TheSteam Deckhas already been in consumers' hands for nearly a year, and it has quickly become one of the most intriguing and sought-after devices of 2022. With pre-orders initially dating back to July 2021, Valve finally released the handheld console in February 2022. Since then, the device has been a massive success, reportedly selling over 1 million units in its first eight months. Critics and users have praised theSteam Deckfor its performance, versatility, and consistent updates that continue to improve its functionality.
One of the defining features of the Steam Deck lies in its appeal to different audiences. Rather than creating a device that solely offers the simplicity of a console or creating one that is too complex for average consumers, Valve found the perfect middle-ground. TheSteam Deck satisfies both casual and hardcore playersin one go, which in turn lends itself well to different types of gamers, lifestyles, and genres. Because of this, the Steam Deck is perfect for those looking to quickly boot up their games to complete a few challenges here and there.
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Live Service Games Fit Right at Home on the Steam Deck
With its portability, simplicity, and excellent controls, the Steam Deck gives gamers a quick and reliable way to play games. Therefore, it serves as the perfect platform forgames with a Battle Pass likeFortnite,Call of Duty,Apex Legends,Rocket League, orGenshin Impact. It provides a way to quickly jump into a game to complete challenges, earn daily rewards, and progress toward weekly and seasonal accomplishments. Since modern live service games often require players to log in almost every day for maximum rewards, the versatility of the Steam Deck makes this easier than ever.
The Steam Deck’s versatility starts with the operating system and the software Valve put together for the device. TheSteam Deck is a Linux-based handheld gaming PCthat essentially has the full capabilities of any regular PC. For those looking for a simple, console-like experience, SteamOS allows users to play games, browse the Steam store, access social features, and manage an impressive selection of settings. When switching over to Desktop mode, users can browse the internet, download applications, manage files, and much more.
While the Steam Deck has been crowned as one of thebest handheld devices for Indie titles and emulation, it is surprisingly capable in many modern AAA games. It typically doesn’t get more than an hour or two out of more demanding games, though. However, with a powerful PC and decent Wi-Fi, the ability to stream games to the device is a great way to conserve battery while trying to get in a quick gaming session while in bed or on the couch.
Similarly to live service games with their battle passes, traditionalMMOs are great on the Steam Deckas well, thanks to their use case for shorter play sessions. Games likeFinal Fantasy 14,Guild Wars 2, andStar Wars: The Old Republicperform well and can be enjoyed in shorter sessions to complete a few quests or take care of daily activities. Plus, the Steam Deck’s highly customizable controls are great for tailoring the experience to players' preferences.
There are many different types of gamers, many of whom regularly travel, utilize public transportation, or just like to relax in bed or on the couch when they are at home. Thanks toValve’s powerful and portable little gaming PC, gamers don’t have to be tied to a specific location when playing their favorite games. The Steam Deck allows players to have fun and progress in modern games wherever they want. For those who worry about the time required to progress through battle passes, the Steam Deck serves as a handy solution.
