Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
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If you're a sicko, you can now run Windows on the Steam Machine
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, enabling full hardware support for Microsoft's operating system on the device. While this allows users to install Windows 11 and gain wider compatibility with PC storefronts and services like Xbox Game Pass, it requires wiping the existing SteamOS. The release is seen as a potential precursor to dual-booting functionality, which could make the Steam Machine a more competitive console-like PC hybrid.
Steam Machine review - it's all about the games you play
The Steam Machine offers a premium hardware design with a slick SteamOS interface ideal for living room gaming, but its high price and performance limitations hinder its appeal. While capable of 1080p gaming and some 4K upscaling, it struggles with demanding titles and ray tracing, making it a niche product for specific game types and users.
Nobody Plays New Games Anymore: The 2026 Playtime Data | TAG
Recent data from Valve's Steam Replay and Newzoo reports indicate that new game releases consistently capture only 14-17% of player playtime on PC, with older titles dominating the remaining hours. This trend holds true across platforms, with Xbox showing the highest engagement for new releases at 18%. The analysis suggests this is due to factors like the prevalence of live service games, adult time constraints, and the value proposition of established back-catalog titles, rather than a decline in player interest.
Evening Reading - July 6, 2026
The video game industry is facing significant challenges, with Microsoft confirming mass layoffs that will lead to Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games becoming independent. Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios, as its first Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue original Switch consoles in Europe in 2027, while Microsoft is being sued in Wisconsin over data center practices.
How To Use Discord On Your Steam Machine And Steam Deck
This guide explains how to install and configure Discord on Valve's Steam Deck and Steam Machine devices. The process involves switching to desktop mode, installing Discord via Discover, and adding it as a non-Steam game. It also provides instructions for adjusting controller settings for a better user experience.
The Steam Machine’s Red Line Of Death Is Less Scary, And More Useful, Than You Might Think
The Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' error, reminiscent of the Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death, is discussed as a useful diagnostic tool rather than a catastrophic failure. Valve has implemented a system where different LED bar colors and animations indicate specific hardware issues, aiding users in troubleshooting and communicating problems to support.
Marvel Rivals After 6 Months for Adults | TAG
Six months after its launch in late 2024, Marvel Rivals remains a viable live service option for busy adults, offering short matches and a casual mode that respects player time. While the battle pass progression can be demanding, the game's design elements, including cross-platform play and hero variety, make it sustainable for those with limited weekly hours, though ranked play requires significant commitment.
Seven years later, another Steam Controller prototype just popped up at Goodwill, and I feel a Valve employee hates…
Another prototype of Valve's original Steam Controller has been discovered at a Goodwill store, seven years after the initial release. This particular prototype, a 'Chell' development unit, features only touchpads instead of a thumbstick, reflecting an earlier design direction for PC gaming controllers.
New Playable Demo of ‘Escape From Umbra’ Now Available on GOG and Steam
WildSphere has released a free playable demo for their upcoming psychological horror and puzzle game, Escape From Umbra, on Steam and GOG. The demo offers a 10-15 minute preview of the game's mechanics and story. The full game is set to launch on July 10, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders available on Xbox consoles.
Valve updates SteamOS to improve your WiFi download speeds, and it's available on Steam Deck with a couple of caveats
Valve has released SteamOS version 3.8.14, which addresses an issue that limited WiFi download speeds on devices connected to routers that incorrectly advertise their MCS requirements. A beta version, 3.8.22, is available for Steam Deck owners through the Beta and Preview channels.
Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core Interview – Timer Mechanics, Roguelite Structure, Lore, And More
Ghost Ship Games marketing manager Aaron Hathaway discusses Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core's surprising player reception to its roguelite structure and timer mechanics. He explains that Rogue Core will receive smaller, interval-based updates rather than a seasonal model, and that the game is intended to be more challenging than Deep Rock Galactic. Hathaway also touches on the game's lore, potential console versions, and the ongoing optimization efforts for PC and Steam Deck.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s First 18 Minutes Showcased in New Video
A new video showcases the first 18 minutes of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, featuring protagonist Edward Kenway in a naval tutorial sequence before he becomes an assassin. The game, releasing July 9th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will feature modernized combat and extensive underwater exploration. Technical director Jussi Markkanen highlighted the reactive, hitbox-based combat system and new secrets to discover.
Will Gabe Newell bring a Steam Machine onboard his $800 million deep-sea vessel? I hope so
Valve co-founder Gabe Newell is investing $800 million in a deep-sea research vessel named RV11000 through his marine research organization Inkfish. The vessel is designed to explore extreme ocean depths and will house scientists and crew. While Newell's interests extend beyond gaming, the article also touches on speculation about future Valve hardware like the Steam Deck 2 and the current market for Steam Machines.
Somehow, the $1,000 Asus ROG Ally Xbox X is the best value gaming handheld I can think of right now
Despite its initial high price, the ASUS ROG Ally Xbox X is now considered the best value handheld gaming PC due to current market conditions and rising prices of competitors like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. The article highlights the ROG Ally's strong performance with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU and Windows operating system as key factors in its current appeal.
Summer Vacation Handheld Loadout 2026 | TAG
This guide provides recommendations for pre-installing 4-6 games on handheld devices for vacation gaming, emphasizing variety and offline playability. It covers device-specific considerations for Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and iPad, along with strategies for battery management, cloud saves, and storage. The article also suggests backup activities and packing checklists for a seamless gaming experience during travel.
Something for the Weekend – 04/07/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony phasing out physical disc production by 2028 and closing PlayStation Store access for PS3 and Vita again. Xbox is reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature. Several games received release date changes or confirmations, including Onimusha: Warlords and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Reviews were published for Rhythm Paradise Groove and WILL: Follow The Light, alongside previews for Fatekeeper, Witchspire, Dziady, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Splatoon Raiders.
4th of July is your last chance to grab some World Cup TV deals before next month's final
Consumers can take advantage of 4th of July television deals to purchase a new screen before the FIFA World Cup final on July 19. Various TV options, including LG OLED and mini LED models, are available at discounted prices, offering enhanced viewing experiences for the remaining matches.
Lost Vessel launches free-to-play July 6: a sci-fi idle RPG where deep solo progression pours into a co-op endgame
Lazy Frog Games announced that its sci-fi idle RPG, Lost Vessel, will launch free-to-play on July 6, 2026, for PC and Steam Deck, with cross-platform save support. The game emphasizes a transition from deep solo progression to cooperative endgame activities like shared expeditions and world bosses, featuring a strictly cosmetic-only monetization model.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced promises smooth handheld sailing with Steam Deck and Steam Machine verification
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has achieved Steam Deck Verified status, indicating full compatibility with Valve's handheld PC. This is an improvement over the original Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag's 'Playable' rating. The verification also implies compatibility with Steam Machines, making it the first major game since their launch to receive this dual certification.
The Daily Grind: What tools do you consider essential for playing MMOs?
This article discusses the essential tools players consider necessary for enjoying MMORPGs, beyond just the game itself. Essential items include a decent PC or console, a keyboard and mouse, a headset with a microphone, and browser access for wikis and communication platforms like Discord. The author also notes the common use of game mods, with Project Gorgon being an exception.