Valve Announces Steam Deck, the Future of Portable PC Gaming

The future of mainstream PC gaming on-the-go is closer than ever, thanks to the newly announced Steam Deck by Valve. The portable PC is immediately reminiscent of the highly successful Nintendo Switch (especially if you use it to play Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin). And given the Switch’s continued success, there is certainly a market for unshackling video game experiences from fixed locations in the home.

The handheld PC comes packed with a 7-inch 1280×800 touchscreen, two analog sticks, two trackpads reminiscent of the discontinued Steam Controller, four face buttons, a D-pad, two triggers, and two bumpers. It’s a relatively similar setup to the Nintendo Switch (in more than just visual design), except the trackpads. Everything you need to fully enjoy your favorite Steam library titles, such as Resident Evil: Village, is present.

Here are some quick specs to look over so you know what Valve’s latest innovation is packing:

CPU: AMD Zen 2

Storage: 64GB eMMC/256GB NVMe/512GB NVMe

GPU: AMD RDNA 2

Display: 1280×800 @ 60Hz

RAM: 16GB LPDDR5

Other: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Stereo speakers, 3.5mm stereo jack

The Steam Deck is set to deliver its first units this December, just in time for the holidays. However, the overwhelming demand for the product took Steam down today and has resulted in new orders sporting a Q1 2022 or later ship date. For those interested in queuing up, here are the three versions available:

Steam Deck (64GB) – $399

Embedded Multi-Media Card
Carrying Case

Steam Deck (256GB) – $529

NVMe SSD
Carrying case
Exclusive Steam Community profile bundle

Steam Deck (512GB) – $649

NVMe SSD
Premium anti-glare etched glass
Exclusive carrying case
Exclusive Steam Community profile bundle
Exclusive virtual keyboard theme

Those who put down a $5 deposit through the Steam storefront will be notified when it’s their turn to purchase a Steam Deck. Again, the first wave is expected to arrive this December, with later orders being pushed into next year.

We will have more details for you on this exciting development of modern PC gaming in the coming months.

Joshua Garibay

Joshua has been embedded in the gaming industry since 2009, and gaming since the days of the Sega Genesis. His occupational focus in environmental health and safety may not cross over much with his beloved hobby, but he has always found time to play the latest releases, AAA and indie alike, as well as continue writing about the industry that has brought him countless years of joy.