Steam Deck

[Bedwyr]

I'll be. Just after the Switch OLED was announced with no performance improvements. Color me mildly intrigued.

https://www.steamdeck.com/en/

[Mecha82]

Seems like highly possible flop to me.

[Bedwyr]

I'm dead center in their market. Steam games on the go? <raises hand>

[Daryk]

The site seems to be having issues loading...

[ActionButler]

I wouldn’t preorder one, but I will definitely keep my eye on it. This is something (at least, in theory) that I’ve been looking for for a very long time.

[Daryk]

Finally loaded smoothly... not something for me, I think.

[TheoLehman]

Most of the games I play on PC I use keyboard and mouse for, so, uh, gonna pass on this one.

[Sartris]

Interested to see what the expected shelf life of these guys are before the games outclass the hardware. My mid tier 2015 Lenovo laptop still fends for itself fairly well so if it’s in that neighborhood I’ll definitely have interest

[idea weenie]

I wonder if this is why they stopped with the steam controller?

[SCHiZO]

If there are no problems at launch I'll pick up the most advanced one. A nice laptop alternative as my main rig is massive.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I'm unsure about this.  Specs don't look that impressive for a gaming device.

[Bedwyr]

I wonder if this is why they stopped with the steam controller?

A form factor and construction quality that just didn't jive with people. Personally, I love it to pieces, especially for the touch menu and radial menu functionality.

I can understand I guess. I don't play action FPS games. RPGs like Fallout and Borderlands are about as close as I get and mouse-look with a touchpad is plenty for me. Others just need the familiarity of a stick, better build quality, and better handfeel. And it kind of worked out as Steam Input has matured into one of their service's best features. I'm disappointed, sure, but the controller is still pretty well supported and I use it in the TV room for PC games.

[Rorke]

Most of the games I play on PC I use keyboard and mouse for, so, uh, gonna pass on this one.

Bang on!

But heck not for me to stand in the way, of others having fun.

[marauder648]

they missed a beat by not calling it the Gabe Boy.

[JadeHellbringer]

they missed a beat by not calling it the Gabe Boy.

*slow clap*

That was actually pretty good.  ;D

[Hellraiser]

Bang on!

But heck not for me to stand in the way, of others having fun.

Agreed, looks interesting but I was NEVER a fan of thumb pad games from Nintendo-1 and forward.

I'm old,  either a Joystick at the Arcade or a Mouse at my PC.   hehe.

[Bedwyr]

Welp. I reserved mine. The idea of playing Mass Effect Trilogy and other games in an airplane is just too much to withstand.

[TheoLehman]

It's going to be running the same Linux build as Steam Machines, which I suppose shouldn't surprise me.  Make sure y'all's games are Proton-compliant before you get hyped about playing them on the Deck.
Also Kotaku has an article about how actually the Steam Deck isn't trying to compete with the Nintendo Switch, which is, um, (adjusts glasses) it's certainly a take.

[SCHiZO]

I'm still on the fence with reserving. I would go for the top tier model but according to Steam I wouldn't be able to order and receive it until Q2 2022. Yikes!

[Sartris]

the more I look at this the more I just want to take the money and dump it into my next PC

[TheoLehman]

I'm sticking with my current setup: pretty nice gaming PC for games I want keyboard & mouse for, Switch for controllery stuff.

[Sartris]

An xbox controller suffices for me as a PC pad. I only put stuff on console if it’s exclusive since my old consoles get retired to storage.

[Nerroth]

So far as PC gaming is concerned, the kind of titles I'd want to play are those Total War franchise entries which I've missed out on in recent years, such as Three Kingdoms and Thrones of Britannia; as well as... HBS' BattleTech.

I'm not sure how well such games would work with the dual touchpads on the Steam Deck, or how clearly they'd be viewable on the screen (in terms of font size). That said, Valve are reportedly working on an official dock, which would perhaps make keyboard and mouse usage on a TV/monitor that much easier.

Given the install space used up by these games, however, it would appear that the 256 GB model would be the minimum required to install more than one or two such games at once before being obliged to add a microSD card.

[Wrangler]

Name deck sounds like a play on Shadowrun's deck (deckers used),  I'm not sure if Cyberpunk (original RPG) used them

[Bedwyr]

It's almost certainly a reference to Neuromancer.

[BirdofPrey]

they missed a beat by not calling it the Gabe Boy.

🔴🔵🟢 GABE GEAR

[TheoLehman]

The less we have to think about Gabe's Gear, the better.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

[Lord Harlock]

I can’t disagree with the logic. It’s pretty sound. That being said the Deck has the same issue as the Steam Boxes- the lack of upgradability. You can upgrade the ROM like a Switch via Micro SD memory cards, but PC gaming is partially about being able to upgrade the hardware. And like a Switch, the Deck is kind of stuck with most of the original parts.

[Bedwyr]

I can’t disagree with the logic. It’s pretty sound. That being said the Deck has the same issue as the Steam Boxes- the lack of upgradability. You can upgrade the ROM like a Switch via Micro SD memory cards, but PC gaming is partially about being able to upgrade the hardware. And like a Switch, the Deck is kind of stuck with most of the original parts.

Well, that violates the aesthetics and hobby of PC makers, but they're not really the audience. This is the crew that's already committed to the best mouse and keyboard rig you can possibly make. This is not for them. But there's another group of gamers out there, those that are interested in a robust gaming experience in different portable forms: thin-n-light gaming laptops (Razers and ROG Zephyrus), the Switch, and to a lesser degree people playing on dedicated full-fat gaming laptops (ROG Strix and Dell Alienware).

I think for people used to static hardware configurations, this represents something really interesting. I'm dead in the middle of this wishing for a long time that I could play things like Mass Effect 3 and No Man's Sky on the go. I actually do have both a self-built HTPC and a Gigabyte light gaming laptop. The former is to get the best, most consistent PC couch experience I can. It's a hobby that involves lots of searches for media software like Kodi, for hardware like the Steam Controller, and configuration of everything to make the experience smooth. The latter is partly to unify my work experience and desktop game experience on the go.

[Bedwyr]

Oh this is very good news and was something I was hoping for. The Deck UI will eventually replace Big Picture which has been accumulating a lot of functional debt including outdated chromium browser, shop links and sales not working at all, partial functionality in game organization, missing game key entry, and weird half integration with voice and chat.

https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-decks-ui-will-be-replacing-steams-big-picture-mode

[Euphonium]

I like the idea of this (an of the Switch) but I won't be buying one. My reasons basically come down to size and capability - it's too big to go in a pocket so I need a bag, and if I've got to take a bag anyway, why not bring my more capable laptop? The number of times I'd use an intermediate device is too small to justify the cost, especially with such limited storage. Also, I never got the hang of console-style controllers, and found the Switch I tried to be quite uncomfortable to use.

I'm really glad they exist though, I've got friends who'll love this!

[Nightlord01]

I like the idea of this (an of the Switch) but I won't be buying one. My reasons basically come down to size and capability - it's too big to go in a pocket so I need a bag, and if I've got to take a bag anyway, why not bring my more capable laptop? The number of times I'd use an intermediate device is too small to justify the cost, especially with such limited storage. Also, I never got the hang of console-style controllers, and found the Switch I tried to be quite uncomfortable to use.

I'm really glad they exist though, I've got friends who'll love this!

I think this is more aimed at the mobile gaming crowd, tbh. Or more accurately, replacing the mobile games of the PC and console crowd.

If you have a lengthy public transport commute each day, or travel a lot for work, this would be right up your alley. Bonus points for the dock, which will act just like the Switch dock, so you can play it in a hotel with a TV and a free HDMi port, much lighter and more portable than a laptop.

[TheoLehman]

Isn't the Steam Deck Dock a separate purchase?  That would imply that they're looking at docked play as a secondary use.
Personally I'm bothered by its use of SteamOS and the mandatory Proton requirement.  It means you could very easily be browsing Steam on your Steam Deck, decide to buy a game, then be unable to play it because it's not compatible with the machine you bought it for.  Is the Deck's version of the Steam Client going to filter non-compatible games?
Also I was reminded recently that Valve doesn't have the best track record of supporting its hardware.  The Steam Link was mentioned with significant bitterness.
Look, every time I hear more about the Steam Deck I end up with new reasons to encourage everyone to be cautious, if not outright trepidatious, about buying one.  Maybe don't pre-order one, is what I'm saying.

[idea weenie]

One idea where it could be good is multiplayer using the Steam Deck and the Steam Interface.

What you do is go to a friend's house, and pull out your Steam deck.  You point it at the screen that the host is using, and ask them to click an option to link the Steam accounts.  The host can choose if it will be temporary (and a selectable timeframe), or permanent (i.e. Steam Friends).  From there, the Steam client on the computer will display something like a QR code that the Steam Decks can view and translate.  This will cause the Steam Decks to transmit friend requests to the host, that the host can accept (temporary or permanent).  Once the Decks are linked to the host's Steam setup, the host selects a multiplayer game, and the Steam Decks check to see if that game is installed.  If the game is installed, they can choose to launch the game as well, or the person with the Steam Deck can decline.  If the game is not installed, the Deck will prompt the owner to ask if they want to purchase/download/install the game.

Once the host has the game up, and the corresponding Steam decks are linked, the multiplayer game can begin.  The Steam decks can be used as extra screens to serve as extra crewmembers, additional crew to control turrets for a World of Warships type game, or other similar sub-commander type positions.  Balance and turning detection will allow the person holding the Steam deck to protect the main character from threats in a variety of directions.  Of course, it will help if the guests are also connected through the host's wifi network.  If they are, the Steam setup tries to make a LAN using the wifi setup, instead of needing to coordinate via central servers.

As an example, imagine having friends over and everyone playing Artemis Starship simulator.  No need to set up a LAN, just invite friends over, and Steam handles all the coordination needed.  Or Genesis Alpha, where the host plays the commander, and individuals play the NPCs.

[Bedwyr]

A bit late, but I’m pleased with how enthused Linus Sebastian was with the deck. Also now kind of jealous at that matte screen.

[Lanceman]

I think it’s a really cool product idea. I’m just not in the target audience for it anymore I think. I don’t need my gaming to be *that* mobile. I would like a handhed to play emulators on, but I can do that much more cheaply with one of the Raspberry Pi kits.

[Nerroth]

The Steam Deck has been officially launched; the first batch of reviews are being posted.

I wonder if or when there might be word as to whether HBS' BATTLETECH runs on it or not.

[Bedwyr]

The Steam Deck has been officially launched; the first batch of reviews are being posted.

I wonder if or when there might be word as to whether HBS' BATTLETECH runs on it or not.

For those interested, there's a continuously updating list of your library here. Battletech isn't listed yet so they haven't gotten around to it.

[Bedwyr]

I think resurrecting this thread is reasonable since the Deck has been released. Mod colleagues, feel free to challenge me on this if you feel otherwise.

Anyone have the Deck in hand? How is the machine? Do you like it? How are the games?

[pheonixstorm]

Might be useful for Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077. Mostly I like to play Civ 6, Stellaris, Planet Coaster, and Cities Skylines. Most of those probably don't work well with the switch but haven't looked into it that much.

[Bedwyr]

Civ and Skylines does pretty well for sure on the Switch. However, there's nearly no DLC on Skylines and the AI starts to bog down in late game civ 6 if you're not careful.

[pheonixstorm]

...... Meant Steam Deck not Switch. Get one stuck in your head just to forget the other  xp

[anarchy]

I’ve got a Steam Deck. My initial thoughts are pretty positive, but I’ve barely scratched the surface. My only complaint so far is the battery life — it drains pretty quickly when playing but also needs charging after a couple days just sitting in the case. Build quality is top-notch. I find it pretty easy to hold, but it’s bigger than I thought it was going to be.

Desk Job is fantastic. It should be the first game you install and play…

I’ll install Battletech and try it out, but its still listed as unknown compatibility.

[anarchy]

Battletech runs fine on the Steam Deck. Actually loads faster than on my desktop PC because of the SSD.

[Bedwyr]

That's good. I had thought the game was listed as unsupported or untested still.

[Daryk]

Dang... even blown up, I need my reading glasses to make out any of that text...  :P

[Bedwyr]

Yeah that's always the risk without a UI redesign. I've enjoyed the PC games I've played that were ported to the Switch, but they definitely needed a simpler UI. I regard Civ VI in that respect a near miracle.

[anarchy]

That's good. I had thought the game was listed as unsupported or untested still.

It is still listed as untested (there's a question mark for its status on the thumbnail). But you can try questionable games from your library and I've found more stuff works than not. I haven't messed around with any settings to try to make it work better (and the UI is teeny-tiny).

[Bedwyr]

It is still listed as untested (there's a question mark for its status on the thumbnail). But you can try questionable games from your library and I've found more stuff works than not. I haven't messed around with any settings to try to make it work better (and the UI is teeny-tiny).

That's good because I have a new MacBook and discovered HBS BT has a showstopper bug under Rosetta mode and really bad texturing artifacts under Parallels with Windows.

[Nerroth]

A new Steam Deck OLED model (technically, two of them, plus a Limited Edition) is (or are) due out in the US and Canada next week. No word yet on if/when it is due to show up elsewhere, though.

[Nerroth]

As it happens, there is a former Rim Worlds Republic world called Gabenstad, which fell off the Inner Sphere and near Periphery maps at some point after the end of the Second Succession War. In the "contemporary" IlClan Era setting, the world is, or would be, in unclaimed space close to the Rim Territories.

So, if a Goliath Scorpion Seeker was to uncover a cache of LosTech devices from this lost world, and then find a way of making them functional once again, might this be the result?



-----

Beyond gaming mode, SteamOS has a desktop mode which enables the Steam Deck - LCD or OLED - to be used as a desktop Linux PC.

Although, it would be advised to do this while using a few added peripherals:







Said peripherals are also recommended for playing games designed to be played on a larger screen with a keyboard and mouse. Although, using the OLED screen while docked is not an altogether bad alternative.

SteamOS has Mozilla Firefox installed as standard, though other apps - such as Google Chrome, LibreOffice, and so forth - can be installed from the Discover Software Centre (an "app store" for Flatpaks).

Note, however, that SteamOS sets the system memory to read-only by default. While it is possible to alter this, Valve only suggest that option for someone who knows what they are doing - not least since any edits made are liable to be wiped in the next OS update.

So there are two main ways to get new things running on the Steam Deck: to download (or transfer) and install them in the Steam client itself, or to use Flatpaks from the Discover Software Centre.

-----

And to follow on from what is noted above, HBS' BattleTech is now listed as "Playable" on Steam.

[Daryk]

Good to see convergence coming from the other side for once... ;D

[Nerroth]

Ironically, to this point most of the game-related use I have had for the Steam Deck OLED has been to play games that are best played with a keyboard and mouse.

For example: Total War: Three Kingdoms is listed as Unsupported on Steam, yet it (mostly) runs well enough - though it's best to play on an external monitor with mouse and keyboard.

More recently, however, I installed my first Deck Verified game: Spider-Man Remastered. But of course, while you can play it in handheld mode, you also have the option to play it in docked mode with a separate controller.

And what might be a good choice of controller for that particular game?





This is the Midnight Black colour DualSense.

Notably, when you connect this controller to the Steam Deck (which can be done either via type-C USB or via Bluetooth), SteamOS replaces with A, B, X, and Y buttons on the interface with the four PlayStation buttons!

Also, on both the Steam Deck's own controls and on the external controller, it is possible to swap the button configurations to the Nintendo standard input: B swaps with A, while X swaps with Y.

Plus, the trackpad on the DualSense works as a trackpad in desktop mode, if you wanted to use it for that.

And you can manually adjust whether or not desktop mode activates the controller's built-in microphone and/or speakers. (At least when connected via type-C USB; I gather that not all of the DualSense features work on Deck via Bluetooth.)

Do any of you have an external controller for use in docked mode - and, if so, which one do you prefer?

[Bedwyr]

I keep a Steam Deck for handheld and a gaming "HTPC" in the TV room FWIW. I think a PS5 controller is perfectly suitable for any controller game. I'm an XBox controller person since the 360 so the Series X controller is just amazing to me. If I need finer control over an M&K game I just use the Steam Controller or the Steam Deck itself thanks to the wonderful Steam Input setup. If I need fine control *and* speed as in an RTS, then I really do need M&K. But for my use case, that's probably 1% or less of my Steam library.