Steam Deck Review - Playing PC Games Has Never Been Easier!

[@FakeLibra]

I appreciate that you got right into the video. No stupid intros, no stupid sponsor segways, nothing. I love it!

[@n_tas]

I'm gonna be that guy: a Segway is a self balancing scooter thing, the word you're looking for is segue

[@user-s8jb3qb6y]

I wouldn't blame him at all if he got sponsored, it's how KZbinrs make their money.

[@dewokkel]

Love how often you mention that you want to keep the video short and thus making it longer 😂. Thanks for the review, it was amazing 👍🏻

[@prw56]

It was funny to hear him say that because I came here after watching the 30+ minute gamer nexus video end to end (minus the ads)

[@heyjeySigma]

ironic lol

[@kelownatechkid]

Kept laughing at this lol he's so excited

[@paulmalin717]

It is really touching to see you as an expert being that excited. Thank you for your videos!

[@nighttimestalker]

For 400$, this is an insane deal and will only get better

[@poplix2704]

@Lov Mir It is playing 800p desktop games at 60fps on an small screen. It wont run ps5 games, because it's a pc. U are comparing an pc to an ps, which is never a good choice.

[@joseelias2799]

@Lov Mir it does run elden ring tho

[@tipico809]

Evryone sell the switch and buy this instead

[@Wynonyn]

@Lov Mir i mean it prob can, especially since you can drop settings and tweak things. I think you might be able to push 30 fps which is wild for a handheld.

[@poplix2704]

@Amon Shinohara Comparing a very closed source and proprietary console to a portable pc is not something that you should do. That would be like comparing shoes and sandals, both can be better in a certain situation.

[@boubousky4068]

Sincerely you're the best I'm happy to be a part of this channel, i learn more about the steam deck directly from your channel!!I ordered it for emulators and you also speak about emulators Thank you so so much!!!

[@ToxicatedSins]

You just making it harder to wait for a steam deck with every video. Loving your content and happy that you have it already!

[@andino1152]

The ending to your review gave me CHILLS. Been watching you for years and I can feel through your genuine excitement that this is something truly next level!

[@SeekerofYab]

As someone who has wanted a console which could be switched to a desktop OS for years, I'm almost more excited about Steam OS 3 on desktop than the deck itself. Booting to big picture mode in Windows and the older Steam OSes were never quite ready for a living room box, so I'm really hopeful that the dream behind Steam machines can finally work as intended.

[@Fabian-_-]

I instantly preordered the 512gig model as fast as I could on that friday. I don't regret anything. Sure its expensive and you dont get a lot more per se, but I also own an Index and use Linux 100% of my time to game and stuff, so I'm more than happy to pay more just to support Valve. I love that thing and I love what they did in cooperation with AMD and the Linux community

[@GrimAbstract]

Have you gotten your steam deck in yet? You seemed to have ordered it pretty early

[@YogiTheBearMan]

I’ve not seen anyone else show hot swapping the SD cards works or back to back fingerprints on the different screens. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone show streaming either. Impressive review, thank you!

[@MAP-Designs]

I don't mind the longer videos but I get why you keep them short. Personally as long as you are talking I'm interested. It's the bench marks that lose me I just wanna see numbers for benchmarks not a whole vid or even part of one. Love your work!

[@Ticktok_of_Oz]

as an electrical engineer, hearing the phrase @ 6:53 "and it's like 32,000 steps of analogness" is the funniest thing ever. I get the intent, and agree, but it's still a very funny joke as well.

[@Mithinco]

Great initial impressions review! Now let's get into the nitty gritty details! This is exciting!

[@Go.el_Hadam]

Great review buddy. You are still the handheld gaming PC champ. My only recommendation as a fan of the channel is that you should always say what needs to be said per topic then edit things down accordingly, no need to rush. We really don't need to see tons of footage, it's your opinion on the performance that matters to me not the testing footage. You can save on time by minimizing or eliminating testing in your reviews. It's better to do separate testing videos for those who want that. Your opinion is what is valuable.

[@ThePhawx]

Thank you! I think this is good advice. Appreciate it :)

[@thatfitnessguy4718]

The excitement in his voice! I'm not getting one but I am a full time Linux user, and the way valve has catapulted and helped Linux gaming is a win for everyone. Not just Deck users. .... Now imagine the second generation Deck with upgraded hw

[@Glotttis]

I can't WAIT for that Windows video, hopefully with performance and battery life comparisons vs SteamOS. I'm not a Windows hater and I just want all my vast PC games library to be compatible, GamePass and all.

[@RetroGameCorps]

Phawx: "No one watches long videos" Me: 😳

[@johnnymcgregor]

I do, would have preferred a longer form review to be honest. Love your work Russ!

[@SDPhantomGamer]

11:58 Did I just see the battery drop a percent while plugged in? It may be cause for concern, though it could very easily be an overworked USB hub.

[@b130610]

So excited to get mine and tinker with it, as well as use it for its intended purpose. Also really excited what this means for mainstream support for linux... Would love to fully transition to linux on desktop someday.

[@LycoLoco]

Can you publish your controller config for Ikaruga at 6:30? The community needs early config creations like this to really bolster what Steam Input has available to them "out of the box". Thanks and loved the review, plus everything else you've shown up to this point!

[@klaxoncow]

Well, as with the Steam Controller before this, folks can publish their custom controls to Steam for others to use. So I'm sure by the time most of us get our Steam Decks delivered, they'll be a whole host of controller configurations for most games already there.

[@MeltEmber]

If you mess around with the OS and you either install another OS or you mess up something and have to reinstall Steam OS - do they provide an iso and will that provide the full "out of the box" experience again, with all the drivers pre-installed etc?

[@MaximilienDanton]

Yes, it will be available for free. You can even install it on your pc if you like it!

[@jonneygreen]

YES !! with all the drivers

[@MeltEmber]

has there been any announcement about that yet? the official repos haven't been updated since 2019. I hope at least Steam Deck owners get access to it as soon as possible, as long the system doesn't have a bios-level "factory reset" function to restore SteamOS. I'm happy with Manjaro on my PC, but I'll definitely give SteamOS 3 a try when it's available.

[@Quicksilver-7791]

@@MeltEmber Valve said they'll release it 'sometime after the launch of the Steam Deck'.

[@ersatir0664]

Got shivers, can't wait to get mine asap :D

[@piplup10203854]

Woah this is awesome! This might just be the device for me for that perfect blend of portability and power. I’m a very casual gamer so nearly all of the games I play are more than able to on the Steam Deck! I’m stoked :D

[@GothicDragonX]

This quick review made me happy for all the good things you said, however very sad you didn't go through everything. Then again, maybe this is more of a recap of what to come and that makes me happy. Good job, can't wait for the full version.

[@seanc6754]

You're the first person to answer one of my big questions. I was wondering if the SD card would be hot swappable and you said not only is it but it's absolutely amazing.. that's awesome! There's another round of emails going out I think Monday hopefully mine will pop up because I did get it pre-ordered in the first 30 seconds but who knows maybe that put me at the end of the year LOL

[@kitnoman]

The thing about the controls having desktop mode, big picture mode and game mode, where buttons and controls changes is that it has been on steam for years. I have steam controller and I've been using it as a remote when I'm far from my pc and watching a movie. I reckon that those who have or had steam controller would have an easier adaption rate.

[@gregyance9901]

please compare the performance with windows installed vs the native os

[@gragogflying-anvil3605]

Once there are drivers for Windows, we will have comparisons. Without drivers it runs like garbage, if at all, which would be an unfair comparison.

[@madjunir]

@@gragogflying-anvil3605 Still even with gpu drivers you don't get the full SteamOS console like experience and features. Is default for a reason

[@LingLing-ou6nt]

Short or long, your videos are the best, keep it up!

[@AtariKafa]

i agree with you small capacity battery is biggest mistake with deck i bet they will iterate and put bigger battery on deck 2.0 sometin...

[@Jovi_97]

I don’t think there will be updated harware for another 5-6 years. Maybe.

[@simhpl]

@@Jovi_97 i hope there will not be an update any time soon. Let's squeeze the shit out of this amazing hardware. It's time we end this insane brute force approach to performance and quality. Time to use ingenuity. DLSS and FSR is hopefully just the begging

[@jvandep]

Would love to see a videoguide on swapping the SSD out for a bigger on.

[@airtimehillzone]

So excited for the Steam Deck!

[@SnowTerebi]

I think for the special glass, we can have similar effect with a screen protector.

[@TylerL220]

That's what I plan to do

[@Statistic189]

Screen protectors don’t work on it

[@FanifrischLP]

@@Statistic189 false, SOME dont work

[@Statistic189]

@@FanifrischLP false, none work. The anti glare coating prevents all tempered glass from working.

[@TheCrash16]

@@Statistic189 I think he was saying if he didn't get the steam Deck with the anti-glare coating

[@bluepill8077]

I've watched this video about 5 times now, and your optimism is bursting out of you. Its obvious you *love* this device. Your emotion and body language say all I need to know.

[@mitchthepreacher1512]

Fantastic video! Regardless of length of video, I watch it all dude

[@NickoTyn]

I think that the battery is so small compared to its size is because all the different boards take up more space than in a more compact device. So we receive better access to different components and the ability to repair each input easily without changing the entire board or soldering analog sticks and what not.

[@khaledm.1476]

One thing the switch has over the steam deck is the oled screen is leagues above the SD's display. I can't speak objectively to the screen's quality but I know SD's display has only 68% gamut coverage. I hope we get a higher end steam deck model with QD-OLED and VRR

[@TheDifferenced]

*UNZIPS* Ah yes, FINALLY! "Not yet available in SEA" Welp another year then. :(

[@Dannymon]

Nice ikaruga shout out. More people need to play that game

[@hanktank45]

My excitement for steam deck was getting questionable but this review has me super hyped.

[@TheSosaman7]

Awesome video dude!

[@ssgpizzalover515]

I got the $530 model because i wanted to make sure to get an ssd for the few next gen games i want to put it in there

[@SamuHell782]

How dare you being more hyped then myself my good man! Good day to you! Good day I say!!!

[@melo0187]

Thank you for the informative review. Now I feel stupid for reserving the 256 GB model :-/ Based in Germany I would have saved around 100€ just buying the 64 GB version with 256 GB SD card... However I'll receive the purchase invite in Q2 so I rather not cancel my reservation. First world problems I guess. Still looking forward to get this amazing device :-)

[@kaemelezzine1827]

Based in Germany I managed to get the 64gb for 315eur simply by buying steam cards from kleinanzeige for cheap. Thus saving off 100 off the asking price.

[@melo0187]

@@kaemelezzine1827 congrats! That is turning an already really good deal into an amazing one. Didn't think about that honestly. Will refrain from doing so myself, because I figure the scam potential is very high and not worth the risk

[@TinoushGTR]

I don't regret getting the 256gb version in Holland. I'm sure we can make a good use of it in some games in the near future.

[@beasthunt]

Your content is insane, bud.

[@cpmarianoibz]

Props! great video, thanks!

[@Wilqu5677]

could you install steamos on ayaneo or gpd? if yes I would like to see a comparison between those

[@SightlyJester]

I have a question, despite the anti-reflection layer, does the sharpness and image quality and colors look the same on the 512 GB or does it look worse?

[@Ha-ue9kg]

The software and compatibility that Valve and other devs have produced is just amazing. This is gonna make Linux gaming actually the real deal and might even help other efforts (ARM Mac gaming).

[@voxelfusion9894]

How could apple benefit? It doesn't even use vulkan?

[@Ha-ue9kg]

@@voxelfusion9894 It shows that it’s possible to convert from one graphics API to another. There’s already an effort to do it on Mac with some success. I believe CrossOver converts DirectX calls to Metal.

[@Gramini]

@@Ha-ue9kg There's MoltenVK, which translates Vulkan into Apple's proprietary and strange metal API.

[@MrJpm423]

Hey just wanted to say thank you for the video and great job!

[@xatusbetazx17]

When you run windows on it you can use the keyboard like the virtual keyboard to do stuff or you need a physical one ?

[@gamelord12]

Great review! Your channel has been great for me ever since the GPD Win 2 piqued my interest. Are you the man for the job to run the fighting game tests? A lot of competitive players are wondering if we can get PS4 performance/fidelity but with less input lag. Then there's also the matter of testing if you can easily hot swap controllers between sets more easily. (On PlayStation, official PS wireless controllers stay synced until you physically disable them. Many tournament sets have been ruined because someone didn't disconnect their controller when they were done, and it disconnected in the middle of the next player's set, automatically pausing the game and ruining the match.)

[@igorgiuseppe1862]

6:28 nice use for R3 and R4, i never tought of it. that coming from someone who just played hoteldusk an game where you hold your nintendo DS in the vertical...

[@ssdpow1]

Thanks for your great work!

[@MoistPancakes]

Ahhhhhh. I ordered mine right when it was available for pre order and I still ended up being placed q2

[@aabret1]

The steam deck with Windows on it did you dual boot it?

[@lxs077]

already pre ordered the $650 last night, gonna be a while before i get mine, but for now im really happy with my gpd win 3.

[@kakashisan4072]

This is just freaking insane.. Pretty much at this point people just waiting for preorder to be opened.

[@khhnator]

Tate mode on steam deck... finally someone with the right priorities talking about the deck

[@alejandropenedo6676]

Tried to ask this during the stream but it didn't go through... the contoller layout looks more akin to a PS controller than to a xbox one... having only used xbox controllers, does it take time getting used to the deck or does it feel natural?

[@supercheetah778]

Year of the Linux desktop! Let's go!! Just kidding! I know, it would take a lot more than just the Steam Deck to get us there, but this is a pretty huge step, IMO, and the Steam Deck really isn't trying to make the Linux desktop happen, but I think it could help bring us there.

[@showsropper]

You should try playing stadia games on Steam Deck. That might be a good combo with 64gb variant. No storage anxiety and battery longevity.

[@djmaye2893]

Yeah I was hoping someone would show off cloud gaming on the Deck.

[@francez123456789]

i can never remember what the right save file is when that pop up comes up- really hope they do something to make it more obvious... have only lost progress a handfull of times but its still a bit stressful...

[@kaanozkuscu5079]

they tell you which one is the MORE RECENT ONE. if you cant figure out that the save file with the newer date is the last save, then you cant demand a more "obvious way".

[@kelownatechkid]

Incredible stuff!

[@JJSideshowBob]

The streaming capabilities are a big deal for me. I wonder how it will perform as a streaming client when hooked up to a TV via USB dock regarding resolution, bitrate, framerate and latency. Starving for information here ...

[@davidibi33]

How does windows run on steam deck? Do you run it from ssd or an external device ? How many gb does it take???

[@migpagola]

Eres el mejor enseñando la Steam Deck!! Me encantan tus vídeos, espero la mia en marzo. Tuve la onexplayer y me parecio incómoda y ruidosa, le falta trabajo, espero esta sea mejor. Por cierto, Funciona el samurai shodown?

[@druout1944]

Great video and concise coverage; agree on the battery; that is very disappointing. I would guess that serious strategy games are a PITA though on this; I can't imagine playing a mouse and keyboard heavy title like Rome II Total war with its myriad shortcuts with this.

[@diuran1919]

CAnt wait for a Windows drivers, my micro windows 10 ver. is ready

[@heisenbergwhite00]

Can you do a Battery life comparison between the Steam Deck and Nintendo switch running the same or similar games

[@renatocustodio1000]

Guys, we are seeing history here. This device will still be remembered decades for now as the start of something great.

[@SaoirseFae]

Any chance you could cover the installation of a replacement ssd? Cheers!

[@freevbucks8019]

8:10 can you force your way inside the bios by spamming f12?

[@misterchip1984]

holy cow you must be excited. I had to slow the video down to 1/2 speed!!!

[@timewarp78]

Hahaha

[@gamer_guts9836]

How does this compare to the Smach Z you reviewed that was never released?

[@Quark_Proto]

Yay finally can’t wait to play while camping or road trips

[@KamalaChameleon]

This is the most consumer friendly gaming PC ever made. Over time it will just get better and better

[@rhysdenno5993]

what about syncing progress for NON-steam games. would you just have to use syncthing or something like that?

[@scooley1515]

9:00 mark your email address is visible. Not sure if you want to strike that out or not. Just looking out for ya!

[@obnu]

How easy it to transfer stuff from Windows to this. I wanted to play my p5 modded but it requires a special version of rpcs3. I also have some old games that I'm not even sure can run on Linux for example of sonic heroes. I wanted to use this to mainly emulate and play a bunch of sonic games I have on my pc

[@lowkey_exe1523]

well i got the mid-range model but i not i kinda regret not getting the screen with the anti-glare coating or whatever. what are the odds someone makes a badass anti-glare screen protector for it?

[@ThePhiphler]

I can't believe your real name is Cary. Nice review.

[@Ken-zg3ze]

Are you going to do more testing with Windows?

[@sandwich6359]

If the steamos 3 image hasn't been released, how do people put steamos back on the deck after installing windows?

[@HiCZoK]

aside from outside use, do you think indoors in the evening, the etched screen adds or retracts from the screen experience ?

[@Ryan-1337]

I would be interested to see if the base model is hindered by the storage speeds in any way? I would probably just keep steam os on it forever

[@BarBar3ar]

wait why is the screen naturally portrait oriented? Is it a panel designed for tablets or something?

[@ActionJaxonH]

Might be matching v1 Switch in battery life, but not the v2 or OLED model that hits 5 hrs minimum at max brightness for any AAA game.

[@mikestockdale808]

Curious what settings were in play for Witcher 3 and Doom Eternal while still getting over 4 hours of battery life?

[@jr7958]

Excellent and informative video. Any plans on demonstrating how plugging into an external display works?

[@MrChancebozey]

Great vid and content :)

[@warlockboyburns]

anti glare screen protector already on ebay

[@ItsNobleSavage]

Can u try Microsoft office on it?

[@MugenZeroX]

Hope game mod support is decent for this

[@danielcobia7818]

I would love to see PS2 emulation on this and how it performs. I have a couple games (Champions of Norrath) that are a tad janky with the thumbsticks from my 8bitDo Pro2 controller inputs. I might need to tweak something there.

[@RZonYT]

There should be videos for this. 3DS emulation works great in 720p rendering, so I imagine a PS2 emulator would work fine too.

[@danielcobia7818]

@@RZonYT The Phawx released a video yesterday of PS2 emulation, looks really good. There's some maps in GT4 that it can't quite play but those are the stupid hard maps, like France. All in all an impressive little machine.

[@dominik2327]

Now, finally, we've got the year of Linux... handheld? xD

[@GA-is8ui]

How would I be able to put those performance updates on my Deck when I get it?

[@SleepyRulu]

I want the deck for my backlogs

[@comicbossone2411]

Great video. Weird question for you. My 13 year old son is trying to run Roblox on it. Can the steam OS launch Roblox or does it have to be done through windows?

[@RZonYT]

SteamOS can run most Windows programs using the Proton compatibility layer and should do this automatically. If it doesn't work properly it will probably be fixed within the next few months.

[@Balatong5845]

Does the anti glare dull out the colors?

[@ShadowMan64572]

What was wrong with the d-pad?