Steam Deck Review: Console Quality Handheld Gaming - Believe It!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.พ. 2022
- We expected Steam Deck to deliver some good quality handheld gaming based on earlier press. What we didn't expect to see was console-quality gaming (or better). Think of it as a mini-PlayStation 4 but with access to the vast Steam library. Just how powerful is it? What is actually going on with screen quality and battery life? Rich tells all.
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I'm most interested in playing 90s and 2000s pc games on this device. Portable splinter cell chaos theory and a better version of Bioshock than the switch release will be nice
Emulation will also be nice on it
I'm honestly excited for this because devs refuse to release older great games on Switch lol
what would be really sweet is if you could connect two together and play emulated local multiplayer games like goldeneye, smash brothers, etc
Same. Looking forward to playing Persona 4 on this.
@@ZSTE how old you're talking about?
The fact that you can jump into a desktop environment gives this device insane value.
That is a great feature, and I remember doing that on Wii-U, going to the browser for maps to display on the TV, but I haven't missed that on Switch. I kind of like that it's not there. It makes me focus on the game in hand instead of outside apps. However, I'm looking forward to it again on the Deck!
@@PunkHippie1971 i mean the main selling point is emulation and the community is doing that like no one
it's still buggy as hell one year later
@@JuanSinMiedo441 ?? its just arch, what are you on about
Valve keeping it open, unlocked is a winner to me. Even going as far as sharing CAD files. This level of transparency is a breath of fresh air. Sounds like a well earned and well deserved win for Valve.
30 fps limiter actually makes a lot of sense, it will ensure more stable performance and also will slightly improve battery life.
I’ll be playing on 30fps to match PS4 performance.
Absolutely - nothing wrong with 30 FPS especially if it stretches out your battery by an extra hour or two on a road trip. What a great little device.
PC Gamers are averse to 30fps because it’s noticeable when you’re using a mouse and keyboard due to the much higher sensitivity of the mouse input. There is zero problem with 30fps on a console because it’s barely noticeable when you’re using a controller input. The Steam Deck only requires to run games at 30fps.
@@Bendaak it’s definitely noticeable on controller
@@evanlouanthony I don’t see it as an issue if it’s a solid 30fps, it doesn’t impede the experience.
Regarding stutter, what is most likely happening is that a lot of these games do not have proper shader caches yet which drastically reduces reliability and induces stutter. Valve has systems in place to automatically generate them but it requires a bunch of users to play them on the exact hardware first. So its probably going to improve as more decks are out there.
we also see stutter below 30 fps with unlocked framerate while it holds steady at 30 vsync. this is likely because running at higher framerates encounters other system bottlenecks that aren't hit at locked 30, resulting in momentary slowdown.
Actually that makes sense and as the Deck is still new, it's likely going to get better in time and being as the hardware is also fixed, shader caches could be done before the game is launched but I'm not sure if that would need developers input, I do know that Valve has it's own shader cache for Vulkan so maybe that will do the trick.
Henk mijn ballen jeuken.
@@paul1979uk2000 The easiest thing developers can do is just follow ID's example and do it properly using Vulkan in their games. Doom will load very slow the first time since its going to compile everything it needs and then your set. That way even if the shader cache distribution fails it will not stutter during gameplay and only load a little longer.
Lazy game devs still using DX instead of vulkan.
Something that I think would be fascinating to see is to come back in a year and test the same exact games to find out if over time a combination of Proton updates, GPU Driver / OS updates would have improved performance. I think it's likely that Valve will continue to tweak things and squeeze slightly more performance from the device after launch.
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Even less then that, 6 months from now as I suspect now the Steam Deck is out in the wild, we are likely going to see much bigger changes to SteamOS, Proton, the drivers and games compatibility for it to see how much progress happens.
On the gaming front, I always suspect that the amount of games that will play on the device would really start to go up once the Steam Deck is on the market and it wouldn't surprise me if most games work on the Deck without any real issues after a year of the Deck being on the market.
So basiclly, it's a good start, needs a bit more polish but the right building blocks are in place that this could be a massive success for them.
@@paul1979uk2000 I hope we can have PC gaming not exclusive to Windows because for as much as I like what Microsoft has done for PC gaming, there must be competition.
What I'm interested to see if in a year or two new games will have a Steam Deck -quality option in addition to Low, Medium, High, etc.
lol did you get a steam deck and now are hoping for the best?🤣
Overlay with TDP limit, fps cap, and gpu clock speed settings, thank you. Valve is the one company that doesn't treat it customers like little babies seriously
Also the only gaming company that treats Linux as a first-class citizen.
I hope Valve starts treating Windows (and possibly macOS) as a second-class citizen
Personally I’m really happy that valve didn’t base their handheld on windows. Linux just gave them more control over the whole experience. And with this, Linux may become a more viable desktop platform in general.
This.
It’s been the year of Linux on desktop since 1999 so yeah possible
Technically, that's not entirely correct. Windows can indeed be stripped down to its barebone, even without GUI, if one so wish (and have the money throw at Microsoft). Basically stock Windows for PC were built the way it is, that is to have a considerable amount of bloat, is that you would have to install something similar anyway if those weren't built into the system.
I'd say the reason why Windows handheld doesn't go the barebone Windows route is that since most of those were released in China, people do prefer them to act like a portable computer rather than a pure handheld, and they won't have the time and money to tune a barebone version of Windows to suit their needs anyway giving how rapid new products were released. Valve choosing Linux means one thing only and that's to save money, as they would have to heavily modify the system anyway even if it was Windows, and not to mention Valve already has some experience working with Linux.
@@FlameRat_YehLon Linux and all the projects involved with gaming on Linux being open source are absolutely a reason for why it’s easier to integrate a system compared to windows.
@@roccociccone597 Open source doesn't make anything "easier". It just means you are allowed to use the source code rather than the full package and that's it, you still have to configure the hell out of it just to have it working. Not to mention most of the "gaming on Linux" things were just there to run Windows games, and won't be needed on Windows to begin with, plus it's not that relevant to the topic giving that what Steam Deck needs is more about the hardware (say, power efficiency tuning) than the software (aka games).
Anyway, my opinion stays that Windows is no less flexible than linux on the right hands, but Valve likely has more experience tuning Linux so they chose Linux.
Valve may be trying to encourage developers to target this hardware and Linux environment. If the Steam Deck is successful, it would prolong the use of older graphics cards and improve the experience of Linux gaming.
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That's what they've been doing with Proton from the start. Proton was a bootstrap for the Steam Deck, and they managed to convince Linux gamers (a sometimes *obnoxiously* enthusiastic demographic of technically skilled users) to do their testing for them.
@@lunasophia9002
You're welcome 🤗
I’m just excited to possibly switch to linux if gaming gets good enough
@@lunasophia9002 which is still, in the end, good for the Linux community.
that comparison with the discrete graphics cards was awesome. It may not be apples to apples, but it does give a real world use comparison. Having the knowledge that the Steam Deck at 800p performs like a 1050ti at 1080p is so convenient to know and just slot in my brain.
The reason people normally don't do this type of comparison is that, yes, it's interesting and can be useful to know today, but that number will change over time. I'd imagine in about a year, it will be much closer to 1:1 if not performing better.
@@Joe-cm5kl It won't. It cannot magically get twice as strong computing power out of thin air
@@wadimek116 we talking it getting better by 5-10%, we not talking about 1080p gaming but 720p its already matching the 1050Ti in some cases. So its very possible to get better performance if they make proton better, not the 1080p performance the 720p/800p
@@imo098765 1080p requires double the computing power than 720p. We're not matching 1050ti. If we would go this logic then Nintendo switch matches rtx 3090 because of resolution difference
@@wadimek116 We never said it matches at 1050Ti. Are you a bit slow?
We using the 1050Ti 1080p as what we can expect the SteamDeck to do at 720p, if not a bit faster once the tech gets more mature.
Also the Switch doesnt match the 3090 because you cant play at the same settings, you cant even play the same games
I love that they went Linux on the deck instead of Windows
Especially Arch since it means the OS will take up far less system resources in the background
and it prevents the PC gaming market from being ultimately at the whim of Microsoft's good will. They could decide at any moment to make running games outside their store a huge pain and having Linux as a viable competitor to windows for gaming only serves to benefit the consumer. Microsoft has been king of the PC for far too long and it's about time we broke up their monopoly and allowed more market freedom
I think you're 100% right. This product is less about... the product... than the OS. Good to have a non Mega corporation path to choose 👌🏻
@@jenshuxley You know you can install Windows, it's still a PC.
@@jenshuxley There is no singular "Linux" therefore you can't make that claim.
There are tons of ways Linux runs better than Windows, vice versa, depending on your usage. I'd never go back to Windows for my daily driver as it slows me down and is so much more clunky than Linux for what I do. Likewise I will continue on Windows for gaming, while benefiting from Proton for games I can run in Linux, so I don't always need to boot up my gaming PC. I also have a Macbook Pro for its amazing screen, speakers and battery life. (though man I despise MacOS)
Its all about picking the right tool for the job at hand.
There's a reason that 100% of the world's fastest supercomputers run linux. Most were running Windows previously but now Windows is just way too inefficient to stand a chance.
@@jenshuxley at the moment.
Wow. You guys won the review award compared to everyone else. Same award you won for the Analogue Pocket. Who knew you'd do so well with hardware reviews. Thank you for this beautiful watch.
Always trust in DF mate, these lads don't mess about
The perfomance and the suspend functions were the biggests caveats for me, great to see it deliver on both. Hopefully there's a revision next year with an OLED screen.
An adult Nintendo switch basically. Nice
Oled with VRR, would be the dream.
OLED IS dimmer than LCD
@@DarkPhychic depends on the LCD you're comparing it to.
Valve is already working on an update
People keep talking about modern AAA games on this thing. But given how vast and historic the Steam library is. This thing is worth the price alone for being able to play decades worth of classics with little to no hassle.
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Tbh modern AAA games have been on the decline in terms of fun factor and value. The classics are where it's at.
@@dr.ticklebum2385 there are so many classics i haven't got to, i just started a playthrough of Fear 1 and it's good so far. My rtx 2060 has mostly been playing old games these past years.
What amazes me is how incredibly well everything is is running right out of the box. Can you imagine what it will be like,even after 6-12 months with improved software, thousands of community tested games & the modding capabilities?
If the future steam support isn't enough to get excited about, there's the emulation capabilities I am most hyped about. Literally everything in existence will be running on this thing in the very near future. It's just unbelievable.
I'm a dedicated PC gamer, who skipped the PS5 and gave the Switch a very wide berth. Never bothered with it due to Nintendo's bullshit marketing strategy and money grabbing business practices, so this is absolutely perfect for my personal needs.
Valve - I salute you for being absolutely transparent about your product & providing the PC gaming community with a perfect handheld device with the power to allow me to play my ENTIRE steam catalogue without having to purchase the games again. You want a handheld that can do it all? Look no further than the Steam Deck.This is a game changer.
Yep exactly. Things can only keep getting better from here on out
The switch is a good console, I dunno what you are referring to with Nintendo’s marketing.
I think the answer to why Valve went with Linux over Windows dates back to when Windows 8 was launched, and Valve described it as "a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space". Ever since then they have sought long and hard to find a "get out of jail card" to move Steam to a platform that they can fully control, as they feared Microsoft would make Windows an increasingly closed platform. SteamOS, Steam Machines et. al were all vanishing mediators along this road, but the Steam Deck is clearly a by product of these efforts over the past 10 years, and in my opinion the most appealing by far!
Yeah I’m really happy they went this route, and that they pulled it off so incredibly well. Linux doesn’t have the same selfish motives that Windows has, and basing it on Windows would have been a gamble.
Windows also has background processes which affect performance. Valve has more control over the experience.
Linux allows Valve to customise the os also Valve has always been against Microsoft’s monopoly in the pc space particularly gaming. They have always supported Linux over windows for gaming.
I hope Steam deck has good sales, maybe in the future, they'll launch an Oled model or a VRR one.
Oled is way more important for a handheld console than VRR.
@@kostasbousbouras2654 - I disagree.
Nobody will be building a 720p 20-60 Hz VRR screen. Neither will Valve pay for a custom build one. Not going to happen.
I think both of those things are pointless.
VRR is pointless when the GPU is favored more than the CPU. Today a powerful CPU is still needed in quite a few modern titles so pushing FPS higher means GPU performance must be throttled more and to even things out while keeping thermals in check you will likely run at even lower settings than you would expect on a desktop or laptop computer. As it stands my laptop is much more powerful than Steam Deck but I also have a laptop for portability purposes. That doesn't mean I'm not interested in Steam Deck... but to be fair I wouldn't really need a Steam Deck either and can play all of the above demonstrated games at higher settings and resolutions anyway and still maintain 30FPS performance (or better) with similar battery life when my PC is unplugged from the outlet.
OLED screens in a gaming situation are good maybe even great... except in titles which you play all the time which leave content on display unchanged for many hours at a time. In those cases you'll be dealing with image retention and that generally causes irreversible screen discoloration.
So for strategy titles and such... it's kind of a no go.
Neither The Nintendo Switch or Valve Steam Deck are small water and dust resistant or have stellar battery life. Basically if you favor better battery life smaller size and weight and a brighter faster screen with greater resolutions and you consume more media content than play video games while on the go anyway... then you shouldn't be needing a Switch or Steam Deck.
Switch and Steam Deck are competing products, it really doesn't matter how much either company denies this the fact is these two different products scratch many of the same niches.
@@raresmacovei8382
I agree that Steam Deck won't get such a thing but not because VRR displays in that resolution don't exist... they're used on phones like everywhere at this point (even on displays that fall below standard 1080p resolutions).
l also I think it just won't happen because the hardware is too weak. VRR means you're pushing FPS up and resolution or settings have to suffer on such limited HW but CPU strain increases. It just so happens that when GPU utilization increases CPU utilization decreases. This is similar to how PS5 functions to limit heat. Steam Deck does this to limit heat and reduce battery drain. VRR would go against both of those things.
I'd be very interested in a video just covering how this handles emulation for something like the gamecube or PS2
You can play PS2 and Gamecube now even on your Android phone if you have a powerful enough device, so it'll be no problem for Steam Deck at all.
The Phawx specialises in that kind of content, I believe
Literally every game on Steam Deck is running via emulation right now.
@@VariantAEC It's not emulation. The Proton layer is based upon the long running project Wine which is a compatibility layer capable of running WIndows applications.
From the Wine website:
"Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator") is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD. Instead of simulating internal Windows logic like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and memory penalties of other methods and allowing you to cleanly integrate Windows applications into your desktop."
It will play even PS3 games
I always wanted a handheld that can run mods. This is a feature that consoles don't want to give to the consumers, but Steam Deck (and other similar devices like gpd win) finally make it a reality
Such a fantastic point!
That's one of the main reasons I'm putting Windows on mine as soon as I get it.
@@liamharrington6672 i don't understand. I play games on Linux and can mod them no problem lol. Modded Skyrim? Sure thing. Even have Vortex Mod Manger working. Neither Skyrim nor Vortex natively support Linux but they run perfectly through Wine/Proton
@@YourLocalMedic You dont understand? Mod software is usually developed for Windows, so there are a few programs that may only run on Windows, but there isnt a single one that only runs on Linux. Therefore its the way better option and easier for that type of use without going through "compatibility layers" every time, if even that works.
Sigh... Been playing Skyrim and Dark Souls for a decade on a Surface Pro and GPD win. Yes, with mods.
I don't think this thing will be priced as aggressively if it had Windows. Besides that, Valve trying to break out of Windows is a good thing for everyone.
Wouldn't matter unless it came with Windows out of the box and they had to pay a lot for OEM keys, people can just buy a key for $5 from a bunch of sites.
Proton generally has comparable performance to windows usage. Some things are slightly less optimized but the lack of background services usually makes up for it, and sometimes results in higher performance via proton than natively on windows. I honestly expect windows to mostly be useful for gamepass and playing games proton flat out doesn't support (and every game it doesn't support is considered a bug, so that number should shrink over time), as well as stubborn anticheat games.
The experience using windows will be a lot less integrated (like bad ui experience ootb), won't support suspend/resume to the level steamos does, won't support the 'resume on another device' that some games will be getting, etc.
Honestly for anybody who feels they really need windows, just boot it off an sd card and only install the games you really need onto that card.
Proton vs Windows native performance costs could have easily been checked with any linux install on a regular PC. It's not the same hardware, but it would have been better then simply stating that there "must be" a performance cost to Proton. In some cases, games have been known to run _better_ through proton, although this is not necessarily a majority case. Proton is not an emulator, after all.
I don't know why you expected any better from Richard... He's basically THE single most uneducated tech personality that somehow still successfully manages to pass himself off as an "expert".
This is nuts. I expected a decent 30fps experience in modern titles at 720/800p, but you're able to get medium and high settings on so many of these games, some with enough headroom to even push for 60fps in some cases. I really didn't expect modern titles to run this well on this device. I'm so excited to see what the next iteration of this device looks like. Hopefully an OLED screen with VRR is in the cards for the future.
Well they some how added VRR through software lol
@@DrawsWithCubes For real? Now i am really excited! Can’t wait to get mine tomorrow!!!!!’
We expected a very good device, but man, this is a home run! Eventually we'll see a new screen, better battery life, and additional device ports. Steam Deck v 2.0 is gonna be a grand slam! This is great for the industry.
People will be selling OLED Screens for this on Etsy by the end of the month.
@@kylerobinson6102 It does look like a pretty mod friendly device.
@@kylerobinson6102 I wonder if that would be a positive or negative battery impact. Guess it depends on how dark the games are
So what you’re saying is as time goes by tech gets better?!
WHAT A WIN!!!
@D. I was thinking five years, but you may very well be right.
Adding steam deck optimized 30fps/60fps settings with Alex’s amazing pc optimized settings in his pc videos coverage would be extremely helpful to anyone who buys a deck 😊❤️
we be riding alexs settings like a rented mule
Has he released an updated cyberpunk settings for lower end rigs?
@@hurgcat yeah 😂😂🙌🏻🔥
Who is Alex
@@xpmon one of digital foundry’s staff that covers pc ports.
A heartfelt thank you to every early adopter who is dealing with growing pain style issues but enabling an awesome product to take shape. I am so excited to see how this niche of the tech sector grows and matures.
I think a benefit of the Steam Deck will be that it will encourage devs to code more efficiently. Devs will know that if they make a game that can run on the Steam Deck then it'll open up their potential customer base by the millions. With similar performance to last gen consoles they may also be encouraged to make a last gen version along side it too. Lower end PCs should also benefit from this too.
Especially with the GPU shortage I think everyone benefits from this..
I don't think that this Gen deck will get to that volume.
@@MindBlowerWTF The preorders are already in the millions
@@elitedestroyer0083 so what most devs i know and have talked to have said to me that have unless the thing sells 10 million to 20 million units at least they won't create a steam deck version of there game and even then there is good shot they won't do it
@@elitedestroyer0083 milions or just over a milion?
Hey guys love your work amazing to watch you are top of your class. Just noticed in your racing game footage that when you turn left or right in the racing games you push left and right on the thumbstick. Try holding stick forward which represents no turn on the steering and if you keep your thumb pushed forward and roll the thumbstick either left or right you will get a lot better control of the vehicle. I only learned this recently and it is a game changer. Thanks guys for being awesome.
Great video as well. I was a little surprised that Monster Hunter Rise is not used to test this stuff and see what this system can do. Can be used to compare against PC and Switch as well.
We saw doom eternal
As a Switch title, Monster Hunter Rise has surprisingly low system requirements, even at max settings. It runs like a dream on integrated laptop graphics cards. Monster Hunter World would probably be a better choice for pushing the system to the limit as DF was trying to do.
@@JamesGecko that game still has uncapped frame rates on console, right?
@@JamesGecko I agree
I can run this game at 6K (or 4K 120fps) on my 2080. (when using the Image scaler)
Without dropping a single fps.
Remember this channel is anti Nintendo they would never dot that
Looks amazing I can't wait to get my email letting me know I can complete my purchase. As far as the size goes of the system how many people that own a Switch add a grip to make it comfortable giving it a much larger profile. The worst thing I can say about the Steam Deck is I wish the display was better as you mentioned. I did pre order the most expensive model with the anti glare display. Thanks for the review!
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your right, I always have the skull and co. grip on my og switch yet I find myself concerned over the SD size for some reason
The value proposition of the Steamdeck can't be overstated, particular when publishers are charging premiums for console ports of 6+ year old titles.
Thank you for this video. Wonderfully informative. The detailed tests that you ran were very impressive.
Ok this is some mind blowing stuff. Never expected games to look and run THAT close to home console versions.
I wonder how it run when playing emulator games
@@arasy1256 playstation 3 works pretty well, ps2 and gamecube are almost perfect, switch is a bit stuttery while compiling cache but there will likely be updates that can improve this
@@josh223 ı dont think ps3 work good on this. not even on ps5. but xenia xbox 360 emulator good. dolphin good. old xbox not good. bascily it plays rdr1 and zelda 30fps but not play demon souls mgs4 lastof us 15sh something at best. if you open ace combat 6 something on xenia you can see even 60 fps. some games work good on xeina. gamecube dreamcast ps1 ps2 all good in right settings. sega satun not good. mega drive snes perfect. dos emulator not good.
@@MrStrangermoon there are already videos of ps3 emulation running
@@josh223 ı talk those 1050ti performane as you see clearly its not there. yes some ps3 games work good. demon souls for exalple work 25 etc but mgs4 las of us 10fps. xenia xbox 360 emulator way to if you play rdr1. other than that other third party games already on steam. we talking exllusives here.
I want it
Eyyyoooo Ricky
Thanks for Cameo Ricky. Bull got his 200 wins!
It's not cripple-compatible!
@@paulgambro4264 Ricky will find a way he always does.
@@franciscor390 That goes without saying. The Steam Deck will pale in comparison to Ricky's technical specs!
Would love a revisiting video one year on from Steam Decks launch 👍🏻
This is such a well explained and to the point review. Thank you Digital Foundry.
This was literally my dream as a kid. Playing console quality games on the go, I always dreamed of it Haha. Kids will be lucky today
Edit: People keep bringing up the PSP like it could play current gen games at the time like metal gear solid 4. It could not. It had more bite sized things like metal gear portable ops
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You probably never heard of psp.
@@freshnesbro3792 The PSP was the first thing that felt like it came close but it still couldnt play anything that your main console could play. The games that came out were like bite sized versions of console games like uncharted & splinter cell, they weren't on par with it. But yeah it was the first time it ever felt like it had got close to console quality
@@frankmarano1118 bro in its first years they got a lot ps2 ports for the psp, its was pretty close, but later it wasn't worth it to develop and optimize the whole ps2 game for a handheld and they just ported shitty DS versions or none at all.
@@freshnesbro3792 Hmm I remember all the shitty handheld ports but I yeah I did forget some of the ps2 ports. I remember the best game I played on ps vita was persona 4 golden so it never felt like it had reached next gen levels which is was I really meant when I was talking my dream as a kid. But vita just didnt have very good support, sony gave up on it when it was capable of so much more. Vita did not deserve that. & no handhelds besides the switch had been ever attempted since, especially when the app stores took over
The best thing about DF is that they present CAVEATS without recurring to algorithm-friendly NEGATIVITY. This should age better than other channels' videos.
I always enjoyed mobile devices catching up to old consoles. I remember when I first realized as a kid that the gba was like a portable super Nintendo and the ds being like a portable N64. It blew my mind once I thought about it that way. It's nice to see this portable ps4 made for gaming.
It doesn't feel the same when my IPhone is as strong as a ps4 pro
Great video on the steam deck! Answers many of my technical questions, and let’s me know the level of control I will have while gaming. Thank you for another amazing piece of content.
Steamdeck for indie games, emulated games, and 2012 or older PC titles will be where this shines the most.
Xbox game pass and a steam deck seam like a great combo
You had me at emulation.
True but it's remarkable how well it runs with newer games as long as you keep your expectations in check with 30fps and lower visual settings.
The Steam Deck is performing better than expected.
@@julianreed7 you had me at ps vita
I wonder how it handles PS2/PS3 emulation
Yea but you have to make a lot of work to put that to work
I hope Valve can keep up with the manufacturing demand. Thanks for the performance review Rich!
Congratulations 🎉
You have been selected as the random winner of a Steam Deck.
Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out..
Just a Q3er here and I finally got the confirmation email! So psyched! This’ll be the first time I get to experience Linux too! I Just built my first pc from scratch a year ago and I am so ready to to merge my steam library. thanks for the confidence foundry 🤙🏼
awesome video, add video time stamp chapters to make it even better
Steam Deck is gonna be the next Hokage! Believe it!
Lmaoooo yeah that’s what I heard in my head when reading the title
Dattebayo!
That’s amazing on a hand held
Can’t imagine what the next one is going to be like, this is greattt I’m so impressed but who am I ;)
do you know about PsVita?
@@Miraiko2408 yeah but I’ve never had any hands on usage on that
Considering that was created what 5-7years ago? Was it amazing for its time? I’ve heard good things about that guy
Best initial review lad :). Great content
Great in depth coverage as always. I’d imagine the reasons they went through all the trouble of working on Proton rather than going with Windows is two fold. There’s a ton of overhead in Windows which would effect gaming performance, once Valve can’t get a cutdown version of the Windows kernel like on an Xbox. Once Proton is more mature you’ll likely see more games that run faster in through Proton than we see now. Secondly and maybe more importantly to Valve is they would not have been able to hit $399 paying for a Windows license, Gabe said it “was painful “ to get to $399 as it is now.
Thanks for talking about the experience of using the game system. Grounds my expectations and really excited to use this in docked mode as it's going to be my primary gaming system as I am a Mac user. Really excited for the price point and how much it will improve over time. Thanks
Ah a review I can trust to have gotten the technical details of game performance correct, what a relief.
Gamers Nexus is pretty reliable but I'm watching reviews everywhere
@@rmo9808 yeah I like them for hardware, but nowhere covers game performance as well as DF.
I've never used Steam and always been a console gamer. I'm really excited for this and really looking forward to getting into Steam gaming.
I have been impressed with how people have been covering the Steam Deck. While the topic of the Deck running Linux has been mentioned I have yet to see that as a criticism. I am hoping that the Deck will make gaming on Linux a more frequent discussion and maybe dependence on Windows will lower over time.
This device is a glimpse of the future…the future of being able to play games by the big 3 on one device. Kudos to Valve on this fine piece of kit.
The performance overview is just awesome!
It's insane! With a small screen I just can't wait!!
You know the "Digital Foundry" that wrote u a message (above) is a fake account right? Don't give your data to those thieves.
@@tony_0088 They'd have to be pretty dumb not to, considering the user name is Whatsapp, and a line of numbers. Lol.
@@War624 yeah, you're right
Thank you for the in-depth review!
Actually interestingly using the proton conversation from DX11/DX12 to Vulkan can sometimes be even faster than native windows due to lower overhead from Linux and Vulkan being so efficient. (After all proton has to do a conversation but windows also has to do some stuff to put DX on the GPU)
(Tomb Raider's Linux version actually uses a DX to Vulkan conversion under the hood, like Proton and has been shown performing better on Linux)
Even a wrapper like dx2v runs better.
There was no need to have it be Linux except again just pushing their own os.
@@lasarousi Well you can't really build such an integrated system on windows and you'd probably have to work closely with Microsoft (which is a competitor in the gaming space), so I can understand them wanting to have control over their platform (and wanting to have better performance) and accepting some growing pains for that.
I agree with the comments on the Switch, the stupid thing makes my hands cramp, which is why I replaced the joycon's with some aftermarket full sized controller ends - that makes the Switch dramatically more comfortable to use. So the comments on the size on the Steamdeck, well great, that's what I want, something bigger that isn't cramping my hands.
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It's due to the shape of the joycons not the size
@@RandomUser-tj3mg it's the size, just like the stupid DS cramped my hands, the Vita cramped my hands, etc. But thanks for explaining to me why my hands weren't really cramping, real useful stuff.
Why no comparison to Switch ports? Would have been great to see comparison with Doom 2016, Doom Eternal, Dying Light, The Witcher 3 and more. Must be another video coming right?
I can't remember the last time I watched a 30 min video completely. Amazing review!
Great video, Could you share a video of the FAN sound. It would interesting to hear how loud it is.
Really like the comprehensive performance review and comparisons to last-gen and equivalent hardware.
I'm stunned that such performance is possible in a 15-30W package. And at this price! For a complete system, this is the kind of stuff you wouldn't have believed a decade ago. Just goes to show how much profit Nintendo must be making per unit.
The Switch OLED pricing is a scam.
Switch is 5 years old. Back in 2007, it was similar quality performance to how this is regarded now
@@Invertedzero you ate 10 years
@@GraveUypo Switch performance is probably roughly what would be expected of a home console released in 2008/9... Steam deck performance is roughly that of a console released in 2013 (Xbox one)
@@Invertedzero no its better
Best review I've seen so far! Well done!
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We have never needed Digital Foundry more than now, where is the Elden Ring breakdown? Thanks for all that you guys do.
Absolutely fantastic review, Richard, and thanks for breaking it down!
It would be interesting to see how much more performance improvement the Switch Deck gets in its next iteration (hopefully within a couple of years) if it is upgraded with a Zen 4 based APU with RDNA 3 GPU.
If that comes, also with a VRR OLED ; I’m buying.
Also an idea.
Test games ported to switch and then show them on deck to show the difference
Thank you for making this video! I've been very interested in the Steam Deck
This was the best review I've watched of the steam deck and I have seen so many of them! Thank you for the really awesome review learned a lot from it
I'm in Q2 but still frantically refreshing in the slight hope of getting that email haha. Who else?
Yeah me too. I was just a few hours late pre-ordering! :)
Q2 gang here as well 💪🏽
It’s going to be a slow roll out
Me too
@@fpstechtesting7653 Aw it’s fine. I was there before preorders went up and couldn’t actually get mine in til ~40 minutes later. I’m also Q2.
Retro and indie games, games from the PS360 generation and modern less demanding games at 60 fps on a portable device is a huge sell point for me, I play modern demanding games at 60 fps in a big screen anyway but being able to run them at 30 fps on the go a nice touch too. Watchin Cuphead running that smooth with 6 hours of battery to spare was a nice touch. I am drooling by thinking on playing Batman Arkham Asylum and City on this device at 60 fps, many games on that generation were superb on PC and replaying them on the go would be awesome. And Doom eternal at 60 fps on a handheld, damn! The best thing is, I don't have to buy any games for this device, I already have a beefy Steam library.
Yep I, have no, real interest in the latest games on this. Indie and older titles will do nicely. I just hope they run because I, don't know how Linux will complicate these games. If at all?
@@orbitingdecay6797 Check out Lutris for games that you won't run from within Steam.
Thanks for clearly full review with many equal comparation.
When I saw the first video of the deck playing control i thought it was streaming because of the low contrast of the screen. Now....wow. really neat piece of kit!
I just want a portable emulation device, specifically for PS2. Looks like this fits the bill
I’m with you… As a Sony console guy, it is awesome to also be able to get XB GamePass, as well as have access to Steam. Saving my $$$…
Aether SX2 is amazing if you have a Snapdragon 870 or better in your phone. Not sure what the iPhone equivalent is. Slap a usbc Gamesir on their and you're good to go.
Use Netbook.
It all depends on what you want out of your performance. This fits the bill for me. I have already looked into other solutions, and use other platforms currently for emulation. But, I like this being a handheld that can dock, and play the games at this level (which also means better ability to emulate more recent consoles).
get a gpd win 3 then, it can emulate ps2 no problem
I would love to see curated games coming with a "Steam Deck" quality preset
Waiting for mine to arrive... looking forward to it.
Great review, thanks!
For the 15W CPU+GPU combo this is seriously impressive, I would expect that kind of performance from at least 2tflops gpu with 3.5-4ghz cpu, Valve is doing something really well here with AMD collaboration, I do really wonder if they'll manage to implement that level of driver optimization in Windows, it'd be really interested to see run games on "bare metal"... Looks like that 4ch mem config also helps a lot with 8CU chip.
I thought that the software will be much less polished, not only game compatibility, but the integration itself... However, it's impressive machine, especially for the price they asked...
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Wow ! Love the honest aproach. Can't believe i live to see digital foundry checking on linux gaming. Interesting times
They were never against Linux gaming. Until now, they didn't have a mainstream product to bring that segment of gaming to the spotlight; now they do. Simple as that.
Congrats to you as MangoHud now seems integrated to the Steam Deck :)
Amazing content as always, thank you so much!!!
Awesome review
Tech has come so far
I'm seriously impressed by this machine. I love my switch, but I'm not a big fan of traditional Nintendo games. This is a real game changer being able to play almost anything I want on the go as someone who regularly commutes on the train.
Switch games are already running quite well on the Steam Deck via emulation, it's pretty cool.
This is so great, particularly for what it means for the development of Proton and gaming on Linux.
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The fact that you couldn't turn off VSync is currently a Wayland limitation, a display protocol for Linux aiming to replace X11. Steam uses a compositor called gamescope which is based on wlroots (Wayland) to make gaming on custom resolutions possible including FSR. There is an MR open for a tearing updates protocol for Wayland, but it's been open for a while without much activity going on. It will be merged eventually I guess, after which we can toggle VSync off in favour of "async page flips" which causes tearing but less input lag or frame skipping.
This video and the test results it showcases make me very happy. I cannot wait to get my Steam Deck this year.
Just glad a console finally gets performance overlay without going through a special dev kit.
If all these features are coming to the Desktop SteamOS release, I'll definitely be distro hopping from my other main linux distro.
No kidding. The biggest unsaid and still unfufilled benefit is the "promise" of what can be with Linux, especially in the gaming space.
If Steam Deck performs well commercially we could possibly see Linux become a target for some game developers and with some additional marketing pressure from PC gamers Linux might eventually become a big platform... again... or for the first time ever, hm you know I don't really think Linux (outside of the fact that a Linux kernel is used to power the back bone of the internet basically every home console ever - sans Xbox - and that it is the basis of most phone OSs on Earth as well) was ever very big just as itself with very little modification, but it could be in the future.
I would love to see you guys revisit the SD a year later with it's improved power profiles, external display support, Proton versions, et cetera.
Great review 👍🏻
Linus: We can't play games!
Digital Foundry: Look at us play these recent games
😂
The only hardware review worth watching
Great video, thanks
Waited what seemed like forever for this review! Thanks Rich!
This is the most useful, thoughtful analysis of this thing I´ve seen online so far. Nice work.
A portable PC is not a console, and this, I think, is mostly for tinkerers, like the other PC handhelds, but it's still cool that it exists. I really wish they had given up on the touchpads and placed the controls a bit differently.
I want one, but only because it's just a way to access my steam games. It's not a full console in its own right like Switch or the Vita since Valve probably won't be supporting it with exclusive games.
The Steam Deck is a console 100%. Anyone who can't seem to grasp this is just in denial. So much for the PC Master Race. Welcome to dedicated systems that have a specific set of specs and hardware for developers to target.
its a console
valve is selling it first party, its their software and hardware, and theyre selling it using the console business model. its a console
@@silverfox__12 so you mean like consoles as usual then? If you honestly think the Deck is going to change that, well..
You’re gonna disappointed.
I’m getting this first edition because I want to support them and I love the possibilities of playing PC games portably. But a second option with a better screen would make this a 11/10 device.
the more expensive 512 gb version also has a better screen!
@@mhenriquecd No it's the same screen, just anti-glare but etched which is a little duller somewhat if you care
PC games are not meant to be played portably
@@dramaticmudderer5208 true
I'm definitely getting a Deck 1, but the moment they announce a Deck 2, I'm jumping in the queue.
It might be interesting to revisit these benchmarks, now that you can access higher resolutions in game mode (which is more optimized than the general desktop mode)
I realised something after going back to my WiiU after a year of not using it and you know what, I think the tablet it comes with is roughly the same size if a bit wider to accommodate a 16:9 ratio screen. The real kicker to me is that it's comfy and it shows Nintendo already designed something similar to the Steam Deck in form and then never bothered getting even close to it with the Switch. (Unless you count the pack-in Joycon grip but even that isn't great imo, still too small.)
Excited to see the future of linux gaming.
"Deck of dreams" "When straps-on to the console" ok, now i need to turn down the audio or use headphones.
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I cannot wait to get my deck. Let’s go!! Hoping a second iteration has a variable refresh screen and smaller bezels akin to the switch OLED! Lots of screen space could be added there ;) not to mention an easier way to install the SSD!
Awesome vid, just regarding the screen choice, did they go for an all rounder that can perform in direct lighting? Would think the dimmer screen would be no good sun wise...