The Steam Deck is the world’s most powerful handheld gaming device and is capable of handling the high-end, more graphically demanding video games available online today.
The question being asked here is, does the Steam Deck developed by Valve and first released in February 2022 replace the need for a dedicated gaming PC? Let’s dive in to find out.
What is the Steam Deck?
In short, the Valve Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device designed to play the world’s best video games. The three top-of-the-range Steam Deck options include the Steam Deck 256GB LCD, the Steam Deck 512GB OLED, and the Steam Deck 1TB OLED.
Slightly cheaper options include the Steam Deck 64GB LCD and the Steam Deck 512 GB LCD. The operating system is called SteamOS (3.5.7) and has a 7-inch display (1280 x 800).
It uses Valve’s Linux distribution, SteamOS, and this innovative operating system allows users to run Windows games and apps.
It’s more powerful than any other dedicated handheld gaming device on the market. It can also be hooked up to PC monitors or smart televisions via a docking station, enabling the player to use the device in the same way as a home video game console or desktop computer.
The Steam Deck Docking Station connects the device to most external displays, USB peripherals, power sources, and wired networking. Users experience faster Wi-Fi speeds and extended battery life, and they are ideal for people who enjoy playing the best games in the palm of their hands.
You can play almost any game when hooked up to the internet, from MMORPG games and casual games to live dealer games at 10bet online casino and social/indie games at dedicated gaming sites. There’s something for everyone on the Steam Deck.
The pricier OLED Steam Deck models come with Wi-Fi 6E, which means the bandwidth is better than other models, with lower latency, up to three times faster download speeds, and more stable online play. They offer a console experience but are far more portable and convenient than desktop and laptop gaming PCs.
With the Steam Deck, users can enjoy playing triple-A games seamlessly and without lagging, buffering, or any ‘sticky’ graphics issues. It’s comfortable to hold with excellent ergonomic design to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
The controls are responsive and easy to use to play any game, allowing you to master even the trickiest moves with relative ease. If you prefer not to use PCs for gaming and want something that’s more compact and less restrictive, the Steam Deck might be the ideal gaming device for you.
Yes and no. It all depends on what kind of device you prefer playing games on and where you like to play games. The Steam Deck is a beast and is a cheaper alternative to investing in a gaming PC.
If you want to be more mobile and play games on the go, the Steam Deck would better suit you. PCs are clunky and can’t easily be moved, so you’re more restricted.
However, PCs specifically built with gaming in mind have more powerful hardware options and a much broader range of peripherals and customization options.
What are the Best Gaming PCs in 2023?
If you would rather play triple-A games from a PC than from the Steam Deck, you may want to consider getting one of the following top-rated gaming PCs, as recommended by players and experts. They include the following:
● Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 (highest-rated AMD gaming PC)
● Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (BEST PC for gaming)
● HP Victus 15L (great for on a budget)
● Acer Predator Orion 7000 (best gaming PC for upgrades)
● Alienware Aurora R16 (one of the latest and most sophisticated gaming PCs)
● Origin Chronos V3 (excellent cooling system)
● Corsair PC Build Kit (great for beginners who want to build their own gaming PC)
● Acer Predator Orion 3000 (best value-for-money gaming PC)
● HP Omen 25L (best gaming PC for playing 1080p quality games)
Alternatives to the Steam Deck are the Nintendo Switch, the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld, the Lenovo Legion Go, the OneXPlayer 2 Pro, the Analogue Pocket, the ASUS ROG Ally, the Razer Edge, or the Razer Kishi V2.
Final Note
There has never been a better time than now to be an online gamer. There’s a device to suit all types of gamers, and whether you go for the Steam Deck or any other handheld gaming device or gaming PC, there are lots of epic games to play.
Remember to check out hit titles such as Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, God of War, Elden Ring, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and God of War. If that’s not enough to keep you going, other hit titles include Cuphead, Celeste, Vampire Survivors, Half-Life 2, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hades, Stay, Stardew Valley, and Final Fantasy XV, to name a few.