Valve Confirms Steam Deck Customers to Receive Their Devices Within 2022

[Raevenlord]

Valve's Steam Deck has been a resounding success by any metric, providing an impressive mobile gaming experience at Valve's first try. However, not all has been rosy: particularly for those customers that still haven't been able to receive their Steam Deck order. It's not just a demand problem; for a long while, Valve's hands were tied in the number of Steam Decks they could actually put together, due to continuing electronics component shortages that followed the COVID-19 tech race - paired with logistics nightmares fueled by constant lockdowns and limited transport operations around the globe.

But customers still awaiting their Steam Deck can now take a slight more hopeful outlook, as the company has confirmed via Twitter that all outstanding Steam Deck orders will be fulfilled before year's end. Through improvements to both logistics and manufacturing capacity, many of the reservations previously scheduled for 2Q2022 or later have been moved towards 3Q (July-September). All orders that weren't moved to 3Q are now solidly in Q4, according to the company. Valve has also confirmed that new orders will also be scheduled for 4Q. Do count on a hard limit to how many Steam Decks Valve can fit within it, though, so if you really, really want a Steam Deck before year's end, you better move fast.



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[Dr. Dro]

Right-o, what about worldwide availability then? Most of the world didn't even get the ability to order one on nationality alone.

 

[BorisDG]

Who the hell wants this devkit of "console"? Me not.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Who the hell wants this devkit of "console"? Me not.

Mine should arrive soon sooo

 

[PapaTaipei]

I think they did an amazing job with Steam deck. Production will ramp up at some point, the demand is very high rn.

 

[BorisDG]

I think they did an amazing job with Steam deck. Production will ramp up at some point, the demand is very high rn.

Similar hardware should be in next Nintendo Switch, than all is over for the rivals.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Similar hardware should be in next Nintendo Switch, than all is over for the rivals.

It's only a rival in that it can also play nes games, a nes sure as shit can't play steams game's.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Valve Confirms Steam Deck Customers to Receive Their Devices Within 2022​

....yay.... (just feel my excitement)

Valve's Steam Deck has been a resounding success by any metric

Not true.

First metric it failed at: For those of us who oppose DRM, it is and always was a non-starter.
Second metric it failed at: For the MANY existing Steam users who expect the same level of compatibility as they would get on their PC, it's a serious failure.

Granted, my Steam library is not very big, but the kicker is that no less than half of my titles are not compatible with the Steam deck and my experience is FAR from isolated. The only reasons this device has been a success is two, the first is novelty and the second is the very dedicated fan base. Once the reality of this device sets in and people begin to realize it's rather severe limitations, both hardware and software, it will loose it's luster.

It's only a rival in that it can also play nes games, a nes sure as shit can't play steams game's.

Neither can the Steam Deck. A great many titles are either incompatible with the OS or just can't run on the weak-sauce hardware.

There are better, more flexible and more compatible options out there.

 

[sam_86314]

Who the hell wants this devkit of "console"? Me not.

I did, and it's the best console I've ever used.

No other console can even hope to be as open and homebrew-friendly as the Steam Deck.

Nintendo can take their proprietary and anti-consumer bullshit and shove it. I'll gladly play Switch and Wii U games on my Steam Deck.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

....yay.... (just feel my excitement)

Not true.

First metric it failed at: For those of us who oppose DRM, it is and always was a non-starter.
Second metric it failed at: For the MANY existing Steam users who expect the same level of compatibility as they would get on their PC, it's a serious failure.

Granted, my Steam library is not very big, but the kicker is that no less than half of my titles are not compatible with the Steam deck and my experience is FAR from isolated. The only reasons this device has been a success is two, the first is novelty and the second is the very dedicated fan base. Once the reality of this device sets in and people begin to realize it's rather severe limitations, both hardware and software, it will loose it's luster.


Neither can the Steam Deck. A great many titles are either incompatible with the OS or just can't run on the weak-sauce hardware.

There are better, more flexible and more compatible options out there.

I don't see many in that 569£ price bracket, plus I will have a external nvme(USBC) win 11 boot asap.

I'll accept it is what you see in it to a degree, there are better ,but for the price it's in a nice middle ground IMHO.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I did, and it's the best console I've ever used.

That doesn't or can't play much of the Steam library...

No other console can even hope to be as open and homebrew-friendly as the Steam Deck.

Nonsense. ANY portable system with similar specs that runs Windows can and does play more of the Steam library, because(TADA) it runs the Windows version of the Steam client..

You're argument is classic strawman stuff..

I don't see many in that 569£ price bracket, plus I will have a external nvme win 11 boot asap.

Most are in the ballpark price-wise and NONE have to deal with an external drive to boot Windows. You're points don't really make a good case for the Steam deck.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

That doesn't or can't play much of the Steam library...

Nonsense. ANY portable system with similar specs that runs Windows can and does play more of the Steam library, because(TADA) it runs the Windows version of the Steam client..

You're argument is classic strawman stuff..

I hated steam initially, but have grown to like it personally, each to their own, I hate apple!?.

That doesn't or can't play much of the Steam library...

Nonsense. ANY portable system with similar specs that runs Windows can and does play more of the Steam library, because(TADA) it runs the Windows version of the Steam client..

You're argument is classic strawman stuff..


Most are in the ballpark price-wise and NONE have to deal with an external drive to boot Windows. You're points don't really make a good case for the Steam deck.

Yours haven't discredited it IMHO, you can boot to windows and I do have 365 games so that did sway my judgement I'll admit.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I hated steam initially, but have grown to like it personally, each to their own, I hate apple!?.

My objections are practical in nature. Why should I limit myself to one single gaming platform that suffers from serious incompatibilities and can access only one gaming library when there are MANY similar offerings that can access all of my libraries without limitation and is much more compatible with my existing Steam library?

The reality of the Steam Deck is that it is woefully limited and just can't do what all other competing offerings can. The Steam Deck, when given an objective look, is just not an attractive device.

 

[R-T-B]

The reality of the Steam Deck is that it is woefully limited and just can't do what all other competing offering can.

You have yet to name what this is. It CAN run windows...

 

[sam_86314]

I still hate Steam despite loving the Steam Deck.

That doesn't or can't play much of the Steam library...

Fortunately, in my case, it can run all of the games I want to play. I don't care much for newer AAA games.

First metric it failed at: For those of us who oppose DRM, it is and always was a non-starter.

Not true from my experience.

All of the games I have on it are either from GOG, emulated, or "patched" games I own on Steam. It takes some tinkering, but after getting it set up, I can just leave the Deck in offline mode, and all of the games I have on it still work.

Client and OS updates still work in offline mode. Also, any apps that have internet functionality do still work.

I don't actually have any games that I installed through the Steam Store on it (other than Aperture Desk Job). Everything has been "sideloaded".

 

[lexluthermiester]

It CAN run windows...

Only with an external drive attached and only in a special boot mode. It's a cumbersome and lackluster after thought.

You have yet to name what this is.

AYA, AYN, Anbernic and GPD all make Windows based devices and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head..

Fortunately, in my case, it can run all of the games I want to play. I don't care much for newer AAA games.

Fair enough, but....

Not true from my experience.

All of the games I have on it are either from GOG, emulated, or "patched" games I own on Steam. It takes some tinkering, but after getting it set up, I can just leave the Deck in offline mode, and all of the games I have on it still work.

I don't actually have any games that I installed through the Steam Store on it. Everything has been "sideloaded".

You are the exception rather than the rule when it comes to users and usage model.

 

[sam_86314]

You are the exception rather than the rule when it comes to users and usage model.

My point is that it can be done, and the experience really isn't as bad as people think.

That being said, I still long for a SteamOS alternative (not Windows) that has all of the useful features without the Steam integration.

 

[lexluthermiester]

That being said, I still long for a SteamOS alternative (not Windows) that has all of the useful features without the Steam integration.

Linux Mint.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Who the hell wants this devkit of "console"? Me not.

I want one, but alas... I'm beyond bitter about this, hype the Deck to no end, even translate its UI and OS to our native language and everything - but selling me a device? Ha!

AYA, AYN, Anbernic and GPD all make Windows based devices and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head..

The problem with competing handheld PCs is their extremely high cost by comparison, since Valve is heavily subsidizing the cost of the Steam Deck. An Aya Neo that can match the 512GB Steam Deck will run you twice as much and it'll still have Vega-based graphics. I am aware of newer Rembrandt-based models but they still don't, and cannot, solve the cost problem, since they are small startup companies and Valve can just spend 1% of their CS:GO market earnings on this project instead.

 

[BorisDG]

I did, and it's the best console I've ever used.

The Steam Deck is not even a console. It's low-spec PC in handheld form. You won't see anyware posted this game and this game is coming on PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch, PC and Steam Deck...

 

[lexluthermiester]

The problem with competing handheld PCs is their extremely high cost by comparison

Base model Steam deck is $400. $650 for the top model.

AYA Neo Air Starts at $550 and goes up from there depending on the specs you want. The one that is comparable to the top Steam deck is the same price, $650. Your statement of "extremely high cost by comparison" has no merit. That said, the top end model(the specs of which kick the ever-living crap out of the top-end Steam Deck specs) is very pricy at $1400. But apples to apples, AYA NEO Air has the Steam Deck beat and it runs a more suitable OS.

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding) - Liliputing

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding)

liliputing.com

Then there is the AYN Loki that starts at $250 and is comparable in specs to the base model Steam Deck. The top model is $775 and has specs much better than the Steam Deck.

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199) - Liliputing

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199)

liliputing.com

AYN Loki kicks the Steam Deck right in the nadds and is a better option! This is the one I'm ordering.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Base model Steam deck is $400. $650 for the top model.

AYA Neo Air Starts at $550 and goes up from there depending on the specs you want. The one that is comparable to the top Steam deck is the same price, $650. Your statement of "extremely high cost by comparison" has no merit. That said, the top end model(the specs of which kick the ever-living crap out of the top-end Steam Deck specs) is very pricy at $1400. But apples to apples, AYA NEO Air has the Steam Deck beat and it runs a more suitable OS.

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding) - Liliputing

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding)

liliputing.com

Then there is the AYN Loki that starts at $250 and is comparable in specs to the base model Steam Deck. The top model is $775 and has specs much better than the Steam Deck.

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199) - Liliputing

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199)

liliputing.com

AYN Loki kicks the Steam Deck right in the nadds and is a better option! This is the one I'm ordering.

I respectfully disagree, with the exception of the Loki Max (with Rembrandt + 680M iGPU), all of these devices should be slower than the Steam Deck at gaming. Saying that my claims have no merit is harsh when practically all of the alternatives have far inferior specifications. The Cezanne-based Aya models lose by default due to the Vega graphics architecture used, even in the 5825U flavors (with the $1K+ price tag).

The budget Loki Zero that's $250's specifications are downright terrible compared to the base Deck (reminder that the hardware is the same throughout all Deck models, what differs is the storage), making do on a 6W budget with two Zen 1 architecture cores and 3 CU Vega graphics, the Aerith/Van Gogh SoC used on the Deck is 4 Zen 2 cores + 8 CU (4 WGP) RDNA 2, I guess that speaks for itself. That's also accounting for the fact that only the devices with 16 GB or more RAM even qualify to compete with the Deck anyway.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Base model Steam deck is $400. $650 for the top model.

AYA Neo Air Starts at $550 and goes up from there depending on the specs you want. The one that is comparable to the top Steam deck is the same price, $650. Your statement of "extremely high cost by comparison" has no merit. That said, the top end model(the specs of which kick the ever-living crap out of the top-end Steam Deck specs) is very pricy at $1400. But apples to apples, AYA NEO Air has the Steam Deck beat and it runs a more suitable OS.

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding) - Liliputing

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding)

liliputing.com

Then there is the AYN Loki that starts at $250 and is comparable in specs to the base model Steam Deck. The top model is $775 and has specs much better than the Steam Deck.

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199) - Liliputing

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199)

liliputing.com

AYN Loki kicks the Steam Deck right in the nadds and is a better option! This is the one I'm ordering.

It's not comparable, it's running 8vega2 core's not rdna2 core's.

Only the top end 6800U is comparable in performance, and I know how much they cost, as do you clearly 1400£.

 

[LabRat 891]

Good timing. Been contemplating cancelling my reservation.

 

[HisDivineOrder]

Base model Steam deck is $400. $650 for the top model.

AYA Neo Air Starts at $550 and goes up from there depending on the specs you want. The one that is comparable to the top Steam deck is the same price, $650. Your statement of "extremely high cost by comparison" has no merit. That said, the top end model(the specs of which kick the ever-living crap out of the top-end Steam Deck specs) is very pricy at $1400. But apples to apples, AYA NEO Air has the Steam Deck beat and it runs a more suitable OS.

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding) - Liliputing

AYA Neo Air handheld gaming PC with an OLED display hits Indiegogo for $499 and up (crowdfunding)

liliputing.com

Then there is the AYN Loki that starts at $250 and is comparable in specs to the base model Steam Deck. The top model is $775 and has specs much better than the Steam Deck.

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199) - Liliputing

AYN Loki Zero is an entry-level handheld gaming PC (pre-order pricing starts at $199)

liliputing.com

AYN Loki kicks the Steam Deck right in the nadds and is a better option! This is the one I'm ordering.

Aya Neo Air's performance won't even be close in most games (due to the quad-channel DDR5 and RDNA2 graphics in the Steam Deck vs dual-channel and Vega graphics in the Aya Neo) and on top of that it costs more. I don't get how that responds to his point of "extremely high cost by comparison." Perhaps he should have stated it out clearly to you. Performance per dollar, the Steam Deck wrecks anything by Aya Neo you've listed. I'm sure they'll catch up eventually.

As for the AYN Loki, that one uses Intel on the lowest end (sub-$500) at $300 and the next system up is the one starting with AMD. Personally, I'd drop the extra $100 to avoid Intel graphics. The next Loki system up from the Intel-based one costs $500, which is $100 more than the lowest Steam Deck and both will otherwise have the same storage. Plus, as usual, Loki suffers the same fate as every other SD competitor: the GPU is either inferior (6600U-based systems) or at the very highest end the cost is prohibitive (6800U in the $800 variant).

Why anyone would bend over backward to buy other systems besides the Steam Deck when Valve has done nothing but make the SD easily modded in any way imaginable in both hardware and software is beyond me. Pay the $400 for the better system and change it however you like. Hell, toss in a $70 NVME while you're at it.

Or you can waste money because DRM (that can be avoided if you change your use-case).

The interesting thing about space-constrained low-power APU's is how much performance is gained by reducing CPU's to their bare minimum core limits. On APU's with more cores/threads, more power gets taken from the GPU to help the CPU run faster, which can cost you real performance. Looking at the higher end CPU's (6800U), I can't help but imagine their poor GPU's being starved for power. Refer to The Phawx on Youtube for more on that.

TLDR; Steam Deck is great value. If you love Valve and Steam and have the games, it's a no brainer. If you only care about performance per dollar and have the games, it's a no brainer. If you hate Valve because DRM and want them to lose money on hardware they're heavily subsidizing because you're not using said system in their ecosystem, it's a no brainer. The only people it's NOT a no brainer for is anyone not invested in PC gaming OR anyone not interested in portable gaming. Even then, if you want to start, it's a great entry point for relatively low cost for what you get.

But I get it. Steam is DRM and some people despise DRM so completely they can't see anything else, even the chance to make Valve lose money.