I need a Steam Deck, however I am scared to purchase one

I’ve needed a Steam Deck from the primary second I noticed one. However I haven’t purchased one but. Initially, it was as a result of I couldn’t actually justify the acquisition, at the least if the period of time I’ve used my unique Nintendo Swap in transportable mode is something to go by. However currently I’ve a brand new purpose: I’m scared. 

See, I might undoubtedly persuade myself that getting one is sensible. I work for PCWorld, it’s not as if shopping for a conveyable gaming PC would piss off my (imaginary) accountant. However since I’m a $500 buy, most likely nearer to $1,000 if I get an OLED mannequin and a few upgrades, it’s manner outdoors of impulse purchase territory. So I wish to make sure that it’s a very good buy, if not essentially a smart one. 

The Steam Deck is getting older

And right here’s the factor: The Steam Deck is three and a half years outdated. And the OLED mannequin, whereas gently revising the interior bits, isn’t any extra highly effective. Whereas the Steam Deck’s AMD Zen 2-based APU is okay for the overwhelming majority of PC video games, particularly mixed with the effectivity of SteamOS and the Proton compatibility layer, it’s undoubtedly trying a bit lengthy within the tooth for the newest 3D titles. 

So I’ve buy paralysis. I don’t wish to sink the higher a part of a grand right into a recreation machine if a brand new one is true across the nook. Granted, that’s all the time a difficulty with nearly any sort of know-how, from graphics playing cards to Grand Cherokees.

However even when Valve is tight-lipped about any sort of new mannequin or revision — and extra reticent than most corporations to launch a brand new one and doubtlessly fracture the userbase when it comes to functionality — I can’t assist however worry that a greater various is true across the nook. If not from Valve, then from a competitor.

Because the Steam Deck blew up the beforehand teeny-tiny transportable gaming PC market, dozens of options have popped up mimicking its kind issue and capabilities. Most of those are additionally utilizing AMD’s wonderful APU designs, and most are extra highly effective than the Steam Deck’s, if solely nominally so. And now that these can even run SteamOS as an alternative of clunky Home windows, both formally or by way of a secondary obtain, they’ve turn into much more interesting. 

…however the options aren’t getting higher quick sufficient

The Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Version (that can by no means not be a horrible identify) is distinguished amongst these, and presents a direct comparability for instance my level. Even utilizing the Ryzen Z2 Go configuration, far much less highly effective than the older Z1 Excessive, it handily beats the Steam Deck working the identical video games, decision, and OS. Absent of all different issues, in order for you a Steam-powered handheld and also you’re on the lookout for energy, you already must look past the Steam Deck. 

There are additionally some notable weaknesses within the Steam Deck’s design. Don’t get me fallacious, it’s nonetheless most likely one of the best within the admittedly small area. However it might use an even bigger display for its construct, and a extra ergonomic design, too — the thumbsticks and touchpads cut up the distinction when it comes to having the ability to attain them.

These sticks might stand to be corridor impact (lookin’ at you, Nintendo!), and a bit additional work on the internals would possibly give the Steam Deck an even bigger battery and room for full-length 80mm SSDs, that are a lot simpler to seek out and cheaper moreover. 

So Steam Deck options with extra energy at the moment are obtainable, even in order for you one which isn’t utilizing Home windows (and I do). And there are sufficient enhancements to be made on the unique mannequin {that a} revision, or another, must be a severe consideration.

After all, these would require a bit additional elbow grease to get SteamOS working on them. And even erring on the optimistic aspect, I believe it’s protected to imagine that they received’t get the identical wonderful software program help because the Steam Deck, and received’t have anyplace close to as many equipment obtainable.

I’m nonetheless going to attend it out

That leads me to suppose that, absent a smash-hit various within the close to future, I ought to nonetheless look ahead to an upgraded model of the Steam Deck. Sadly I don’t suppose that’s prone to occur anytime quickly.

In the intervening time Valve seems to be outselling all of the options, even utilizing barely outdated {hardware}, and so has no actual purpose to fast-track an improve. The corporate has mentioned as a lot. And with tariffs, the AI chip capability crunch, and different uncertainties making costlier {hardware} unappetizing to Valve and players alike, there’s no nice rush to do away with the unique (and nonetheless pretty reasonably priced) Steam Deck.

Willis Lai/Foundry

And but, I can’t convey myself to tug the set off. With an increasing number of newer video games being simply past the Steam Deck’s environment friendly capabilities, the issues with the present {hardware} aren’t going away. And I actually wish to see what Valve adjustments in a second-gen system, after studying what enhancements are vital from years of producing and hundreds of thousands of customers. So I’m caught, craving for what’s and excited (and afraid) of what is perhaps.

As soon as once more, that’s a fundamental dilemma for nearly any sort of know-how. And I’d be negligent if I didn’t admit a specific amount of first-world privilege in even contemplating this a conundrum. However I’ll shut out with some extent in favor of endurance for any tech buy: When the brand new one arrives, the outdated one will probably be even cheaper, providing you with extra and higher choices mechanically.

Perhaps I can wait a bit longer in any case.

Additional studying: Grasp your Steam Deck with these 22 ideas and methods