Valve has announced Steam Deck, a brand new portable PC hardware that works like a Nintendo Switch. It will retail starting at $399.99.
Steam Deck was first found through a listing on Steam Database earlier this year. This won’t be the first time Valve will test out the waters by selling their propriety hardware, as it has happened in the past with Steam Machines. The thing that separates it from their past endeavors is the ability to play games not just portable but also on a separate screen, just like the Nintendo Switch.
On their official website, Valve has placed a reservation slot for the hardware. The hardware will begin shipping out beginning December 2021. There are three different models available for reservation. The regular model starts with 64 GB of internal space and will retail for $399.99. The slightly upgraded model offers 256 GB internal SSD storage and will retail for $529.99. It will be followed by the 512 GB storage model. However, the premium anti-glare etched glass is only part of the most expensive model for $649.99 according to a hands-on by IGN.
According to Valve, the main reservation fee is to keep the pre-order process fair for everyone. “The main reason for reservations is to ensure an orderly and fair ordering process for customers when Steam Deck inventory becomes available. The additional fee gives us a clearer signal of intent to purchase, which gives us better data to balance supply chain, inventory, and regional distribution leading up to launch.”
There is a dock as well which was shown on the official Steam Deck website. This dock will feature a LAN port, HDMI, USB ports, and an audio out as well. This is based on the design shown on the official website.
If you were wondering about the operating system that powers it, it is apparently a modified version of the SteamOS. Even if it is not possible to get Windows running on it, we wouldn’t rule it out knowing the perks of open hardware like a PC.
