I’ve wished a Steam Deck from the primary second I noticed one. However I haven’t purchased one but. Initially, it was as a result of I couldn’t actually justify the acquisition, a minimum of if the period of time I’ve used my authentic Nintendo Swap in moveable mode is something to go by. However currently I’ve a brand new motive: I’m scared.
See, I may positively persuade myself that getting one is smart. I work for PCWorld, it’s not as if shopping for a conveyable gaming PC would piss off my (imaginary) accountant. However since I’m taking a look at a $500 buy, most likely nearer to $1,000 if I get an OLED mannequin and a few upgrades, it’s approach exterior of impulse purchase territory. So I wish to ensure that it’s a very good buy, if not essentially a sensible one.
The Steam Deck is getting older
And right here’s the factor: The Steam Deck is three and a half years previous. And the OLED mannequin, whereas gently revising the interior bits, isn’t any extra highly effective. Whereas the Steam Deck’s AMD Zen 2-based APU is ok for the overwhelming majority of PC video games, particularly mixed with the effectivity of SteamOS and the Proton compatibility layer, it’s positively wanting a bit lengthy within the tooth for the most recent 3D titles.
So I’ve buy paralysis. I don’t wish to sink the higher a part of a grand right into a sport machine if a brand new one is correct across the nook. Granted, that’s all the time a difficulty with nearly any form of know-how, from graphics playing cards to Grand Cherokees.
However even when Valve is tight-lipped about any form of new mannequin or revision — and extra reticent than most firms to launch a brand new one and probably fracture the userbase when it comes to functionality — I can’t assist however worry that a greater various is correct across the nook. If not from Valve, then from a competitor.
Willis Lai/Foundry
For the reason that Steam Deck blew up the beforehand teeny-tiny moveable gaming PC market, dozens of alternate options have popped up mimicking its type issue and capabilities. Most of those are additionally utilizing AMD’s wonderful APU designs, and most are extra highly effective than the Steam Deck’s, if solely nominally so. And now that these may run SteamOS as a substitute of clunky Home windows, both formally or through a secondary obtain, they’ve turn out to be much more interesting.
…however the alternate options aren’t getting higher quick sufficient
The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Version (that can by no means not be a horrible identify) is distinguished amongst these, and presents a direct comparability as an instance my level. Even utilizing the Ryzen Z2 Go configuration, far much less highly effective than the older Z1 Excessive, it handily beats the Steam Deck operating the identical video games, decision, and OS. Absent of all different issues, if you’d like a Steam-powered handheld and also you’re in search of energy, you already must look past the Steam Deck.
There are additionally some notable weaknesses within the Steam Deck’s design. Don’t get me mistaken, it’s nonetheless most likely the most effective within the admittedly small area. Nevertheless it may use an even bigger display screen for its construct, and a extra ergonomic design, too — the thumbsticks and touchpads cut up the distinction when it comes to with the ability to attain them.
These sticks may stand to be corridor impact (lookin’ at you, Nintendo!), and a bit of additional work on the internals would possibly give the Steam Deck an even bigger battery and room for full-length 80mm SSDs, that are a lot simpler to seek out and cheaper moreover.
So Steam Deck alternate options with extra energy at the moment are out there, even if you’d like one which isn’t utilizing Home windows (and I do). And there are sufficient enhancements to be made on the unique mannequin {that a} revision, or another, needs to be a critical consideration.
After all, these would require a bit of additional elbow grease to get SteamOS operating on them. And even erring on the optimistic facet, I feel it’s secure to imagine that they received’t get the identical wonderful software program assist because the Steam Deck, and received’t have wherever close to as many equipment out there.
I’m nonetheless going to attend it out
That leads me to assume that, absent a smash-hit various within the close to future, I ought to nonetheless watch for an upgraded model of the Steam Deck. Sadly I don’t assume that’s prone to occur anytime quickly.
In the meanwhile Valve seems to be outselling all of the alternate options, even utilizing barely outdated {hardware}, and so has no actual motive to fast-track an improve. The corporate has mentioned as a lot. And with tariffs, the AI chip capability crunch, and different uncertainties making dearer {hardware} unappetizing to Valve and avid gamers alike, there’s no nice rush to do away with the unique (and nonetheless pretty inexpensive) Steam Deck.
Willis Lai/Foundry
And but, I can’t deliver myself to tug the set off. With an increasing number of newer video games being simply past the Steam Deck’s environment friendly capabilities, the issues with the present {hardware} aren’t going away. And I actually wish to see what Valve adjustments in a second-gen gadget, after studying what enhancements are necessary from years of producing and thousands and thousands of customers. So I’m caught, craving for what’s and excited (and afraid) of what is perhaps.
As soon as once more, that’s a primary dilemma for nearly any form of know-how. And I’d be negligent if I didn’t admit a specific amount of first-world privilege in even contemplating this a conundrum. However I’ll shut out with some extent in favor of persistence for any tech buy: When the brand new one arrives, the previous one shall be even cheaper, supplying you with extra and higher choices mechanically.
Perhaps I can wait a bit longer in any case.
Additional studying: Grasp your Steam Deck with these 22 ideas and tips
