Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
Latest coverage
New Steam Deck plugin means you can customise your Steam Achievement pop-ups to match Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or…
A new Decky plugin for the Steam Deck allows users to customize their achievement pop-up notifications to mimic those of PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo consoles, or to create entirely unique designs. The creator hand-drew the pixel art and used AI coding tools for development, with the open-source code available on Github.
Steam Frame review: Untethered reality
Valve's Steam Frame headset offers a compelling, albeit expensive, virtual reality experience with a sleek design and comfortable fit. While the hardware boasts impressive specifications and a user-friendly SteamOS interface, its high cost and limited exclusive software library, relying heavily on older titles like Half-Life: Alyx, make it a difficult recommendation compared to the more affordable Meta Quest 3.
Fortnite’s Linux Plan via Epic Games Launcher Needs Distro Support
Epic Games is working to bring Fortnite to Linux via the Epic Games Launcher, but it requires support from Linux distribution maintainers for anti-cheat upgrades and has no release date. While Steam Deck compatibility is a possibility, it is not confirmed. The plan involves rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat for Linux, with Fortnite serving as the initial test case.
I haven't wanted to 100% a game in a long time, but…
Over the Hill is a co-op offroading adventure that has captivated the author with its beautiful open world, challenging driving physics, and extensive collection of secrets and collectibles. The game's focus on photographing wildlife, finding meteorites, and unlocking vehicle upgrades has inspired a strong desire to achieve 100% completion. The game is verified on Steam Deck and is currently 20% off on Steam.
Fortnite is coming to Linux so we may soon be able to play it and other games like Apex Legends on Steam Deck and Steam Machine
Epic Games is officially developing Linux support for Fortnite, which could enable it to run on Steam Deck and other Linux-based systems. This move is also significant for anti-cheat compatibility, as Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat service will be tested in Fortnite on Linux, potentially improving support for other games. While no timeline is provided, this effort aims to bring anti-cheat parity between Windows and Linux.
"Little Tim is so obsessed with Gabe" – Ex-Valve dev not impressed by Epic's updated Steam rival or…
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games' recent update to its store launcher, particularly its reliance on generative AI and the company's communication strategy. Faliszek highlighted Tim Sweeney's perceived obsession with Gabe Newell and questioned the overall direction and feature set of the Epic Games Store compared to Steam's ecosystem.
Valheim vs Enshrouded vs RuneScape: Dragonwilds: Let's settle this
This article compares Valheim, Enshrouded, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds, three survival crafting games that recently hit their 1.0 milestones. It details differences in features like map generation, fast travel, death penalties, and crafting systems, offering a comparative table and individual picks from the authors.
After two weeks using the ROG Xbox Ally X20 I respect it despite its giant price tag
The ASUS ROG Ally X20 offers a refined handheld gaming experience with a larger, brighter OLED screen, improved thermals, and comfortable ergonomics, but its $300 price increase over the standard model makes its value proposition questionable. While performance remains identical to the previous generation, the premium features are appealing for those seeking the best OLED handheld, though cheaper alternatives exist for less demanding users.
The rumoured Steam Frame OLED would fix one of the Frame's minor weaknesses and do nothing for its major ones
Rumors suggest Valve is developing a Steam Frame OLED VR headset with upgraded MicroOLED lenses, potentially similar to Samsung's Galaxy VR. While this could improve display quality, the article argues it would exacerbate existing issues like component shortages and high pricing, making it an unneeded product for Valve and consumers.
This Chance To Get A Steam Frame For $1 Is One You Can’t Miss
A promotion is offering a chance to win a 1TB Steam Frame VR headset for just $1 through Fanatical's Mystery Chest Bundle. While the Meta Quest 3 is a budget option, the Steam Frame offers advantages like better weight distribution, more RAM, and eye tracking, along with access to PC VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx and Vertigo 2.
Epic Is Overhauling Its Anti-Cheat So That Fortnite Can Finally Come To A New Platform
Epic Games is overhauling its Easy Anti-Cheat system to enable a native Linux version of Fortnite, addressing issues that previously prevented multiplayer games from supporting the operating system. This initiative, which will also benefit other developers, is being piloted on Linux through the Epic Games Store launcher. The company is also experimenting with AI-developed software, though this has led to some bugs and concerns about data privacy.
Fortnite is finally coming to Linux thanks to Epic rebuilding Easy Anti-Cheat, though Steam Deck support is still in the wind
Epic Games is rebuilding its Easy Anti-Cheat software to enable Fortnite to run on Linux, with a new version called EAC Linux v2. While this update aims to improve protection against cheaters, it will not initially support the Steam Deck due to its current technical limitations. The Epic Games Launcher also received a preview release for Linux.
Epic Games confirms it's bringing Fortnite to Linux
Epic Games has confirmed that Fortnite will be released on Linux, with the company rebuilding its Easy Anti-Cheat software to support the operating system. This move is expected to make Fortnite playable on devices like the Steam Deck without workarounds. Epic is also calling for collaboration with Linux distro maintainers to bring fair multiplayer gaming to the platform.
Over the Hill's off-roading simulation winches you in with a more laid-back take than SnowRunner's, but it'll still bite careless drivers
Over the Hill offers a more relaxed approach to off-roading simulation compared to titles like SnowRunner, focusing on accessible mechanics and enjoyable exploration. While it can still challenge drivers with its terrain and occasional mishaps, the game provides a satisfying experience with unique quirks that set it apart in the genre. The inclusion of features like a quick winch and the ability to photograph wildlife adds to its playful charm, making it a worthy addition to the off-roading sim pantheon.
Fortnite is coming to Linux once Epic improves Easy Anti-Cheat
Epic Games plans to bring Fortnite to Linux by rebuilding its Easy Anti-Cheat system to support the operating system. This initiative aims to make the game playable on Linux distributions and will also provide improvements to other developers. While Steam Deck compatibility is being discussed with Valve, it is not yet supported by the new EAC Linux v2 solution.
With the Steam Frame becoming Valve's new favourite VR child, they're selling off their last Index headset stock
Valve has officially discontinued the Valve Index VR kit, offering a 20% discount on remaining stock as they shift focus to the Steam Deck. The Index, launched in 2019, was notable for its introduction of individual finger tracking controllers, a feature that has influenced subsequent VR hardware like the Meta Quest 3, though the Steam Deck's own finger tracking accuracy is not quite as refined.
Steam now has a maddening bouncing logo screensaver, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't perfectly hit the corners
Valve has released a new update for the Steam client, notably adding a "retro inspired bouncing logo screensaver" to Big Picture Mode. The author expresses strong negative sentiment towards this screensaver, comparing it to the psychologically damaging DVD logo screensavers of the past and warning users against activating it. The update also includes improvements to startup performance and a new experimental video codec for Remote Play.
Planet Zoo 2 review
Planet Zoo 2 features majestic animals and a focus on conservation, but is hampered by fiddly micromanagement and a frustrating user interface. While the animals are beautifully rendered and the new aquatic and avian additions are welcome, the core gameplay loop of managing zoos and reserves becomes exhausting due to complex menus and tedious tasks.
"The functional equivalent of superfakes" - The ESA wants retro handhelds loaded with ROMs to be on the Notorious Markets naughty list, but I need it to target the real bad eggs
The Entertainment Software Association is pushing for retro emulation handhelds pre-loaded with ROMs to be added to the Notorious Markets List. While the ESA aims to target piracy, its broad description risks unfairly targeting legitimate manufacturers like Anbernic and potentially impacting the broader emulation scene.
"I'm still trying to make this work for under $100" - Taki Udon teases a FPGA GBA SP that could shake up…
Taki Udon, creator of SuperStation One, is developing a new FPGA Game Boy Advance SP prototype aiming for a sub-$100 price point. This potential retro handheld revival, which plays real cartridges and has shown compatibility with Game Boy Advance and even Nintendo 64 games, could significantly impact the market, especially if it undercuts existing emulation-based alternatives.
