Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Steam Deck
Screenshot by Gamepur

On Steam Deck, there is little difference between docked and handheld performance

Seems that the portable mode was a higher priority.

New information has been coming out for Valve’s upcoming portable system, the Steam Deck, since its official reveal last month. Included are more details on the handheld and docked modes, and whether there’s a significant difference between the two.

Recommended Videos

According to a recent interview from PC Gamer, Steam Deck designer Greg Coomer was asked whether Valve had considered a higher performance mode when designing the system. His reply? “Yes, but we didn’t choose to make it a really high priority design target… we felt that it was actually better all things considered to not modify based on docked status or mobile status.”

From there, Coomer and Valve prioritized which mode they felt would be the most used, which was mobile. The team then developed the Steam Deck with that design choice in mind, and afterwards focused on a “good frame rate with AAA games in that scenario.”

The Steam Deck, which opened its preorders on July 16, features three models. The first is $399 and has 64GB of embedded MultiMediaCard memory. The second model is $529 and features 256GB of NVMe SSD storage (which is much faster than the base model’s memory), a carrying case, and a Steam Community profile bundle. The most expensive model will sell for $679 and features 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, anti-glare glass, and a virtual keyboard theme.

For those who either preordered or are interested in the Steam Deck, check out our guide on some of the best games to get when the portable releases starting this December.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Allisa James
Allisa James
Contributing Writer with Gamepur. Loves sweets, JRPGs, and artbooks.