The video, below, is a straightforward summary of the features of Valve’s upcoming handheld, and succinctly makes the case for the device. Introducing Steam Deck as “the most powerful gaming handheld in the world”, Valve talks up the controls, fidelity and integration with Steam. “Your Steam games are already on your Deck,” we’re told. “Just sign in and play.” Oh, and don’t forget you can expand the included storage with a Micro SD card, and stream games from your PC. Valve also points out the Deck runs a new version of Steam “focused on handheld gaming”, with “features you’d expect”, such as cloud saves and Steam chat. Here’s the pitch: “Steam Deck - powerful, portable PC gaming.” Nice alliteration, Valve! The video ends by calling on people to reserve their handheld. You can do that for £4, of course, with “expected order availability” currently down for “after Q2 2022”. That’s quite the wait. A couple of thoughts here: I’m not sure why Valve waited a month after it announced Steam Deck to publish this announcement-style video on its YouTube channel, but, you know, it’s Valve. Also, it’s nice to see Valve remembered it has a YouTube channel! Prior to this Steam Deck video, the last video published on the channel promoted Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s Operation Broken Fang update on 3rd December 2020. Before that, it was a Half-Life Alyx - commentary update published on 12th November. Demand for Steam Deck appears to be strong, with availability pushed back soon after reservations were made available. Check out Digital Foundry’s Steam Deck analysis for more.
