Here are the top 9 reasons why you should consider getting a Steam Deck, with a more detailed explanation for each:
9 Great Reasons On Why The Steam Deck Is Simply Awesome
1. Steam Deck: Portable PC Gaming on the Go
The Deck is designed to bring a full-fledged PC gaming experience into a portable form factor. Unlike traditional consoles or even gaming laptops, the Steam Deck allows you to carry your entire gaming library wherever you go, without compromising too much on performance. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply want to game from your couch without setting up a larger device, the Steam Deck provides an unmatched level of convenience for gamers who enjoy playing on the move.
2. Massive Game Library at Your Fingertips
When you buy a Deck, you instantly gain access to the entire Steam library, which includes tens of thousands of games. From AAA blockbusters like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring to indie gems and classic older titles, your collection of games is available without any additional purchases. Additionally, you can use other game distribution platforms, such as Epic Games, GOG, or even Xbox Game Pass if you install Windows on the device, making it extremely versatile in terms of game availability.
3. Highly Customizable Controls for All Game Types
The Deck offers a wide range of control options, making it adaptable for different genres of games. The dual trackpads give you precision similar to a mouse for strategy games, while the thumbsticks and buttons provide the familiar feel of a console controller for action-packed titles. The touchscreen further enhances navigation and interactivity, and you can customize button mappings to suit your personal preferences. This level of flexibility makes the Steam Deck not only great for typical gaming but also for genres that benefit from finer control inputs, like real-time strategy and simulation games.
Also Read: Biggest Gaming Cafe In Malaysia – ATO Gaming Cafe
4. Steam Deck: A PC-Like Experience in a Handheld Device
Although the Deck is marketed primarily as a gaming console, it’s also capable of functioning like a traditional PC. It runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, but can be switched to desktop mode to offer a full PC experience. You can use it for web browsing, watching videos, and even installing productivity apps. Additionally, if you prefer Windows or need specific software only available on that platform, you can install Windows on the Steam Deck, further expanding its functionality. This dual capability makes it a hybrid device that goes beyond gaming.
5. Ideal for Retro and Console Emulation
One of the Steam Deck’s strongest appeals is its ability to emulate older gaming consoles with ease. Whether you want to relive the glory days of the SNES, PlayStation, GameCube, or Dreamcast, the Steam Deck can handle emulation software for these platforms without breaking a sweat. With a few tweaks, you can turn your Steam Deck into the ultimate retro gaming machine, capable of running nearly any game from past generations, which adds a lot of value for gamers who appreciate older titles or want a versatile device for all types of gaming.
6. Expandable Storage for Larger Game Libraries
The Steam Deck comes in multiple storage configurations: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, but for gamers with massive libraries, the onboard storage may fill up quickly. Fortunately, the Steam Deck supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to easily increase your storage capacity without needing to open the device or void your warranty. Whether you’re downloading the latest AAA games that require dozens of gigabytes or keeping a large collection of emulated titles, the ability to expand storage ensures that your gaming library remains accessible.
7. Powerful Hardware for a Handheld Device
The Steam Deck is equipped with a custom AMD APU, based on Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture. This gives it more than enough power to run most modern games at medium to high settings, even in a handheld form factor. While it won’t replace a high-end gaming PC, the performance is impressive for its size, handling graphically demanding games like Control, Doom Eternal, and The Witcher 3 smoothly. For a portable gaming system, the Steam Deck is a significant leap forward in performance, delivering quality comparable to mainstream gaming desktops or laptops.
8. Open Platform for Third-Party Software
Unlike many other gaming devices, the Steam Deck is not restricted to a single platform or game store. While Steam is the primary marketplace, you can install other game clients like the Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, or even Xbox Cloud Gaming, providing access to a wide range of titles beyond Steam’s ecosystem. Additionally, the open nature of the Steam Deck means you can install other software such as game mods, or even use it as a multimedia device. This flexibility gives users the freedom to make the most out of the hardware, without being locked into a closed ecosystem.
9. Support for Modding and User Customization
One of the most exciting aspects of the Steam Deck is the support for modding. Since the system is a full PC, it allows for game modifications, whether through Steam Workshop or third-party modding communities. This means you can enhance your games with fan-made content, improving graphics, adding new gameplay elements, or fixing bugs that developers may have overlooked. Moreover, the open platform allows you to customize the Steam Deck’s software itself, install different operating systems, or even change the user interface to suit your preferences.
Steam Deck Final Words
In conclusion, the Steam Deck is a unique device that offers a robust gaming experience, coupled with the flexibility of a portable PC. Whether you’re looking for portability, power, or versatility, the Steam Deck stands out as an excellent choice for gamers who want to blend handheld gaming with the flexibility of a full-featured computer.
