Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
Latest coverage
Valve have released the Steam Frame's CAD files, but there’s already a cottage industry of DIY wrist straps and lifesize skull stands
Valve has released the CAD files for the Steam Deck VR headset, enabling users to create custom accessories. This has spurred a cottage industry of DIY creations, ranging from practical power bank holders and ergonomic straps to more eccentric items like a life-size skull stand for the headset.
Ratatan review - the unofficial return of Patapon
Ratatan is a spiritual successor to the rhythm action game Patapon, developed by original creator Hiroyuki Kotani. It features similar beat-synced command gameplay with a new cast of characters and adds a roguelite structure with meta-progression. While praised for its unique art style and gameplay, the rhythm mechanics can feel repetitive and the difficulty curve is steep.
Here come the weird and wonderful mods for the Steam Frame, as Valve drops the full CAD files for free
Valve has released the full CAD files for its Steam Frame VR headset, enabling users and third parties to create custom modifications. This release follows similar CAD file releases for the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Controller, encouraging community creativity.
This tiny E-ink Game Boy can run games at 30fps and docks into a NES controller, and it has sold me on the idea of paper…
A modder named Bo Made It has created the Ink-Boy, a Game Boy emulator utilizing an E-ink display that achieves 30fps gameplay and docks into an NES controller. This innovative portable overcomes the typical slow refresh rates of E-ink screens by employing custom display drivers, offering a unique retro gaming experience.
Steam Hits New Milestone of Over 43 Million Concurrent Users
Steam, the PC-exclusive digital distribution platform, has set a new record with over 43.5 million concurrent users. This milestone surpasses its previous record set earlier this year. The platform has seen consistent growth, particularly since the COVID-19 lockdowns, with Valve's hardware efforts like the Steam Deck potentially contributing to its sustained user base.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the RPS team shared their weekend gaming plans, including trying out the demo for the turn-based ship-salvaging game Ablahshikar, revisiting The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and experimenting with a Titanfall 2 VR mod. Others are planning to play Dorfromantik and an upcoming exploration game.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Oct. 9: The Triple-I Initiative Showcase
This article rounds up various PC game deals available over the weekend, including discounts on Steam, Humble Store, and other digital storefronts. It highlights free games, bundle offers, and specific title sales, with a focus on titles featured in the recent Triple-I Initiative Showcase.
Valve is telling devs how well their games actually run on Steam Deck with real world data
Valve has begun providing developers with real-world frame rate data from Steam Deck users to help them better understand and optimize game performance. This new system allows developers to see how their games are running on a mass of Steam Decks, potentially leading to graphical adjustments and improved player experiences.
"It's DisplayPort image quality, wirelessly" - Pimax's newly announced Crystal Pro VR headset could solve VR's wireless compression problem, and it takes the fight to the Steam Frame and Steam Machine
Pimax has announced the Crystal Pro VR headset, aiming to solve wireless image compression issues that plague current VR technology. The headset features a DisplayPort connection for lossless PCVR and a unique 60G AirLink for wireless streaming, utilizing beam aiming and native foveated streaming for enhanced image quality. Pimax also revealed ringless controllers and a mini-PC called Spation, positioning itself as a competitor to Valve's offerings.
PS5 GOTY Contender Hits PlayStation Store Today With PS Plus Discount
Wych Elm's survival-horror game Silver Pines is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game, which blends survival horror, resource management, and puzzle-solving with Metroidvania-inspired level design, is currently offered at a 10% discount. The development team, comprised of veterans from games like The Darkness and Helldivers, drew inspiration from '90s cinema and TV shows.
After months of PSVR 2 stock shortages, PlayStation sells hundreds of VR patents to Meta, signaling the brand's…
Meta has acquired 43 US XR patents from Sony, previously used for PlayStation VR and PlayStation VR2. This follows months of PlayStation VR2 stock shortages and a lack of software support, suggesting a potential winding down of Sony's VR efforts. Meta's acquisition comes despite its own recent cutbacks in the VR market.
AMD's handsome FSR 4 upscaler is coming to handheld PCs this year, though Steam Deck support could take longer
AMD has announced plans to bring its FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) upscaling technology to handheld PCs by the end of 2026, with new APUs and a special version for older integrated graphics. While newer devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go are expected to receive support this year, the Steam Deck's RDNA 2 architecture may require an update until 2027.
Nintendo Switch 2 – One Year In, How Does It Hold Up?
One year after its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has proven to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering more powerful hardware that supports advanced features like DLSS and ray tracing. While performance in demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 can still have compromises, the overall gaming experience is vastly improved with faster load times and better visuals. The console's library has expanded with enhanced editions of existing games and new titles, though the absence of a new 3D Mario game is noted. Despite some drawbacks like battery life and internal storage limitations, the Switch 2 represents a worthwhile evolution of Nintendo's hybrid formula.
Nivalis Nights review
Nivalis Nights is a cyberpunk shop simulation that excels through its beautiful city design and a cast of over a hundred fascinating, tragic characters. While the shop management and decorating mechanics are functional, the game's true strength lies in its quest structure and the vibrant personalities that populate its debt-ridden megacity.
The HyperX Cloud III is a superb wired headset, and a no-brainer purchase when discounts are inbound
The HyperX Cloud III wired headset is praised for its superb audio quality, comfortable design for long gaming sessions, and high-quality microphone. Its multi-platform compatibility via 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C connections is a significant advantage. While the full price is considered high, the headset is frequently discounted, making it a strong value proposition when found on sale.
Lenovo's Legion Go S has dropped by 14% this Prime Day, beating the Steam Deck in price and performance
The Lenovo Legion Go S handheld gaming PC, featuring a Ryzen Z2 Go chip, has seen a 14% price drop to $731 during Prime Day, making it a compelling alternative to the Steam Deck. Despite some performance limitations with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, its lower cost and competitive performance make it a strong contender, especially compared to the rising prices of other handhelds.
Ex-PlayStation boss recalls Nintendo employee's reaction to the PSP reveal: "You bastards"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recalled a Nintendo employee's visceral reaction to the PlayStation Portable reveal, highlighting the intense handheld competition of the mid-2000s. Despite Sony's struggles with marketing and piracy, the PSP achieved significant sales, though Layden suggests a dedicated company might be needed for future handheld ventures.
Xbox Helix is seemingly pulling a Steam Deck, CEO discusses devices for players "on the go" with "a great…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed plans for a 'family of devices' for the next generation, including a central console and options for players on the go, similar to the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Sharma indicated that while Xbox will manufacture some components, partnerships will be key for other elements, suggesting a potential third-party involvement in creating a handheld Xbox device.
Gears of War: E-Day review
Gears of War: E-Day offers excellent cover-based shooting mechanics and a strong multiplayer experience, but its main campaign is criticized for being an exhausting and overly long firefight. The game introduces some new mechanics and weapon upgrades, but the narrative struggles to justify its existence as a prequel.
Someone's modded Diablo 2 for VR, and seeing the world through your character's eyes brings a whole new dimension to the series
A modder named Sergious has created a virtual reality mod for Diablo 2, allowing players to experience the game from a first-person perspective. The mod, which is available on Github, brings a new dimension to the classic action RPG by immersing players in its world. The article also briefly mentions Valve's Steam Deck and the upcoming Diablo 5.
