The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, the company behind the ubiquitous PC game digital distribution platform Steam. The Steam Deck was created so that players could experience their PC gaming library on the go, similar to a portable gaming device.
It can run PC games directly on the device, making it a more portable alternative to standard gaming laptops. We will delve more into its features, and specs so that if you are thinking of buying a Steam Deck in India, you can make a choice!
Steam Deck Console Models
The Steam Deck is offered in a total of three different 16GB RAM variants, each using Zen 2 or RDNA 2 as the underlying architecture. However, the types of storage they offer and the volumes they possess are different.
Internal storage on the entry-level Steam Deck is 64GB eMMC PCLe Gen 2 and costs $399. Considering the size of many modern video games, this model’s storage capacity is rather limited. It also includes a convenient carrying container. However, you should not buy the base model as you cannot download high-eng games.
The middle-tier Steam deck offers more and quicker storage for $529. It includes a 256GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4), a Steam Community profile bundle, and the aforementioned transporting case. If you consider the space, that is more than enough to last for titles.
The most expensive Steam Deck option costs $649 USD, but its 512GB high-speed NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen x4) provides the quickest storage. This version includes a premium, anti-glare, etched glass screen, an exclusive virtual keyboard motif, and the Steam Community profile bundle.
Can You Incrrease Storage on Base Model?
If reading those storage sizes has made you nervous about installing games, Valve has you covered. The Steam Deck has a UHS-1 bus slot on the bottom of the machine that supports SD, SDXC, and SDHC cards. 512GB cards are available for less than $30 on Amazon. Steam Deck includes auto-formatting capabilities, making it simple to select and use an SD card. You can also boot an operating system, such as Windows, from the card.
Which One You Should Buy
The standard model of the Steam Deck, which costs $399 and has 64GB of eMMC storage and comes with a carrying case, is not suited for high-end gaming experiences due to the limited space it provides for recent games. However, it does come with 64GB of storage. If you intend to download games or other anything that is significantly larger, you should steer clear of this choice.
For a better gaming experience, the middle-tier Steam Deck priced at $529 with a 256GB NVMe SSD provides quicker storage and sufficient space for multiple titles. It also includes a Steam Community profile bundle and a carrying case, making it a well-rounded choice for most gamers.
Steam Deck Console Price In India
Steam Deck is available on Amazon.in and other major online shopping stores, and retail outlets. The price for the 256GB model in India is 57,899 Rs. While you can buy the base model for 49,490 Rs.
GamePad
Steam Deck’s gamepad controls are quite standard: A/B/X/Y buttons, a D-pad, L/R analog triggers, and L/R bumpers. It has View and Menu buttons instead of the traditional Start and Select buttons, as well as two analog thumb sticks with capacitive touch technology.
Additionally, there are four grip buttons that can be assigned to different functions on the back of the Steam Deck. You will be able to recognize these if you are familiar with either the Steam Controller or the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller. These are fantastic for mapping any additional functions.
Battery Life
According to Valve, the Steam Deck is powered by a 40Whr battery that provides 2-8 hours of gameplay. This estimate is based on a game running at 30 frames per second with 50% brightness and volume. Naturally, your results will vary. A 45W USB-C PD3.0 power source powers the Steam Deck. The system comes with a 1.5 meter (4.9 foot) charging wire.
Conclusion
The Steam Deck is an exciting handheld gaming console that allows players to access their PC gaming library on the move. With three storage options, the middle-tier model, priced at $529 with 256GB NVMe SSD, strikes a good balance between storage capacity and cost, catering to most gamers’ needs. Its portability and expandable storage capabilities make it a compelling choice for gaming enthusiasts seeking a more versatile gaming experience.
The Steam Deck’s innovative design, gamepad controls, and reliable battery life of 2-8 hours further enhance its appeal as a portable gaming device. As it becomes available in India, gamers have the opportunity to embrace this novel gaming console and enjoy their favorite PC games wherever they go, making it a potential game-changer in the handheld gaming market.
