Valve Steam Deck 512GB review: specs and price
Just when it seemed that Nintendo had the portable console market all sewn up, Valve announced the potentially game-changing Steam Deck, a dream device for PC gamers on the move. Announced in July of 2021, it boasts some impressive hardware, including a custom APU (developed with AMD) that provides 1.6 TFlops of gaming performance.
Designed to run the Linux-based SteamOS, gamers will be able to access all of the titles in their existing Steam library. Compatibility shouldn’t be a problem thanks to Valve’s Proton technology, which allows Windows games to run on Linux. Another plus is that (unlike most consoles) the software isn’t locked down, meaning you can switch to the Linux desktop and install any software you desire.
Aside from being able to play PC games on the go, one of the most impressive aspects of the device is the controls. Two touchpads (along with a gyroscope) allow mouse-like precision in FPS games, a technology borrowed from their Steam Controller. On top of that, there’s an impressive amount of configuration available thanks to four programmable back buttons, as well as the standards you’d expect such as dual analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, and haptic feedback.
Although Valve had an abject failure in the past with Steam Machines, the Steam Deck seems set to succeed. By introducing Proton in 2018, Valve laid the groundwork for an impressive catalog of games to be ready when the Steam Deck launches. On top of that, this powerful hardware comes in at a highly competitive price, with the base model costing just $50 more than the upcoming Nintendo Switch (OLED model).
Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Why is Valve Steam Deck 512GB better than the average?
- CPU speed?
4 x 3.5 GHzvs12.83 GHz - RAM?
16GBvs8.53GB - GPU clock speed?
1600 MHzvs978.05 MHz - Internal storage?
512GBvs473.78GB - Number of controllers?
4vs1.81 - Thickness?
49 mmvs55.39 mm - Number of analog sticks?
2vs1.67 - Bluetooth version?
5vs4.6
Price comparison
Valve Steam Deck 512Gb Handheld Video Gaming Computer Console - Fastest Storage, Premium Anti-Glare Glass...Valve Steam Deck 512Gb Handheld Video Gaming Computer Console - Fastest Storage, Premium Anti-Glare Glass, With Exclusive Carrying Case, Steam Community Profile Bundle, And Virtual Keyboard Theme
User reviews
Overall rating
Features
Quality of exclusive games
8.6/10
7 votes
Backwards compatibility
8.0/10
6 votes
Controller
8.3/10
7 votes
Non-gaming apps
8.0/10
6 votes
Quiet operation
7.4/10
7 votes
Performance
CPU speed
4 x 3.5 GHz
The CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.
floating-point performance
1.6 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
RAM
16GB
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of memory used to store working data and machine code. Having more RAM is particularly useful for multitasking, allowing you to run more programs at once or have more tabs open in your browser.
GPU clock speed
1600 MHz
The clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).
supports ray tracing
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
I/O throughput
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
I/O throughput refers to the bandwidth of the internal storage. Storage that supports faster data transmission speeds results in quicker load times.
Is an NVMe SSD
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, which has a higher bandwidth than the SATA interface. This results in much faster read/write speeds compared to SSDs which use the SATA interface.
memory bandwidth
88 GB/s
A higher memory bandwidth means the memory can be accessed faster and therefore data can be retrieved quicker, having a positive effect on the performance.
Can connect to an external drive
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
You can easily connect an external hard drive via USB if you need more space.
General info
Type
Portable, Home
The type of game console.
The resolution represents the amount of pixels that make up the image. It is a key indicator of image quality, with higher resolutions providing sharper and more detailed images.
display resolution
720p (HD)
The display resolution represents the amount of pixels that make up the image. It is a key indicator of image quality, with higher resolutions providing sharper and more detailed images.
Hard drive is replaceable
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
The internal hard drive can be replaced by the user, for example if you wish to upgrade to a larger storage capacity.
Has an internal power supply
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Devices with an internal power supply are desirable as they don't require a large external "power brick" on the cable. It’s more aesthetically pleasing and an advantage if you have limited space.
Display type
LCD
The type of technology used in the display.
internal storage
512GB
The internal storage refers to the built-in storage space available in a device for system data, apps, and user-generated data. With a large amount of internal storage, you can save more files and apps on your device.
battery power
5200 mAh
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
Is region free
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Region free devices allow you to play games from different continents. This enables you to collect a larger game library, and you could play games before they are released in your region.
Connectivity
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
With a standard mini jack socket, you can use the device with most headphones.
supports Wi-Fi
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
The device can connect to Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.
is DLNA-certified
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
All DLNA-certified products are compatible with one another. When different devices are connected to the same network, data can be transferred easily between them.
With more USB ports, you are able to connect more devices.
has an HDMI output
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
You can output high definition video and audio to a display. This could be through an HDMI port, Mini HDMI port, or a USB-C port that supports HDMI.
HDMI version
HDMI 2.0
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.
has an external memory slot
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
The device has a standard memory slot (such as an SD or micro SD card slot) that enables you to extend the built-in internal storage with affordable memory modules, or easily retrieve data, such as photographs, from the memory card.
Features
has voice commands
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
You can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button.
pixel density
215 ppi
Pixel density is a measurement of a screen's resolution, expressed as the number of pixels per inch (PPI) on the screen. A higher pixel density translates into more clarity and sharpness for the images rendered on the screen, thus improving the quality of the viewing experience.
Can play games while they download
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
This means you don’t have to wait for the entire game to download first, as the later stages of the game download while you are playing.
supports quick resume
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Quick resume is a feature that allows you to switch between several running games with practically zero loading times.
supports Discord voice chat
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
It supports Discord Voice, allowing you to chat with people on other platforms such as PC and mobile.
Supports 3D audio
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
3D audio provides a more immersive soundscape than traditional surround sound technologies, allowing you to pinpoint the exact direction that sounds are coming from.
supports Dolby Vision
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Dolby Vision is an HDR format that supports greater color depth and brightness than HDR10/HDR10+. It uses dynamic metadata so that each frame can have its own settings for contrast, brightness, and colors, which results in lifelike images.
supports VR
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Using a compatible headset, you can enjoy immersive gaming in virtual reality (VR).
Has a 4K Blu-ray drive
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
4K Blu-ray (also known as Ultra HD Blu-ray) is an advanced version of the original Blu-ray format. It supports a higher resolution of 4K, frame rates of up to 60fps, a wider color gamut, and HDR.
Controllers
More controllers allows you to have more people playing at a time.
has adaptive triggers
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Special motors in the controller can adjust the tension of the trigger buttons, adding to the feeling of immersion. For example, the triggers can become harder to press down as a player’s character sprints and becomes fatigued.
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s)
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
A motion controller is a type of game controller that utilizes sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other types of sensors) to track motion and provide input.
The more analog sticks, the more complex the input can be.
has an integrated touchpad
✔Valve Steam Deck 512GB
With a touchpad, users can control the device by moving their finger on a touch-sensitive surface.
Has dual force feedback
✖Valve Steam Deck 512GB
With dual force feedback the controller has realistic vibrations, allowing you to feel the direction from which the impact is coming.
The more buttons the device has, the more complex the input can be.
Price comparison
Valve Steam Deck 512Gb Handheld Video Gaming Computer Console - Fastest Storage, Premium Anti-Glare Glass...Valve Steam Deck 512Gb Handheld Video Gaming Computer Console - Fastest Storage, Premium Anti-Glare Glass, With Exclusive Carrying Case, Steam Community Profile Bundle, And Virtual Keyboard Theme
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Comments
Yeet
1 year ago
10 / 10
The best console I have!
Yeet
1 year ago
10 / 10
Pros
Cons
Saito
9 months ago
7 / 10
Comfortable Windows gaming with Proton
Saito
9 months ago
7 / 10
I think it's truly amazing. It allows you to play almost all Steam games, and if you need storage capacity, you just insert a microSD. The controller was also very good. Haptic touch feedback works in various games. The trackpad with embedded touch feedback enhances the playing experience. It's a top-quality controller with a realistic feel.
Pros
Cons
Miguel
2 years ago
10 / 10
Very good like a gamer pc but portable.
Miguel
2 years ago
10 / 10