The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer made by Valve Corporation. It is designed to run games from its Steam storefront. The device was created using lessons learned from Valve’s earlier projects, such as Steam Machine and Steam Controller. It includes a custom AMD processor and SteamOS, which is an operating system based on Linux. The Steam Deck shows Valve’s shift to developing hardware on its own, after facing problems with earlier Steam Machines that relied on outside companies and required support for Linux games.
Released in February 2022, the Steam Deck has become widely used because it can run both Linux games and Windows games through a tool called Proton. It also has a desktop mode and allows users to install other Linux applications. The device 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 influenced the market by showing how portable gaming can work. It has also inspired the development of other handheld gaming computers.
History
In 2015, Valve introduced the Steam Machine series, which were gaming computers that used a type of software called Linux. These machines influenced the development of the Steam Deck. By April 2018, Valve decided to stop the Steam Machine project but still aimed 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 adopt Linux for the machines to gain popularity. However, few games were available for Linux during the Steam Machine’s time, so Valve created Proton, a tool that allowed Windows-based games to run on Linux without changes.
Early versions of the Steam Controller, released in 2015, included a small screen in the center that could display extra information while playing games. One idea was to use the Steam Link, a device that streams games from a computer to another screen, to show content on the controller’s screen. This concept later inspired the Steam Deck. After struggling to get other companies to make Steam Machines, Valve decided to build its own hardware. Dalton said, "The more we did this ourselves, the better we could 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 from 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. Gabe Newell said the Steam Deck was a product he had always wanted as a gamer and a mobile device he wanted for developers. He emphasized that the Deck’s performance and user experience were the most important factors, even though the base price was lower than expected. Newell believed the Deck could create a new category of personal computer hardware if it succeeded, so keeping the price reasonable was necessary. He also highlighted the system’s openness, allowing users to install non-Steam software.
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 version of the Steam Deck. In November 2023, Valve released two new 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 in the original launch because suitable screens were not available at the time. They also mentioned plans for a Steam Deck 2 with improved CPU and GPU chips, but such a device would likely not be ready for two to three years. Lawrence Yang, a system designer, said Valve wanted to wait for major advances in computer chips before updating the Steam Deck. This idea was repeated by software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais in November 2025, who said Valve aimed for significant improvements in performance rather than small increases.
Hardware
The original Steam Deck was released in February 2022. It uses a custom AMD processor called Aerith, named after a character from Final Fantasy VII. This processor includes a four-core CPU with eight threads and an eight-compute-unit GPU, estimated to deliver 1.6 TFLOPS of performance. The CPU operates between 2.4 and 3.5 GHz, while the GPU runs between 1.0 and 1.6 GHz, depending on demand. Valve compared the CPU’s power to Ryzen 3000 desktop processors and the GPU’s performance to Radeon RX 6000 series graphics cards. The device has 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM in a quad-channel setup, providing 88 GB/s of data transfer speed.
The Steam Deck is designed for handheld use. It features a 7-inch touchscreen with a 1280×800 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Games use vertical synchronization when possible. The unit includes two thumbsticks, a directional pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, four rear buttons, and two trackpads under the thumbsticks. These components use capacitive sensing, and the device includes a gyroscope for specialized controls. Haptic feedback is also included.
The Steam Deck supports Bluetooth for input devices, such as 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, a headphone jack, and a 40 watt-hour battery. Valve estimated that for lighter tasks like streaming or browsing, the battery lasts 7–8 hours. For more demanding games like Portal 2, it lasts 5–6 hours at 30 frames per second. The system includes an optional FPS limiter to help manage battery life. At launch, the Steam Deck was only available in black to simplify production, though Valve mentioned future plans for other colors. Valve partnered with iFixit to provide replacement parts.
The Steam Deck was sold in three models based on storage: a 64 GB eMMC model using PCI Express 2.0 x1, a 256 GB NVMe SSD model using PCI Express 3.0 x4, and a 512 GB NVMe SSD model also using PCI Express 3.0 x4. All models use the same M.2 2230 interface. Valve stated that the built-in storage is not replaceable by users but can be replaced during repairs. Additional storage is available through a microSD card slot that supports microSDXC and microSDHC formats.
Valve prioritized ensuring the Steam Deck could run most Steam games, avoiding non-x86 processors that might limit game compatibility. By working with AMD, Valve found a solution using their Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures. The developers believed the Steam Deck’s specifications would remain relevant for many years, even with future improvements like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). Valve mentioned potential future hardware updates but emphasized that timing would depend on processor and device advancements rather than regular upgrades.
After the Steam Deck OLED was announced in November 2023, the 64 GB and 512 GB LCD models were discontinued. These models received price cuts and were sold until December 2024, when they were discounted further and eventually sold out. The 256 GB LCD model was discontinued in December 2025, with stock running out by February 2026. Two new models were released in November 2023: the 512 GB OLED and 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) were priced the same as the old base and flagship models.
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% improved capacity, and better cooling. The OLED version uses a revised APU based on 6 nm technology named Sephiroth, after another Final Fantasy VII character. 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 in short supply due to global memory shortages. A dock was released in October 2022, allowing the Steam Deck to connect to external monitors via HDMI or DisplayPort, achieving up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz. The dock also supports Ethernet, USB controllers, and variable refresh rate monitors via SteamOS update 3.5.5. The Steam Deck works with third-party docks but does not officially support external GPUs, though some eGPUs have been tested successfully.
Software
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS version 3, which is built on the Arch Linux operating system. Earlier versions of SteamOS were used for Steam Machines and were based on Debian Linux. Valve chose to use Arch Linux for the Steam Deck because it supports a rolling upgrade method, which allows the system to update continuously. Debian was not designed for this type of update process.
A special application programming interface (API) is available for game developers. This API lets developers adjust settings for games running on the Steam Deck compared to regular computers. In the Steam storefront, developers can upload a special file depot for their game that includes lower-resolution textures and other simplified elements. Steam automatically detects the user’s device and downloads the correct files when the 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 television screens and treated as a separate software branch, the Steam Deck version stays consistent with the desktop client. It adds features and interface elements to make navigation easier with controller input, such as showing battery life and wireless connection status. In February 2023, Valve replaced the Big Picture mode with an interface based on the Steam Deck’s design. The Steam client on the Deck supports all standard Steam features, including user profiles, friends lists, game communities, cloud saving, Steam Workshop support, and Remote Play.
Remote Play lets the Steam Deck act as a controller for a game running on a computer, offering extra control options beyond keyboards, mice, or standard controllers. The Steam software on the Deck also allows users to pause a game, a feature Valve considers essential for the device. Games that do not use the Steam Deck API automatically convert controller input to match the game’s requirements. For example, the touch-sensitive controllers on the Deck translate input for games that typically use keyboard and mouse controls. In January 2022, Valve introduced Dynamic Cloud Sync, which lets developers save game progress in the cloud while the game is running, improving usability for portable devices.
The Steam Deck displays compatible games from the Steam storefront. Games designed for Linux run directly on the device. SteamOS also includes Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows-based games to run on the Linux-based SteamOS. According to ProtonDB, a community-run database that tracks game compatibility on Linux using Proton, some popular games are not yet compatible due to anti-cheat systems or digital rights management (DRM). Valve is working with developers of these systems to improve Proton support and encourage Linux-specific game versions. Epic Games’ Easy Anti-Cheat, a widely used anti-cheat tool, became available for macOS and Linux in September 2021. Valve collaborated with Epic to make it easier for developers to use Easy Anti-Cheat with Proton. BattlEye, another popular anti-cheat solution, confirmed its software works with Proton and only requires developers to activate it. Valve tested games compatible with Linux or Proton and found none 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 upscaling.
To address game compatibility issues, Valve added a review process in October 2021. Additional staff now check games on Steam to ensure they work fully on the Steam Deck. Games confirmed to be compatible, including those using Proton or DRM solutions, are labeled “Verified.” Games that may need minor adjustments, such as using system controls for on-screen keyboards, are marked “Playable.” Games that are not fully compatible, such as VR games or those using Windows-specific codecs, are labeled “Unsupported.” These ratings may change as Steam Deck software and game updates improve. By 2025, several other portable gaming devices were released, and Valve updated SteamOS to support these devices. 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 to the Steam Deck’s internal storage or an SD card, with each storage option treated as a separate Steam Library. This allows users to swap SD cards with different game libraries. Valve is exploring ways to pre-load games on SD cards outside the Deck, such as through a computer. In February 2023, the ability to download games from a local network Steam installation was added. While the Deck is designed for games from the Steam storefront, desktop mode allows users to install third-party platforms like the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or Origin. It is also possible to replace SteamOS with another operating system or set up multi-booting. Microsoft Edge can 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 requested. Due to the system’s open nature, users have also added emulators to run games from other consoles or computers.
The Steam Deck’s operating system can be switched to desktop mode, which uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment and an immutable file system. Third-party tools, such as Decky (a SteamOS plugin loader), EmuDeck (an emulation manager), and the batocera.linux distribution, have been developed to add more functionality. These tools are typically installed through desktop mode.
The Steam Deck was used to control animatronics at Walt Disney World and to operate remote gun turrets by Ukrainian forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Release
Pre-orders for the Steam Deck began the day after it was announced. These pre-orders were only available to people who had created Steam accounts before June 2021. This rule helped prevent resellers from buying all the devices and making them harder to buy. The high demand for pre-orders caused the Steam website to stop working briefly on the first day. By September 2021, development tools for the Steam Deck were being sent to software creators. For the planned release in Asian countries, Valve partnered with KOMODO to help with local manufacturing, language translations, 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–£569 in the United Kingdom, 4,300 kr in Denmark, and 3,987–4,219 zł in Poland. As part of the launch, Valve released a free game called Aperture Desk Job, which is part of the Portal series. The game was available to all Windows and Linux/SteamOS users starting March 1, 2022. It was designed to demonstrate the Steam Deck’s features, though it can also be played with an external controller. To help developers create and test software for the Steam Deck, Valve released the SteamOS Devkit Client and Server under open-source licenses. Valve and AMD provide drivers for Windows, but Valve does not offer support for them. During the first few days of the release, Newell, the company’s founder, personally delivered some of the first Steam Deck 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 models 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 due to a global shortage of computer chips, the device would not be shipped by December but would instead be released in February 2022, keeping the original delivery schedule based on pre-order dates.
By June 2022, Valve said it was shipping twice as many Steam Decks each week, helping to meet early demand. By August 2022, production was faster than expected, allowing Valve to send out devices to customers who had originally been scheduled to receive them in the final quarter of 2022. By October 2022, Valve fulfilled all pre-orders and opened the Steam Deck for general sale without requiring reservations. 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 available in Australia starting in November. It was released on November 19, with prices ranging from A$649 to A$1,049.
Reception
The first response to the Steam Deck's announcement was mostly 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 their games anywhere they wanted.
Many news outlets compared the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch, which is known as the first hybrid console that works both at home and on the go. Valve explained that they did not design the Steam Deck with the Switch in mind. Instead, they focused on meeting the needs of people who already enjoy 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 is more powerful than the Switch but uses battery faster. It also said the Steam Deck's performance is closer to older consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, even though it uses newer technology. Kotaku explained that while the Steam Deck and Switch share some ideas, they are not direct competitors because they target different groups of players. The Switch is aimed at a wide audience, while the Steam Deck is designed for more serious gamers. Digital Foundry mentioned that even though the Steam Deck has better hardware, developers who make games for Windows may not have the same level of control over the device as those who make games for the Switch, due to a system called Proton.
A major issue many reviewers pointed out was the Steam Deck's short battery life. Matt Hanson of TechRadar wrote that the Steam Deck lasts about one and a half hours during a game like God of War, which is not enough for long trips. He said this makes the device feel less convenient for portable gaming. Matt Miller of Game Informer called the battery life "very low." Steve Hogarty of The Independent said the battery life is the Steam Deck's biggest problem, noting that some games can drain the battery in as little as two hours. Seth G. Macy of IGN said the battery life is the most disappointing part of the device, making it hard to imagine truly portable PC gaming. Richard Leadbetter of Eurogamer suggested that improving the battery life and reducing fan noise might require a new processor with better efficiency.
According to Omdia, the Steam Deck sold 1.62 million units in 2022. The company 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 on the Steam website. Valve reported in November 2023 that they had sold "multiple millions" of Steam Decks. International Data Corporation estimated that between 3.7 and 4 million Steam Decks had been sold by February 2025, three years after the device's launch.
Legacy
The Steam Deck is known for leading to the creation of similar handheld 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 partnership between Asus and Microsoft based on Windows and compatible with Xbox Game Pass and services like Steam, was announced in June 2025. This device has also been compared to the Steam Deck.