3 mo. ago • 99%

Steam Deck Now Cheaper Than A Switch During Valve's Big Summer Sale

kotaku.com Steam Deck Now Cheaper Than A Switch During Valve's Big Summer Sale

Valve's 64GB and 512GB Steam Deck LCD models are both less than $390 until next month

Steam Deck @sopuli.xyz Steam Deck Now Cheaper Than A Switch During Valve's Big Summer Sale

95 comments

The best thing about a Steam Deck is the fact that with Emudeck, you can make your deck a much better Switch. The only thing you'll be missing is lack of Internet features and the GUI.

I'm also always happy to try and convince anyone and everyone not to buy from Sintendo and buy hardware that isn't inferior because I swear Sintendo hardware has absolutely been inferior compared to the competition since at at least n64.

53
- Honestly, I think we need to stop worrying about console power. It's not contributing to games getting any better.
  
  If anything, the absolutely insane graphical targets of modern games are causing fewer games being made.
  
  43
- I do get the impression that Nintendo has consistently had worse hardware for a long time... And I appreciate it. Instead of cranking up the hardware, they make games that are fun and run on weaker hardware, often with neat stylization.
  
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- The only thing you’ll be missing is lack of Internet features and the GUI.
  
  You can even run the Switch UI in Suyu (or other forks of Yuzu): https://youtube.com/watch?v=rOLoVZ_br9M
  
  And both Ryujinx, as well as Yuzu (and Forks) offer local/online multiplayer:
  https://github.com/Ryujinx/Ryujinx/wiki/Multiplayer-(LDN-Local-Wireless)-Guide
  https://yuzu-mirror.github.io/help/feature/multiplayer/
  
  12
  
  Both of them offering online features is true, but as far as I'm aware, you ain't connecting to any official servers.
  
  3
- But I like Nintendo consoles for their couch-multiplayer games. Like Wii-sport, Boom-blox, Just Dance, Mario party, Mario kart...
  
  A Steam-deck is good for single players games.
  
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  You can play multiplayer with emulators, just hook up multiple controllers
  
  12
  
  With an USB-C dock/hub you can plug the deck into your TV and multiple controllers. Lots of wireless controllers are also supported OOTB, including joy cons.
  
  7
- I use my Switch to exclusively play Smash Bros with my friends using GameCube controllers with the switch adapter.
  
  My Switch has been having lots of issues lately though. Anyway to replicate that with the Steam Deck?
  
  3
  
  If you're playing offline with friends, Emudeck has Ryujinx available. All you'd need is to either dump your cartridge if you can (which I don't know how to do) or get a copy and make sure you got a dock to hook up your deck to the TV. I don't know what kind of port the GameCube controllers use or if they'll work, though. I don't have one, so I couldn't tell you. I know the 3rd party wired pro controller I have works fantastically, though. Only other thing you gotta worry about it having enough ports to plug in to depending on the number of players and dock you got.
  
  As for whether the game will be as smooth on Ryujinx as it is on switch, that's something I don't know considering I've never tried it on my deck.
  
  5
  
  This reddit post leads me to believe that it is doable. I have the official Nintendo USB GameCube adapter and a Steam Deck, and I'd be happy to help you troubleshoot if needed :)
  
  It seems like it should work great! 👍
  
  2
- You talk about convincing people into emulation, but can you even do that on moderated websites? I mean, helping them get ROMs without going into “wink wink nudge nudge” communication or risking Nintendo’s lawyers invading that site.
  
  Speaking plainly, I still buy games and hardware the normal way because I don’t want that complication. It’s not worth the effort and hassle just to risk putting viruses on my computer.
  
  2
  
  I'd like to think Lemmy is still small enough that talking about piracy of their games and stuff is flying under their radar for now, which is why I don't care. Also, fuck Sintendo. I ain't afraid of their corporate stasi.
  
  Also, on Steam Deck, Emudeck takes away the vast majority of complications regarding getting multiple emulators set up by having pre-configured configurations for each emulator you install to try and make sure game compatibility and running them is as smooth as can be for most games.
  
  5
  
  I legit cannot remember the last time I got a virus pirating a game. Probably in the Limewire days, ~20+ years ago.
  
  3
  
  Some people are more broke, it's a continuous scale. Though I too buy games first party more frequently now that I don't struggle for money.
  
  1
- "Sintendo" lol!!!
  
  I'm gunna start using that haha.
  
  -3
Still waiting for a good deal on the OLED model to convince myself to upgrade from the LCD. I'm hoping the holiday sale this year might bring some deals.

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- I upgraded to the OLED model when it came out. The screen looks much nicer, has a faster refresh and longer battery life. I definitely recommend it over the original, but it is a steep price when you already have one that works fine.
  
  20
- Man there aren't many things I would upgrade from one gen to the next but the OLED is such a massive improvement in every single way (other than still having a single USB port).
  
  6
- You might be better off waiting for a steam deck 2, possibly out next year?
  
  5
  
  Last I heard was that the steam deck wasn't getting a version 2 update until there was next gen hardware to match it. Gaben isn't a big fan of regular sub five percent hardware refreshes that other companies are happy with.
  
  Might be a name thing though. They did the OLED update, but it's not called the steam deck 2.
  
  22
  
  I can see a Steamdeck 2 happening, but definitely not a 3.
  
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  Imagine they pull a half-life on us and release a steam deck 2 decades later.
  
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  Based on what indications?
  
  3
I'm not even mad that I just paid full price. I don't think I've been happier with any other purchase I've ever made!

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- Damn Gabe, u doing guerilla marketing now?.
  
  Jokes aside, I do keep looking... Closely and I do hardly any gaming these days, usually 15 minutes on the phone awaiting an apoinment etc.
  
  3
  
  I just got a mouse and keyboard and play black ops 3 zombies with my roommate all the time. He uses controller. Everything just works!
  
  2
Is there a database for listing which games run on Steam Deck at what FPS and what settings?

16
- Protondb has user reports that (usually) include performance stats and settings, as well as any additional setup like launch options or specific preferred proton versions.
  
  I also check Valve’s own “top 100 played on steam deck” list to see what other people are rockin, always surprised to see shit like Fallout 4 on there.
  
  40
  
  Fallout probably got a boost from the new series, that was quite well received.
  
  7
- I have yet to run into any game through Steam that really doesn't work. Even ones listed as incompatible, or having issues.
  
  I'm having a lot of fun chilling in the couch playing Civ 6.
  
  0
  
  then you haven't tried many lol
  
  2
  
  Warhammer III
  
  0
If anyone is on the fence, Steam deck is the coolest gadget I own. Play all the time. Got the OLED but even the 1st gen deck was fantastic

I have a massive desktop with a very good graphics card. Collecting dust

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  5
  
  Yeah I've heard about that, I think I tried it once. I'm mostly using the deck outside in a hammock, or at the bar, or on the train, or during lunch break...
  
  2
- I will say that while I love it, as someone with both it and a very capable desktop, I'm in the opposite position. I used it a bunch in the first couple months, but that was because it was a cool new gadget that I wanted to fiddle with. Once the novelty wore off, I do 99% of my gaming at home -- the only time I'm using the steam deck at home is if I predict a long poop or I'm sick and don't want to sit at my desk.
  
  However, where it absolutely shines is travel. It's small enough to throw in a carry on or even personal bag, and it's amazing for a flight, or just any trip where you know you'll have some downtime. The charge is long enough that you can go a few hours without power, especially if you anticipate it and use some of the power saving features.
  
  It's also fantastic if a second gaming computer would be good for your situation -- maybe you've got kids or roommates that share your computer, or you wish you could game in your yard etc.
  
  Basically, it's not a slam dunk for everyone, but if you regularly have any of the use cases listed above, it's absolutely worth the money -- assuming you have the library for it already. I have tons of games that are excellent for the deck, but not everyone will, and while you can play competitive shooters and complex mouse-driven RPGs with it, it's really not the ideal experience.
  
  1
Wish I could buy one through official means here in Brazil 🇧🇷

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- 2
  
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I wish they'd make them officially available in Australia

5
- Yeah. I actually wanted to buy one too. It's a pity they don't make steam machines either anymore
  
  1
Man, I just bought a new gaming notebook, but I really want to get one. And I have almlst no time for gaming nowadays. Why are you tempting me, Gabe???

3
- A good laptop running a stable and gaming-optimized distro like Bazzite with a good controller connected to it should be as good, if not better than the Steam Deck.
  
  1
  
  Sort of... But the form factor itself completely changes the experience.
  
  5
  
  It is good enough for gaming with a standard distro as well. But you misunderstand, I WANT a Steam deck, I KNOW that I don't need one.
  
  3
  
  I really like the 'deck's gamepad integration. And the shitload of buttons.
  
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That'd be great if I could buy one where i live

2
The title is kinda clickbait-y, 64gb steamdeck is cheaper than oled switch and that’s about it. Standard switch is still cheaper and oled switch is cheaper than other models.

1
....LCD models. So no, not really.

-5
So glad I have a computer I can play games on so I don't have to mess around with a smaller computer with a smaller screen and worse performance.

Edit: I pissed off the dad caucus with this comment. Steam decks are only for dads who can't get more than thirty minutes of game time anymore and have no space for a legit gaming PC.

-38
- Imagine not understanding the point of a handheld PC.
  
  20
  
  Not everyone leaves their house I guess..
  
  2
- Have fun playing on your PC in the train or on other random places then?
  
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  bing bing wahoo moment
  
  2
  
  Maybe bring a book? Why not save gaming for when you can actually do it well, not on a tiny screen at sub-60fps?
  
  -4
- Well isn't that just a completely stupid hot take.
  
  11
- I love taking my whole gaming pc setup with me to go visit my parents or take a flight, or just lugging it out to the porch for a nice evening of outdoor gaming.
  
  9
  
  I guess I'm the only one in this thread that does other things when I've got down time away from the computer. When I want to play a video game, I don't want to play a shittier version of it.
  
  -2
- lost
  
  5
- I have a steam deck... And a gaming PC! 🤯 I plug the steam deck into my TV with a couple of controllers, and now I have a "console" with all my steam games on it that I can use to play local multiplayer games with my partner. It's also great to take when visiting family
  
  3
- It's convenient and controls extremely well for anyone with a busy life, or comfortable life, dad or no.
  
  2
- My 'deck is my best controller. Less fuckiness, too. Steam integration with the controller is fantastic. It is a bit heavy when my wrists are being fucky, tho.
  
  1
Naw no good PC games.

-46
- laughs in Minecraft Java Edition
  
  12
  
  No thanks.
  
  -8
- minecraft, fallout, celeste, half-life, DOOM, portal, what do you mean no games?
  
  4
  
  He's very clearly trolling, the vast majority of PC games are playable on Deck, including the vast majority of the most well-reviewed games ever.
  
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- Hogwarts is amazing on Steam Deck
  
  0
  
  No thanks I grew up.
  
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