includes stereo sound through a digital signal processor, a built-in microphone, and a headphone jack. The device has a 40 watt-hour battery, which Valve estimated could last 7 to 8 hours for lighter tasks like streaming or web browsing. For more demanding games like Portal 2, the battery might last 5 to 6 hours if frame rates are kept around 30 FPS. The system includes an optional FPS limiter to help save battery life. At release, all Steam Decks had black cases to simplify production, though Valve mentioned future plans for different colors. Valve also partnered with iFixit to provide replacement parts for repairs.
The Steam Deck was sold in three models based on storage. The base model had 64 GB of eMMC storage connected via PCI Express 2.0 x1. The mid-tier model had 256 GB of storage using an NVMe SSD with PCI Express 3.0 x4. The high-end model had 512 GB of storage with the same interface. All models used the same M.2 2230 storage slot. Valve said the built-in storage was not meant to be replaced by users but could be replaced during repairs. Additional storage was available through a microSD card slot, which supports microSDXC and microSDHC formats.
Valve aimed to create a handheld device that could play most Steam games. They chose to use standard x86-based processors instead of easier-to-make alternatives, which would have limited game compatibility. After working with AMD, they found a solution using their Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures. Valve believed the Steam Deck’s specs were strong enough to last many years, even with future software improvements like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution. While no successor models were planned, Valve said future updates would depend on processor technology and device limitations rather than regular upgrades.
In November 2023, the Steam Deck OLED was announced. The 64 GB and 512 GB LCD models were discontinued, with price cuts until December 2024, when they were sold at lower prices until stock ran out. By December 2025, the 256 GB LCD model was also discontinued, with stock running out by February 2026. Two new models were released in November 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 models had the same prices as the old base and flagship models.
The new models included 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 version used a newer APU based on 6 nm technology, named Sephiroth after a Final Fantasy VII character. A limited edition 1 TB model was released in North America with translucent plastic and orange components.
Since early 2026, newer Steam Deck models were hard to find in many regions due to a global memory shortage. A dock was released in October 2022 to connect the Steam Deck to external monitors via HDMI or DisplayPort. The dock can support up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz, though performance does not change when using the dock or in portable mode. The dock also supports Ethernet, USB connections, and variable refresh rate monitors with SteamOS update 3.5.5. It works with third-party docks but does not officially support external GPUs, though some tests showed they could work.
Software
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS version 3, which is based on the Arch Linux operating system. Earlier versions of SteamOS were created for Steam Machines and used Debian Linux. However, Valve wanted to use a system that allows for continuous updates, a feature that Debian does not support but Arch Linux does.
An application programming interface (API) designed for the Steam Deck helps game developers create settings that work specifically for the Steam Deck compared to regular computers. In the Steam storefront, developers can add a special file depot for their games that includes lower-resolution textures and other simplified elements to help games run better on the Steam Deck. When a user installs a game, Steam automatically detects and downloads the correct files for the system being used, whether it is a computer or a Steam Deck.
The Steam client on the Steam Deck has a revised interface that is different from the desktop version. Unlike Steam’s Big Picture mode, which was made for television screens and treated as a separate software branch, the Steam Deck version of the client stays consistent with the desktop version. It includes features and interface elements that make it easier to use with a controller, such as indicators for battery life and wireless connectivity. In February 2023, Valve replaced the Big Picture mode in Steam with a version based on the Steam Deck’s user interface. The Steam client on the Deck supports all other Steam functions, including user profiles, friends lists, access to game communities, cloud saving, Steam Workshop support, and the Remote Play feature.
Remote Play allows the Steam Deck to act as a controller for a game running on a computer, offering extra control options beyond traditional keyboard and mouse or standard controller systems. The Steam software on the Deck also supports suspending a game in progress, a feature Valve considers essential for the Deck. For games that do not use the Steam Deck API, the Deck’s controller input is automatically adjusted to work with them. For example, the touch-sensitive controllers on the Deck translate input into actions that work for games typically controlled with a keyboard or mouse. In January 2022, Valve introduced Dynamic Cloud Sync, which allows cloud saving to happen while a game is running, improving usability on portable devices like the Steam Deck. Previously, cloud saving only occurred after a user exited a game.
The Steam Deck displays games from the Steam storefront that are compatible with the device. Games developed for Linux run natively on SteamOS. However, the SteamOS software also includes support for Proton, a compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on the Linux-based SteamOS. According to ProtonDB, a community-run database that tracks game compatibility on Linux using Proton, some popular Steam games are not yet compatible with Proton due to anti-circumvention, anti-cheat, or digital rights management (DRM) systems. Valve is working with companies that provide these systems to improve Proton support and is encouraging developers to create Linux-specific versions of their games. Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat, a widely used anti-cheat tool, became available for macOS and Linux in September 2021, allowing developers to easily integrate it with the Proton layer. Valve collaborated with Epic Games in late 2021 to simplify this process. Another anti-cheat solution, BattlEye, confirmed its software works with the Proton layer and only requires developers to enable it. Valve tested games compatible with Linux or the Proton layer and found that none failed to meet a minimum of 30 frames-per-second performance, a standard similar to eighth-generation consoles. The Proton layer supports AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) upscaling technology but is not compatible with Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling solution.
To address confusion about game compatibility, Valve added a process in October 2021 to review games on Steam and ensure they work fully on the Steam Deck. Games confirmed to be compatible with the Steam Deck, including those using Proton or DRM solutions, and that meet minimum performance standards are labeled as “Verified.” Games that may require user adjustments, such as using a system control to bring up an on-screen keyboard, are marked as “Playable.” Games that are not fully compatible with the Steam Deck, such as VR games or those using Windows-specific codecs, are labeled as “Unsupported.” These ratings may change over time as both Steam Deck software improves and developers update their games for better compatibility. By 2025, several other portable gaming computers had been released, and Valve updated SteamOS to be used as their operating system. A May 2025 update included a version of the Steam Deck’s compatibility system to help users identify compatible games on these devices.
Users can download games onto the Steam Deck to store on either the internal storage or an SD card, with each storage device treated as a separate Steam Library. This allows users to swap SD cards with different Steam Libraries. Valve is exploring the ability to pre-load games onto an SD card 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 was designed for playing games from the Steam storefront, desktop mode allows the installation of third-party storefronts like the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or Origin. Users can replace SteamOS with a different operating system or set up multi-booting. Microsoft Edge can also be used for Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users with Xbox Game Pass subscriptions to access that game library. Newell, a Valve executive, stated that Valve would support Microsoft in bringing Xbox Game Pass to Steam and the Steam Deck if Microsoft wanted that option. Due to the system’s open nature, users have also added emulators to run games from other consoles or computer systems.
The Steam Deck’s operating system can be launched into desktop mode, which uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and an immutable file system. Third-party software tools, such as Decky (a SteamOS plugin loader), Em
Release
Pre-orders for the Steam Deck began one day after its announcement. Only people with Steam accounts created before June 2021 could pre-order the device to stop resellers from buying all the units and making it harder for others to purchase. On the first day of pre-orders, the Steam website temporarily stopped working because so many people tried to reserve the device. By September 2021, development kits for the Steam Deck were being sent to game developers. To prepare for the release in Asian countries, Valve partnered with KOMODO to help with local production, language support, 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, between £349 and £569 in the United Kingdom, 4,300 kr in Denmark, and between 3,987 and 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. The game was designed to show off the Steam Deck’s features but can also be played with an external controller. To help developers create software for the Steam Deck, Valve made the SteamOS Devkit Client and Server available under open-source licenses. Windows drivers are provided by Valve and AMD, but Valve does not offer support for them. During the first few days of release, Newell, the company’s leader, personally delivered some of the first Steam Deck units to people in Seattle.
Because the Steam Deck was so popular, some people who pre-ordered the 64 GB model and 256 GB NVMe models were told that later shipments would arrive in the second quarter of 2022, and 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 device’s release until February 2022, keeping the original order sequence for delivery.
By June 2022, Valve said they could double the number of Steam Decks being sent out each week, helping to meet early demand. By August 2022, production was faster than expected, allowing Valve to send out units that were originally planned for the last quarter of 2022. By October 2022, Valve fulfilled all pre-orders and allowed the Steam Deck to be purchased without needing a reservation. However, Valve may return to a reservation system if demand becomes too high. In December 2022, the Steam Deck was officially released in Asia. In October 2024, Valve announced that the Steam Deck would be sold 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 reaction to the Steam Deck's announcement was positive. Epic Games' Tim Sweeney and Xbox Game Studios' Phil Spencer praised Valve for creating the device. Sweeney said it was "an amazing move by Valve!" Spencer thanked Valve for making people excited about being able to play games anywhere.
Many news sources compared the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch, which is known as the first hybrid console that can be used both at home and on the go. Valve explained that they did not think about the Switch when designing the Steam Deck. Instead, they focused on meeting the needs of people who already enjoyed playing games on the Steam platform. By chance, the Steam Deck ended up having similar features to the Switch. The Verge noted that the Steam Deck has more powerful hardware than the Switch but uses more battery power. It also said the Steam Deck's performance is similar to older consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, even though it uses newer technology. Kotaku pointed out that while the Steam Deck and Switch are similar in idea, they target different groups of players. The Switch is aimed at a wide audience, while the Steam Deck is designed for more experienced gamers. Digital Foundry mentioned that even though the Steam Deck has strong hardware, developers may not have the same level of control over the computer's parts when making games for Windows compared to developers on the Switch.
One major issue many reviewers mentioned was the Steam Deck's battery life. Matt Hanson from TechRadar said the battery life is poor, with the device lasting only about one and a half hours during a game like God of War. He noted this would disappoint people who want to use the device during long trips. Matt Miller from Game Informer called the battery life "punishingly low." Steve Hogarty from The Independent wrote that the battery life is the Steam Deck's biggest weakness, with some games draining the battery in as little as two hours. Seth G. Macy from IGN said the battery life is inconsistent and the biggest challenge to making untethered PC gaming a reality. Richard Leadbetter from Eurogamer suggested that improving the battery life and reducing fan noise might require a better processor.
According to the research firm Omdia, the Steam Deck sold 1.62 million units in 2022. They predicted the device would sell over 3 million units by 2023. In 2022 and most of 2023, the Steam Deck was one of the most popular items for sale on the Steam website. 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 portable gaming devices. This includes 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 team-up between Asus and Microsoft based on Windows with support for Xbox Game Pass and platforms like Steam, was announced in June 2025, and it is often compared to the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck has also affected how games are made for personal computers. To ensure their games are marked as Steam Deck Verified, developers make sure their games work well with the Steam Deck's computer parts. This includes supporting 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution with frame generation, instead of aiming for higher resolutions or frame rates. These optimizations help games work across a wider range of personal computers.