When Valve announced the Steam Deck, it became one of the most anticipated pieces of PC gaming hardware: a handheld that can play much of your Steam library on the go. It is bulkier than a Nintendo Switch, but well designed and impressive for PC gamers.
If you are also planning to buy or have purchased one, our guide will assist you with the details. In this article of Steam Deck review, we have explained everything you need to know about the device and its specifications.
Updated October 2026. Prices and models below are dated and taken from the cited sources; Steam Deck prices changed several times in 2025 and 2026, so check Valve’s Steam Deck store page for the current price in your country.
What Is a Steam Deck?
Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer, that was developed by Valve, with a release date of February 25, 2022. The handheld device utilising Valve’s Linux Distribution SteamOS utilises the Proton Compatibility layer that allows individuals to run Windows games and applications.
Besides the compatibility and handheld device, Steam Deck can also be accessed through a computer or PC after connecting through a docking station; it can be used similarly to a home video game console or desktop computer.
Features of Steam Deck
Not just the compatibility of the device but Steam Deck possess several features that include,
All-In-One Portable PC Gaming
Steam Deck uses a custom AMD processor with Zen 2 CPU cores and RDNA 2 graphics, designed for handheld PC gaming. Many games run well, although demanding new releases may need lower settings.
Extended Battery Life
Battery life depends on the game and settings; lighter games last much longer than demanding ones. The Steam Deck OLED model, released in November 2023, added a larger battery and an HDR OLED screen.
Hi-Fi Audio
Not only a comfortable screen, but the steam deck has stereo speakers. With clarity and soundstage, Steam deck gives you an impressive listening experience. You can also connect with your favourite headphones or earphones to connect with your friends.
Fast Resume
With quick suspend and resume features, only press the power button, and the Steam Deck will instantly pause your game and activate the sleep mode. Meanwhile, reverting the push button again will resume your game.
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Steam Deck Review: Pros And Cons
Valve has improved the Steam Deck through regular software updates since launch, and it has become a favourite with many PC gamers. Here are its main strengths and weaknesses:
Pros of Steam Deck
- Plays a large part of the Steam library on a handheld.
- Works as a desktop PC when docked, with monitor and TV support.
- Includes a full Linux desktop mode for non-gaming use.
- Fast resume makes it easy to pick a game up and put it down.
Cons of Steam Deck
- Only one USB-C port, so you need a dock or hub for multiple accessories.
- Some games, especially those with anti-cheat software, don’t run on SteamOS.
- It is larger and heavier than some rival handhelds.
Steam Deck Alternative
Some gamers prefer other handhelds, for example to run Windows games directly or for cloud gaming. Popular alternatives include:
Asus ROG Ally
Considered one of the Steam Deck alternatives, Asus ROG Ally incorporates power. Besides its features, Asus ROG Ally has a 120 Hz refresh rate 500 nit brightness, and a sleek device.
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go has a large 8.8-inch, 16:10 display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, detachable controllers and a trackpad, and runs Windows.
Razer Edge
For speed gaming and sleek features, Razer Edge is a gaming device like Steam Deck. With an OLED screen and a lightweight design, Razer Edge supports Wi-Fi and the recently introduced, Raze Edge 5G, supports 5G, exclusively on Verizon.
Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld
One of the best Steam Deck competitors, although the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld is not as powerful, it is primarily designed for cloud gaming. Additionally, it is powered by Android which helps you enjoy games through the Play Store. Not only this but you can also play its games through Cloud.
Asus Rog Ally Vs Steam Deck: Which is Preferable?
The table compares the original Asus ROG Ally with the Steam Deck. Prices are launch prices unless stated.
| Specification | Asus ROG Ally (2023) | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $699 (Ryzen Z1 Extreme); $599 (Ryzen Z1) | LCD (2022): $399 (64 GB), $529 (256 GB), $649 (512 GB). OLED (2023): $549 (512 GB), $649 (1 TB) |
| Current status | Asus has since released newer ROG Ally models | Valve discontinued the last LCD model in late 2025 and raised OLED prices in 2026 (the 1 TB OLED rose to $949 in the US) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 series (Zen 4 CPU, RDNA 3 graphics) | Custom AMD APU (4 Zen 2 CPU cores, 8 RDNA 2 compute units) |
| Operating system | Windows 11 | SteamOS (Valve’s Linux-based OS) |
| Controls | Thumbsticks and buttons, no trackpads | Thumbsticks, buttons and two trackpads |
| Size and weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
The ROG Ally offered more performance and a higher refresh-rate screen, and it runs Windows games and launchers directly. The Steam Deck counters with its trackpads, a polished SteamOS experience and, on the OLED model, an excellent HDR screen. Which is better depends on whether you value Windows compatibility or the simplicity of SteamOS, and on current prices.
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Is The Steam Deck Worth It?
If you mainly play games from your Steam library and want a handheld that is easy to use, the Steam Deck is still one of the strongest options. Because Valve raised prices in 2026, compare its current price with rival handhelds, and check that the games you care about are rated Verified or Playable on Steam Deck.
Final Words
The Steam Deck combines portability, a large compatible game library and a polished interface. If you need Windows compatibility or different hardware, the alternatives above are worth comparing. Either way, check current prices and game compatibility before you buy.
