The Steam Deck could not match all of the capabilities of its opponents, however every little thing it does, it does nicely. The Linux-based SteamOS works flawlessly with the machine, which options two trackpads underneath the 2 analog sticks.
The 7.4″ 800p OLED touchscreen mannequin will not be solely nicer but additionally quicker than the usual 7″ LCD mannequin, with a refresh price of 90Hz versus 60Hz. The customized AMD processor powering the Deck consists of 4 Zen 2 cores and eight RDNA 2 graphics models, it is about the identical in each the LCD and OLED fashions, however on the latter it advantages from a more recent manufacturing course of that enables it to run at larger speeds for longer durations. It’s also paired with quicker reminiscence.
The Steam Deck OLED ($549) is on the market with both a 512GB or 1TB replaceable 2230 M.2 drive, whereas the LCD mannequin solely provides 256GB, however begins at simply $349 today. Moreover, it boasts a bigger battery and improved cooling.
The plain disadvantage to the Deck is getting access to just one sport retailer out of the field. One other drawback is that many on-line video games depend on anti-cheat software program that do not help Linux.
Worthy Home windows Options: Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go
If you wish to play the newest AAA video games, or simply want a console that runs Home windows, your finest two choices are the Asus ROG Ally ($670) and the Lenovo Legion Go ($630). Each consoles are powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip, that includes eight Zen 4 cores and twelve RDNA 3 graphics models. That is way more energy than the Steam Deck provides, however using it requires excessive energy settings that drain the battery quicker.
The Ally additionally provides a less expensive model with the non-Excessive Z1 processor, that includes six Zen 4 cores and simply 4 RDNA 3 models. Graphics aren’t normally the AMD chip’s bottleneck, so you do not stand to lose two thirds of the efficiency, however dropping a 3rd is to be anticipated.
The Legion consists of extra options than the Ally, but additionally has extra bother with the fundamentals. It has a 1440p show moderately than 1080p, with a 144Hz refresh price vs. 120Hz, however these numbers will have to be lowered when enjoying heavier video games to enhance efficiency or save battery. The Legion has an 8.8″ LCD show versus the Ally’s 7″, however that may make it look much less sharp on the identical decision. Its controllers are removable, and certainly one of them can flip right into a mouse with an included stand, which is sweet as a result of it is 25% heavier than the Ally and extra comfy to make use of on a desk with the connected kickstand.
All Home windows consoles in the meanwhile have two issues. One is that Home windows 11 wasn’t designed to be used on small touchscreens, a minimum of not and not using a stylus. The opposite is inconsistent efficiency. Even when having fun with larger common body charges than the Steam Deck, some video games will present frequent stutters. Whether or not the issue is with Microsoft or the console makers (aside from Valve), handheld consoles are a distinct segment class for them, and will not be prioritized.
Smaller manufacturers like Ayaneo, OneXPlayer and GPD attempt to save themselves the work of releasing their very own drivers through the use of customary laptop computer CPUs such because the Ryzen 7 7840U, upon which the Z1 Excessive relies. The issue is that such chips aren’t optimized to be used in low-power units like these, and rapidly drain the battery even when enjoying the lightest video games. The MSI Claw manages to do even worse with much less environment friendly Intel CPUs.