The Steam Deck in 2024 is Almost Perfect. (1 Year Review)

It's been a year since I unboxed and opened the Steam Deck. In this video I go over my experience after a year later, and why I still think it is still the king in its category.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 : Intro and 2023 PC Handheld Space
1:43 : Design and Comfort is top notch.
2:51 : Excellent control options.
4:40 : SteamOS is phenomenal.
6:24 : Really good performance at lower TDPs.
9:54 : No VRR.
10:36 : Performance at higher TDPs is mediocre.
11:45 : Game Compatibility and Linux issues.
12:55 : Please add Game Pass to SteamOS pls
13:25 : Conclusion: Almost Perfect.
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[@Outre7]

I had mine about 2 years now and I'm still in love ...I am a 47 year old gamer and it's a must have if you are a gamer..

[@kennypowers1945]

Getting mine in the mail soon I’m hypedddd. Good review

[@hymefly]

Me too! Tracking shows I should get it by the weekend. I’ve never owned such a device before. Never been a PC gamer, but this seems really cool.

[@simhz2221]

Same here - in the mail and expected to get this weekend. I can't wait haha

[@marcell7406]

wow fr? thanks so much for the free deck bro

[@ChudDin]

definitely make sure to watch some beginners guide like videos on the deck its an awesome device and a way to get the most out of it is to have a basic understanding of how to use it its not like a console where it limits you no this is a handheld pc so you have full control over everything but dont worry its very easy to understand because the deck was made with beginners and casuals in mind so its very easy to get the most out of it :)@@hymefly

[@iljun3089]

Looking at the steam deck, you will realize what sony could have done for their players. Yet they decided to make the trash that is portal. I have a switch oled and plan on buying steam deck oled or lcd. I'm never going back to playstation.

[@jared7360]

They’re literally building a psp replacement. The portal was never meant to be anything more than a game streaming device and with a good wifi set up it’s great at it especially for the price.

[@sly2792004]

@@jared7360i love mine. people want a portable ps5 for under $400 its not realistic. such device would cost close to $1000 and theres not market for that with playstation gamers.

[@iBMcFly]

Modded vitas area dope AF.

[@brandonsplace07]

@@iBMcFlyagreed 😅

[@Outre7]

Get a deck you won't be disappointed..I got the base model and upgraded storage with a simple Samsung sd card

[@jefferrrson1x]

Dope video. Editing on point. Nice and simple! I love my OLED and it’s definitely been my favorite gaming purchase since the ps4 .. maybe surpasses that.

[@steelzepplin2012]

Just got my 64gb lcd steamdeck and upgraded to 1tb ssd, a 1tb sdcard, screen protector, dbrand skin, joystick grips, magnetic usb-c charger to preserve the port, new back triggers and backplate with fan slot covers as well. Its faster, runs cooler, has more capacity, is fully protected, and looks amazing! Part of the fun was figuring out exactly what mods you want to do on your deck, it's a good time!

[@kennypowers1945]

Heck yea sounds like a good time. I got my 64gb deck coming in the mail and first thing imma do to it is replace the ssd ha ha.

[@steelzepplin2012]

its so easy and since you just bought one you will have the black back cover plate over the ssd area so you will not have to take off any conductive tape, its very clean just give it a good pull as it uses thermal pads, its easier and cleaner this way, perfect time to get the 64gb as it uses the same design as the new oled, and the ssd is absolutely the best way to start modding your deck, now would also be a good time to check out a back plate cover or back buttons if that is on your mod list., reach out if you have any questions!@@kennypowers1945

[@wendywatch3386]

Ive done the same. But no usb c magnetic charger. Is it reliable ?

[@steelzepplin2012]

Yes very@@wendywatch3386

[@flyingjoed]

​@@wendywatch3386 Do not get the magnetic charger. First, they have been known to short out, and also, you can't play with the deck when you are charging because the charger cord will not stay connected with movement.

[@mart182003]

The steam deck has the overall package which is why chose it over the competition. Only had it for a few weeks but definitely don’t regret it.

[@tassosm.4790]

I got here as I am thinking to buy a second hand one. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, that was an honest 360 review.

[@tamilvilayattarangam]

Completely agree with what you have said here. For me, I took about a day to set up my PS5 streaming, Xbox streaming and my emulation games but after that it is pretty much pick up and play. This is a "do whatever you want with it" kind of handheld console. Awesome video man.

[@TANGOgamez]

Does it stream PS5 games without lag?

[@gavingotback]

Great video! Just ordered a steam deck on eBay for a little under 350$ its the 512gb model and im super excited to set up emulation on it aswell. I have a 3070ti in my desktop pc so this will definitely help me play through my backlog of sum older games.

[@ItzaJan]

I got mines yesterday it was upgraded to a Matt screen but seem like who ever did it didn't apply the adhesive properly so the screen is half falling out 😅I'm glad these thing be fix fairly easily

[@tonyz5423]

Could’ve gotten an ally for $400 much better performance

[@S0NAR1X]

I'd be careful with buying third party, if it was stolen you won't get support from valve when something decides to crap the bed. Suggest contacting steam support with serial number to check once you receive it just in case you have to return it. (if that's an option)

[@ItzaJan]

@@S0NAR1X to answer most seller that sell steam deck actually don't accept steam deck for some odd reason 🤔 on ebay*

[@DvlFIG]

I just returned my ROG Ally and ordered the 1TB SD OLED. Yea, the Ally is more powerful but it feels so unfinished. My first Ally came with a dead charger so I had to exchange it so, right off the bat, not a great experience. I’m willing to exchange FPS for stability.

[@mravg79]

Ally can have a better performance, but shorter battery life. But I believe on both devices it is up to user to make compromises between TDP and performance (well it is a bit more complex than that as graphical settings also matter). Steam Deck OLED just try a few settings and find what suits you. I play some games (which will not benefit from high frame rates) at 30fps/90Hz refresh rate, others to get extended time on single charge I fiddle with game settings (to make them look good but not necessarily maxing them out) and I can get 45fps/90Hz. It is fairly easy to tinker with build in menus.

[@sly2792004]

seems lot of people are having issues with sd slot over heating making it useless. i wish steam deck was sold in stores.

[@marcusmccloud8394]

I love it. The UI & software are very easy to navigate, and it doesn't have Windows jank. Its comfortable for big hands and graphics are decent. It is the most well rounded game system I have ever used.

[@Bikertyke]

I have a gaming PC upstairs collecting dust. Not used since I bought a PS5. Bought a Switch oled last year for when I couldn't use the TV. Portal came out. Bought that. Not touched the Switch since. Traded it in with accessories and added £120. For a Steam deck oled 1tb. Grade A mint condition. Can't wait for it to arrive. As I have a decent library of old PC games.

[@draco2xx]

if valve could give us a pro version with vrr at 120hz, 8.4in screen for the steam deck 2, im all on board in getting one without question

[@doovplayz]

All in due time my brother

[@JamieR]

Great coverage of the device. Do you find the battery still holding up well a year later? I really look forward to trying SD. Enjoyed the Ally a lot. One thing I will say, if colors were enabled via software it sounds to me like they made the colors washed out, only so they could release the OLED to upsell that, and then give LCD panels better colors to increase sales for those models too. Just a hunch 😂

[@carlgutierrez2170]

It feels like im playing persona 5 with that audio of yours at the beginning..

[@b33mm0]

Great video! I wouldn't say the steam deck is the king for everyone, but it's definitely is for me. My deciding factor for the steam deck ended up being those dual trackpads. They make typing and mouse-based game like Civilization a breeze. I'd like more performance, but no handheld in the market is strong enough to my likeing anyway. I ended up streaming game from my PC for the more demanding titles and that works perfectly.

[@mravg79]

There will always be compromises in such devices. The key point is balance. Balance between the power consumption (screen type, size, resolution; integrated chip (cpu+gpu) power consumption) and battery capacity, finally also weight of the device. I’m surprised what Deck as a lower power Linux PC can do. I use it as Linux PC most of the time (as a replacement for my old laptop, but in desktop mode I’m not gaming), but also for shorter sessions to play games from my backlog. And for this purpose it fits perfectly. I also have consoles to play games so Deck was an additional device.

[@sly2792004]

how does steaming from pc work? my hold back and why i canceled my launch order is lack of games. non of my steam games are compatible. I’ve been loving my ps portal. does it work with wireless keyboard? dayz for example i mostly use controller but need keyboard for some controls

[@kevincampbell989]

What I love about steam os is how its core focus is simply playing games. Yes you can install windows but windows comes with so many distractions and opportunities to take you away from the game and that's something not a lot of people realise when you install windows. Its why I refuse to install windows even if it would make things like emulation easier or even better the priority of the steam deck is keeping you in the game and I appreciate it for that.

[@Thornskade]

You don't need VRR to eliminate the stutter. Just allow frame tearing and disable Vsync for the game. You won't really notice tear lines at 90 Hz and the horizontal refresh orientation so there's little downside to doing this

[@sketrick732]

You must be talking about the upgraded 90Hz OLED version, the LCD runs at max 60Hz.

[@Thornskade]

@@sketrick732 Yes, but he was talking about what he wants to see on Steam Deck in the future so he wasn't restraining that part to the LCD model

[@lxsaglr8704]

SD to me is just too good. The repair ability is made user-friendly by valve. You can order parts online and repair it yourself once the warranty passes. How many companies can say the same?

[@everythingedits4918]

What thumb grips and case is that on your steam deck?

[@FrozenVayneGames]

Dbrand’s Killswitch Case and Thumbgrips.

[@bonelabguy1]

Which version of the steam deck Do you personally think I should buy Since there are a couple different versions. But I just want to know if the more expensive ones are worth it or if I should just get the cheaper one.

[@SV650Noob]

I just pulled the trigger on the OLED. I would say it depends on your budget. LCD and oled are pretty similar. OLED gives you the slightly bigger screen abd looks way better. Besides that the OLED has WiFi 6, slightly faster ram, and 90hz refresh.

[@alphagodvon]

How has your kill switch case been ?? 😊is it still holding up

[@keepitshort4208]

The update that is a must the downloading while the screen is off as the OLED burn in screen is true horror, also in the summer it will be super hot and the pixels will die out alot faster valve have to make it much better to save the OLED models. let valve know 🙏🏼

[@emlyndewar]

PS Vita OLED was fine, Switch OLED was fine, Steam Deck OLED will be fine. Don’t worry about nothing.

[@sly2792004]

@@emlyndewarsuggest you go watch wolfdens video. switch oled does ok cause it has software features to deal with it as well as being dimmer. valve has stated themselves that they not burn in solftware at all for steam deck. his steam deck has burn in after 1500 hours while his switch has been on straight since launch with less burn in,.

[@Olivia-W]

OLED screens have been on the msrket for years, burn in is rarely an issue for the lifetime of the device.

[@hymefly]

Can a variable refresh rate be done through a software update?

[@FrozenVayneGames]

No, the Screen hardware itself needs to be capable of supporting it. Variable Refresh is all tied to if the screen's panel

[@partylike5445]

Had mine for a year and a half it's literally become my gaming main stay although I work 2 jobs so for me hey its perfect I actually get to game more than an hour a day 😂

[@lawskarl6772]

The sounds on the home screen sound exactly like they do on xbox

[@omnihollowz7558]

Have you tried Destiny on the OLED. Asking because I want to know how well it runs on the OLED. I played on my phone using GeForce and it was bad but got the job done. Its responsiveness is pretty bad. So if I pushed my left joy stick up to move forward it would take half a second to react. Which is why I stopped paying for the membership. I saw some of ur older vids with the older version of steam deck and idk if it’s any better.

[@FrozenVayneGames]

I currently do not own the OLED, however given that the specs are identical in terms of performance of the LCD model, you should expect the same performance that I showed in previous videos. Keep in mind that you will also need to boot into Windows in order to run Destiny 2.

[@omnihollowz7558]

Well I guess it’s better than paying GeForce for a crappy service

[@omnihollowz7558]

Thx anyways

[@AugustusMcMillan]

i think quad channel ram is one of the reasons it runs better at lower watts. the others all have dual.

[@FrozenVayneGames]

Wasn’t aware the steam deck has quad channel. That’s something you dont see everyday in a lot of consumer pcs.

[@devantezephis8068]

Got mines last.momth and I've only been playing on it ever since

[@kayak1969p]

im 54 and still a big kid , trying to talk my wife into one for my birthday lol

[@blackstar2283]

What is the thing on the back of your steam deck ?

[@FrozenVayneGames]

It’s part of the kill switch case. You can place a detachable kickstand

[@arjanbunt86]

going to pick up 256gb secondhand today

[@ClearGalaxies]

How is it?

[@anispinner]

Steam Deck is like a bottle of wine - it never gets old.

[@FrozenVayneGames]

it gets better as it ages.

[@sketrick732]

I want to love it but on trips, I'm the one driving or if seated in the back I get nousious if looking at my phone or trying to watch or play something, and my PC is beside my bed so I can grab a wireless controller and game in bed. I have my laptop connected to the TV to stream or play games directly on the couch. And if I'm out and about I want to enjoy the moment with friends and not be glued on a device playing games. So I had to sell mine. I tried using it to grind Apex Legends while away on 4 week holiday at the end of the season and with keyboard and mouse connected it just was a terrible experiance with input lag and low FPS.

[@globabee.]

What was the grip on the switch?

[@tayjn]

That’s the Skull & Co. GripCase

[@09GunNut]

It reminds me of my game gear from my childhood. Thank god this doesnt need 8AA batteries to run lol

[@aYgo_1]

Im debating on getting one. I have a pc but would play some titles on while relaxing. Dont want to spend too much cash so im thinking of getting the LCD 256gb version instead of OLED...

[@FrozenVayneGames]

I think the biggest thing you will get out of the OLED model is the extra battery life, but if you plan to have a wall or powerbank always close, saving money for the LCD isn't bad either.

[@aYgo_1]

@@FrozenVayneGames I already have a power bank for my phones and I only really plan on using it when either traveling or can’t sleep hahaha. Lastly would you say it would be good to get the 64gb or the 256gb and adding an SD card? Are the fans really that bad?

[@FrozenVayneGames]

@@aYgo_1 I would opt for the 256GB model. The 64GB model uses an extremely slow ecc drive, unless you plan to replace the internal SSD yourself. Otherwise, I would honestly just go for the 256GB model

[@Scatner]

i a bit disagree that on 15W rogally and LoGo crash SD in AAA games. All tests that i've seen showed that on 15W SD is if not better but literally perform the same as those two. These two windows hendheld crash SD only TDP > 15W which means you have to play pluged otherwise all you have is ~ 1 hour of gametime

[@adgeifc]

In cyberpunk LCD deck got 01:12 And rog allay got 01:19, Legion go 01:48 Then the OLED got 02:25 Source: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLOoX1nprWIjKM&pp=ygUcc3RlYW0gZGVjayBvbGVkIGJhdHRlcnkgbGlmZQ%3D%3D

[@MalcolmOSB]

Also Digital foundry showed that frame timings are awful on the ROG and Legion, probably due to windows. Frame timings are more important then FPS for a smooth experience

[@Scatner]

@@MalcolmOSB you mean frame pace?

[@MalcolmOSB]

@@Scatner yeah 👍

[@mtcup]

Is this the same SteamDeck as your broken one from past months? Or a new one?

[@FrozenVayneGames]

New one

[@mtcup]

@@FrozenVayneGames thank you, was wondering. Mine crashes and restarts into validating installation screen usually for Denuvo games (sega’s like a dragon , persona 5, valkyria chronicle series) . But for other games that have simpler graphics , it works like a gem

[@leighandliam]

My 3080 struggles with Alan Wake 2 so i think any handheld has no chance

[@christycho9871]

Buy an ROG Ally,. It's superior in almost every way. If Valve implemented VRR with the refresh, that would have helped a lot.

[@purpasmart_4831]

Lol, windows is clunky af though.

[@Anomaly66666]

​@purpasmart_4831 but wasn't win 11 made for gaming ironically?

[@dorkydicken]

The orange pioneer will have two track pads, I'm excited for it!

[@spartang.1388]

What is an orange pioneer? 🤔

[@joeysenpai]

get the oled i love it

[@orlandoarray1709]

I got both steam deck and Asus rolly and the steam deck I had longer but Asus is way better

[@hussainali9722]

and thats only LCD, how about OLED!

[@s.a.gtoonworld3613]

It is very costly, I don't know it's is durable or not

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

Adjusted for inflation it’s less than half the price of a Playstation 2 at launch.

[@yulpark9299]

relative to other handhelds its uncompeted at this price

[@kennypowers1945]

It’s the cheapest handheld pc you can get lol

[@yulpark9299]

@@kennypowers1945 not true

[@Anomaly66666]

It's like a prototype handheld that still fails to handle the top games. Its a nice early adopter like the tesla of handhelds. I want to play more demanding titles like warzone.

[@FrozenVayneGames]

The Steam Deck actually can play warzone at 60+ FPS through Windows. The main problem is that a lot of developers don't care to support their games for SteamOS currently. Performance is one thing, but I think the refusal to support SteamOS is the more pressing matter at the moment.

[@ChieffBooGames]

GeForce now. Power problem solved the LCD and Oled deck are the greatest devices I’ve ever owned.

[@markus1046]

Yeah "almost" perfect, as long as you don't need stable WLAN and don't plan to use it docked on a modern 120hz 4k HDMI 2.1 VRR TV like the LG C2/3 or a Philipps 808. WLAN is just pure crap if you are using a AVM Fritzbox (around 70% of all households in germany use it) with mesh enabled and without separated 2,4ghz 5ghz networks. All what you hear in the forums is "mimimi the manufacture is guilty, because he is not delivering drivers for linux". To be honest - I don't care. If Valve designs a hardware they should think about the consumer market and what they need. If you bought the original dock to use the Steam Deck like a Nintendo Switch to play Indies like Dead Cells with 120hz on the TV you found the direct way to hell. I bought for 90€ the original dock because it supports VRR. Theoretically... reality is, if you enable VRR the dock is getting instantly unusable, because you will just have a black screen and nothing will work any more. You can't disable VRR in the settings, without an external TV connect - awesome! There is still a long way to go for Valve... I switched back to the Switch OLED (haha...)

[@ClearGalaxies]

I don't understand why anyone buys the Ally. The white plastic is so gross and I don't think it will be supported for long.

[@Anomaly66666]

I already placed an order to play fortnite and other aaa games.

[@ClearGalaxies]

@@Anomaly66666 What do you do for a living?

[@Anomaly66666]

@@ClearGalaxies on disability why?

[@adgeifc]

These comment makes me think of wii-u and how dog shit it is. Nintendo almost got thanos snapped out of the gaming industry cause of that miss input.

[@droo9466]

You made many points that proves this ain't the king but rather a middle tier gaming device

[@FrozenVayneGames]

When I say "the King", I'm referring to in comparison to everything in its category, PC Handhelds. We can argue about other devices like laptops as such being better, but in my opinion if you wanted a strictly PC handheld, this is still the best option. Perhaps I should redo the thumbnail to better clarify that.

[@droo9466]

@@FrozenVayneGames there really ain't no pc handheld in that price range but I still believe the gpds rog ally, Aya neo are better pc handhelds. Steam deck is mostly limited to steam games only.. The only reason I didn't keep mine was because of its huge bulk. Rather have smaller device with ability to add grips than being bulky always. And then the screen is def a weak point compared to the other handhelds

[@FrozenVayneGames]

@@droo9466 That's completely fine, everyone has their own preference. The Steam Deck OLED does remedy the screen issue since it's 90Hz OLED instead of the old 60Hz LCD, but regardless.

[@droo9466]

@@FrozenVayneGames but isn't the new oled same price as a rog ally. And I think it's only the screen which is upgraded. If it had oled screen for the regular price it would be a winner

[@gavingotback]

​@@droo9466it's about price to performance and no matter what you say no other company but steam currently has the money/ incentive to sell at a loss like steam does especially if you get a used steam deck 🙌 but to each their own but price to performance goes to steam deck fs