Valve has just unveiled its first portable gaming console with the Steam Deck.
The device is powered by a custom AMD chip using their Zen 2 architecture (like in the Xbox Series X and PS5) and RDNA 2, with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
Storage options include 64GB of flash storage, or you can get it with a 256 or 512GB NVMe SSD. All models can use microSD to expand the storage.
“We think Steam Deck gives people another way to play the games they love on a high-performance device at a great price,” says Valve founder Gabe Newell. “As a gamer, this is a product I’ve always wanted. And as a game developer, it’s the mobile device I’ve always wanted for our partners.”
The Steam Deck features a 7-inch touchscreen with a 1280 x 800 resolution. On the left side, you’ll find an array of buttons including, a D-pad, view button, Thumbstick, trackpad, Steam button, and a speaker.
While on the right, you’ll find ABXY buttons, a thumbstick, a trackpad, a quick access button, and an options button. There are also two front-facing microphones.
At the top of the device, you’ll find L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons, volume buttons, headphone jack, power button, a fan and a USB-C port.
On the back of the console, you’ll find the microSD card slot, R4, R5 & L4 & L5 grip buttons that can be assigned.
There’s also Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and a 40Whr battery that can get 2-8 hours of gameplay. When you need to charge it up, you and use the included 45W USB-C charger.
On the software side, the Steam Deck is running SteamOS 3.0, which lets you access the Steam Store, your friend’s list, Remote Play and more.
A dock will be available for the Steam Deck and be sold separately, it’ll include a DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, power in, Ethernet, USB 3.1 and 2 USB 2.0 ports.
As for when you can get your hands-on Steam Deck, it’ll be launching in December 2021, starting at $499 CAD for the 64GB model that includes a carrying case.
For $659 CAD, you can get the 256GB version that includes a carrying case as well and an Exclusive Steam Community profile bundle.
Then there’s $819 CAD for the 512GB model that includes the same as the 256GB but also Premium anti-glare etched glass, Exclusive carrying case and Exclusive virtual keyboard theme.
Reservations for the Steam Deck start tomorrow (July 16th) at 1 pm EDT (10 am PDT) and there’s a fee of $5.70 CAD.
