Steam Deck | 10 Tips & Tricks For New Owners!

Did you just pick up your Valve Steam Deck or are you waiting for it to arrive in the mail? Then this is the video for you! In this video I will go over 10 simple (but VERY important) Tips & Tricks that every steam deck owner should know!
Check out my GAMING Channel: / @vicariousnickgaming
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - 1.) Shortcuts
1:41 - 2.) Desktop Mode
4:27 - 3.) Lock Screen Security
5:03 - 4.) Notification Settings
5:56 - 5.) Display + Adaptive brightness
7:01 - 6.) Set Storage Options
8:08 - 7.) Multiple Steam Accounts
9:34 - 8.) Show FPS/Stats
11:19 - 9.) Change Performance Options
12:38 - 10.) Check for updates in desktop view
15:11 - Sponsor
Also please check out my partner, PhynixPC!
PhynixPC is a brand new PC building company that is rising within the computer space. Get your discounted rig today at phynixpcs.com?aff=VicariousNick & enter my discount code VICARIOUS at checkout. PC's for any purpose starting at just $879.99, and they'll build it for you live on Twitch at / phynixpc !
My Specs:
CPU: i7 10700 | amzn.to/3rIffBn
GPU: ASUS 2070 SUPER OC | amzn.to/3vx3vmq
RAM: 32 GB DDR4 3600mhz | amzn.to/396Gijr
Power Supply: Corsair 850w | amzn.to/3s2ZLbx
Motherboard: Z490 MSI | amzn.to/3OroL5B
Keyboard: Razer Huntsman V2 TKL | amzn.to/3L5KaiD
Mouse: Razer Viper Ultimate | amzn.to/3rFbQmO
Headset: SHURE SRH840A | amzn.to/3rCXKTa
Microphone: SHURE SM7B XLR Mic | amzn.to/3OufGZG
Mixer: TASCAM Mixcast 4 | amzn.to/3OufLws
Webcam: Razer Kiyo PRO | amzn.to/3Ml8TzL
Camera: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera | amzn.to/3C2mEA3
Lens: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens | amzn.to/3BGHDIg
WATCH ME LIVE: / vicariousnick
FOLLOW ME on Twitter: / vicariousnick
FOLLOW ME on Instagram: / vicariousnickyt
HELP support the channel by becoming a member!:
/ @vicariousnick55
#steamdeck #valve #tipsandtricks

[@johnhowe4221]

Hi Nick..new steam Deck owner ( 256gb LCD )..and have just subscribed

[@syygnis]

I bought one too while I was in Japan only because the OLED was completely sold out.

[@MidSoulReaper]

I'm loving my steam deck so far, there's a lot of things that you can do on it.

[@mraycgz]

I’ve had mine almost a week. I have played it exclusively since I got it and so far I love it. The battery life isn’t great when you’re playing a game that demands power and I’m not super sensitive to frame rate but I love my SteamDeck.

[@0293holder]

Can you play with it plugged in? That will be my main way to play.

[@mraycgz]

@@0293holder absolutely.

[@0293holder]

@@mraycgz Thank you very much. Mine is on the way. Hopefully it will be good as most people say.

[@Alexchii]

@@0293holder It will actually bypass the battery conpletely when it's charged full and plugged in so you aren't even wearing down your battery when doing so.

[@Dr.Akakia]

The battery lofe for AAA games os about 90-120min it is more than enough for playing AAA games on the go, at least for me

[@heatherperkins9737]

One of the very best Steam Deck beginner tips & trick videos out there. Thank you!

[@kevinmccullagh5558]

I’ve had my steam deck for 3 weeks now and haven’t even scratched the surface of it, been playing mostly Horizon Zero Dawn, Borderlands 3 and Tales of Arise. If i could give people one bit of advice it would be to get there games from cd keys, so much cheaper than the steam marketplace. I picked up Metal Gear Rising and Vanquish for less than £7 for both!

[@hummel003]

do you have to play your games in windows than?

[@lpmoora]

@@hummel003 old comment but cdkeys sells steam codes

[@doxielain2231]

I love that steam is bringing people to linux and package managers

[@sol029]

Ordered mine a couple days ago. Can't wait to try it out.

[@r0beh280]

Great video, my steam deck arrives tomorrow and this is really useful

[@empebe]

Brightness and FPS tips for battery life was really helpful. I ordered an steam deck but is not yet arrived

[@Ch33ch007]

Did you get it? What do you think? I'm about to pull the trigger on one because of the sale

[@BustyNutz]

@@Ch33ch007 I bought one just don't expect it to arrive on time valve uses fed ex and mines has been stuck on "label created" and hasn't changed at all in the past 6 days and valve is hard walling saying I can't refund until it arrives... At this point is it even gonna arrive lmfao on the tracking it even says FedEx hasn't received it lol

[@richf2082]

Wait that section of the video where you said we can share games...I have to try that out, I've been buying some games multiple times. What a revelation thanks!

[@alargefarva4274]

Just ordered my 256 Deck!! Soooo excited

[@Geek-a-Zoid]

What an informative well thought out video! I learned some great tips. Thank you for your time, I enjoyed the video and you gained a sub!

[@anibal5845]

As a new Steam Deck user, this was helpful, thanks 🙏.

[@dripx9852]

Mine just arrived today !! Watching before I open it ❤️

[@peterd7009]

Came across your channel and am enjoying your steam deck reviews. Would love to see a video comparing the pros and cons of Windows versus Steam OS. Things like performance, compatibility etc… Getting a steak deck for Christmas , and may install Windows to an external SSD.

[@officialdabaws5228]

you can put windows on an SD card along with games that require windows (cod, battlefield, etc). steamdeck lets you boot from SD cards if you want too.

[@valg.3152]

Love your videos and thank you.

[@Ang417]

I've had my steam deck for three days now and loving it 😁. I got the 256gb my storage almost full because of GTA 5 it's 100gb 🤣. My 512 micro SD card comes today or tomorrow

[@TheGringzz]

Tip 6, steam should ask you where you would like to install it before you start the download if it recognises a SD card a bit like it does on pc when you add multiple drives

[@VicariousNick55]

They actually added this! I noticed recently the last two tes I downloaded a new game it asked which storage medium you would like to install it to

[@Crunken]

Mine should arrive on Monday! So these tips (especially the shortcuts guide and brightness) will come in very handy, Good video :)

[@brianginn1993]

Curious, when did you order? I’m taking a trip in 10 days wondering if I order now, will it arrive.

[@Crunken]

@@brianginn1993 i ordered this Monday and i got my delivery details yesterday, estimated arrival on Monday as i said :)

[@ardietic2612]

mine will arrive on monday aswell!

[@Crunken]

@@ardietic2612 nice! What games are you planning on playing?

[@ardietic2612]

@@Crunken i will try out gta online because it has been a dream for me for years to play it on a portable console and I really want to play no mans sky on it what about you?

[@actionreplay2165]

Solid. Thank you for this video. Getting my Steam Deck next week and there’s A LOT to learn. First foray into PC/Steam/Valve coming from console. Hoping to learn how to emulate some old games but mostly hyped for Indies on the go and all the sales Steam gets (:

[@Jaylou88]

Emu Deck is all you’ll need to download. It will install and configure everything for you as far as emulators go. Have fun 😎

[@brianginn1993]

Good content. I’m deciding to buy one but I see your list of tips are great.

[@FetusX1]

I will say i'm not disappointed. I kinda figured I was going to get a 30fps Indy and older AAA game machine. But its continued to exceed my expectations. In newer graphically intensive AAA titles you wont hit 60, but once you get each individual game honed in its great. The 40htz mode is pretty nice. I will say that it does feel like 60 like he said. And ngl...I hit 60 on waaaaay more games than i expected. I have a gaming laptop and a ps5 and I find myself using the Deck more than the other 2 recently. Perfect for kicking back after work and watching TV in the background while you play. Hope this helped inform your decision.

[@Andy.G8]

@@FetusX1 That’s good to hear, I definitely wanted to use it as secondary to the TV, thanks for the input man.

[@mraycgz]

I’ve had mine about a week. The only negative thing I can say is that when you’re pushing it the battery life isn’t great. Sometimes when I first load up an area in an open world game it’s a little slow but it seems to only happen once. I am not as sensitive to frame rate as some people. I have not touched my Xbox or switch since I got it and I’m loving playing the games that I couldn’t before because I didn’t have a PlayStation. 9.5/10 would recommend for anyone that can afford it and is interested at all.

[@crashdude7589]

I'm hoping to possibly get one sometime this year

[@MorsugioJr]

Great content btw

[@williamgodfrey2355]

This was what I was looking for thank you ps what gba emulator are u useing

[@ericmathena]

Awesome and useful tips! Thank you! Now, can you tell me how to get the left joystick to work in Minecraft. I found Minecraft in the Discover menu, and it works great except for the left joystick.

[@Bossing_rene]

thank you❤❤❤❤❤

[@BlissBatch]

An easier way to get to Desktop Mode is to long-press the power button (this brings up the same Steam > Settings > Power menu).

[@TheLPCGAMING]

9:10 I have recently regained access to my old compromised steam account and trying to play some old games on Steam Deck. Only issue is when I log into my primary account, I can't seem to play games from old account. The compromised account has fraud restrictions on it so would that be why or am I missing something? Basically the steam libraries aren't merging between accounts like you explained in the video. Any insight?

[@Shadybiglpac]

Nice

[@whatsuptimmy4166]

Question about the multiple steam accounts. If my wife and I have separate steam accounts and she is playing a game that I own on the steam deck then can I also be playing the same or different game on my PC? I keep reading that if who evers account owns that game the other account can’t access unless the owner is not online playing.

[@pyroice1720]

Does this improve graphics and will there be any negative impact like battery life shortened as a result?

[@weston6568]

One thing that would be awesome that they could do for the steam deck is add a tracking application built in so we can find it if it gets lost. Because I’m afraid of taking it places because I don’t want to lose it or someone stealing it.

[@joshuadavis2175]

Fully support the research for emulation

[@DevinGThatsMe]

yo i had my steam deck going on a week now- I never touched advance battery mode (1-4) now I know its to show live specs as it runs lol THANK YOU!

[@PokeBurnPlease]

This got recommendet to me. I just ordered the steam deck so i just save this vid to watch it when my Deck arrives. I hope i made a good choice with the 64GB and a 512GB SD Card for 40€.

[@williamking2762]

The 64gb model has a different ssd and is much slower than the other two versions so your load times will be longer

[@PokeBurnPlease]

@@williamking2762 It dosent really matter cause ive used HDDs from pre 2000 and my games started faster. I was litterly waiting like 15 minutes and nothing happened when i wrote that comment above. Now its fine since ive reinstalled everything and i am really enjoying how easy emudeck is.

[@donkey7921]

@@PokeBurnPlease yeah also sd cards can be quite fast nowadays to!

[@retro_ed746]

Games can be played up to 4K resolution on Deck: Open game page... Right "wheel" icon... Properties.... GAME RESOLUTION: Set resolution for internal and external display Good example for using higher resolution on Deck itself is GTA4 which has very poor antialiasing. This is basically a form of SSAA. Do not overuse it or it will tank performance and/or drain your battery.

[@victhetruth22]

Do you need a flash drive or is a sd card fine to emulate

[@INFRAREDiZNYC]

Did you make a video on how you have pokemon in your recent games ???

[@adamwragg4606]

Can you download roms from the desktop on the steam deck? I'm tempted in getting one but would love loads of retro games on it if I can

[@VicariousNick55]

Yes you can!

[@adamwragg4606]

@@VicariousNick55 oh good stuff! That's what I was worried about having to use a laptop or something and transfer the roms over

[@adrianalvarado-mendoza1276]

Where did you got burnout take down 😭 I’ve been trying to get it all week

[@joshuas.4531]

hey idk if you'll see this, but does buying the steamdeck gibpve playpoints?

[@Vegetacheeks]

How you twisted metal black and twisted metal 4 ? Do you or can you get twisted metal 3 ?

[@user-yv5gv7be5j]

Pls how can I download a friends steam games when sharing acct? If I log back to mine acct will the game be gone?

[@emkftw]

How did you get twisted metal on the steam deck

[@averagearchuser]

How do you have PlayStation icons?

[@ricardocpacheco123]

that roms website is really cool (if you know what I mean)

[@YWolf777]

yeah, you can find some cool roms in there. A life-saver that preserves gaming history at its best.

[@StilhX]

What was the site?

[@katietree4949]

13:40 'I wouldnt say log in daily, but.....log in daily.' Haha

[@edwincuret2289]

🔥🔥🔥

[@b00m5hakalaka]

3:26 ..em, it’s not official keyboard skin, isn’t it? Any chance you can source it and explain how to install it? Thank you

[@VicariousNick55]

Nope that's the skin you get with the 512gb model but you can change it :)

[@vertigev]

how did you get Burnout 3 on Steam? I looked but it doesn't look like it's there. Thanks!

[@joevasquez8329]

you have to download illegally

[@chandlertillett9736]

"if you're like me" Bold of you to assume I have friends LOL

[@chancealexander3398]

can you bluetooth more than one item? For example, airpods and a controller at once?

[@DaxanDaxter]

Yes

[@Cheerfulnag]

"It's right here in the Discovery area, you don't need to go in the browser, amazing" Well, that's linux experience for you.

[@jakegolding1263]

This might be a stupid question but can you mod games on the steam deck?

[@ImmAsylum]

As long as the mods support Linux you can. I currently have Valheim running modded.

[@christopherhayes7192]

L4 + x = keyboard is a must

[@proceduralgames]

Does it affect my main account if my second account plays one of its games? Like would my main account look online, increase play time, unlock achievements or are they all locked to the second account?

[@VicariousNick55]

Nope, it would be completely separate

[@proceduralgames]

@@VicariousNick55 Thank you, this could be saving me a lot of money over time!

[@willbirkin666]

sooo can i have my main account on my steam deck and when im playing on my friends put it on theirs as well or is it bound to only one deck device

[@TheCdM1981]

You should keep the refresh rate at 60 and lower it to 30fps. I don’t know why we pretend we can actually see the difference on such a small screen between 30 and 40 fps.

[@yngvie659]

What you had to look it up how to get to desktop mode I was just playing around with my steam deck and I was like oh wow there’s a desktop mode but I mean it is kind of funny that you had to look it up.

[@NascarFanatc24]

I just need to figure this emulation stuff out

[@TheGodzilla2201]

Can u put Windows on it?

[@Hijynx87]

I had my steamdeck 64gb for about a week, but I never set it up, as I feel like I should install my 1tb ssd first.

[@click004hd7]

correct. wait for the ssd install. I did the same

[@silentplayz6797]

Great video man!! Is there any way you’d be willing to hop in a discord call with me and and help me with emulation? I’m new to all this and so confused 😭

[@celestialsnakeprince]

where you playing games inbetween those tips or is the battery just that bad

[@VicariousNick55]

This was a 40 min video that I cut down to 10 minutes so the battery life you see is with me tinkering, testing out things before recording, etc. On average (when not playing a game) I get about 4 to 5 hours of on screen time before it need s a charge. With gameplay you will get around 2 hours with AAA titles, and around 3-4 hours if you're using an emulator or smaller indie titles

[@bobbyj999]

I really want burnout on deck

[@davidagiel8130]

My plan, get 64gb model, upgrade ssd to 1tb, wipe steam os and just have Windows. So i can Play online games and still come in cheaper than 512gb version

[@Faas98]

netflix does not work for me in the web browser

[@beat91sms]

your shortcut button are playstation buttons why?

[@cartoonitoandwolvesvilefan3487]

PLEASE PLAY GOOSE GOOSE DUCK

[@patrickkelly6590]

Onexplayer is light years ahead of this.. Way better handheld

[@562.anthony2]

Once you beat the elite four in fire red (or any Pokémon game) you can’t play anymore. The ways saves work messes everything up

[@manishnagi4367]

lol the whole time i was looking at the battery. you started at 73% and when the video is finished you are at 66.

[@0293holder]

If we had lives we wouldn’t be here……lol. My deck is 2 weeks out.

[@SocialistDog]

Yo where mite someone find Nin roms and isos?

[@Jaylou88]

We don’t ask that around these parts 😅

[@VicariousNick55]

@@Jaylou88 This guy gets it

[@joshswenson8390]

Burnout!

[@3atd3athzombi3s6]

Wish someone could tell me where to fucking find roms!

[@t-yindigo89]

Nah pokemon on the homescreen ,Your hilarious

[@EndLess1UP]

What's the secret to get people to watch your steamed deck videos? I've made 150 episodes of a series on Steam Deck and nobody watches the crap

[@BlissBatch]

An easier way to get to Desktop Mode is to long-press the power button (this brings up the same Steam > Settings > Power menu).

[@allanallen1835]

Or tap the steam button