Steam Deck Booklet Highlights

With the release of the Steam Deck booklet, we noticed that there was a couple tidbits of information that stood out. So here is some highlights we think you should know!

We will be skipping the parts that talk about Valve and Steam's history. We are looking for some juicy highlights that could be insightful to the Deck itself and the direction they could be heading in.

They Want you to Experiment with your Steam Deck

On page 9 of the booklet, they talk about how their hardware is "designed to enable you to do things we haven't thought of yet". They acknowledge the Deck is meant to be upgraded and modified with software that is open and accessible. They further push this point explaining how you can use this as a normal PC, being able to install whatever you want to.

The Iterations of the Steam Deck

On page 23, there is no text. All we see is the different variations of the Deck that led us to what we have now. It is super interesting to see all the different iterations they went through to get us to where we stand, especially that orange and blue Deck...got me thinking of Portal! Some of these were shown off before, especially the ones with circular trackpads and white handles. Either way, it is really cool seeing them again like this!

The Idea of the Steam Deck Started 10 Years Ago

A little interesting side note! Page 25 notes that Valve started brainstorming a portable PC device around 10 years ago. They knew the hardware wasn't capable of running AAA games on a handheld battery power budget yet, so they started to prototype very early. A lot of the ergonomic and iteration placement happened during COVID though, lots of shipping ideas back and forth at that point!

They Learned from Past Hardware in Different Ways

Not all of Valve's hardware ventures have been a success...honestly I think only one really has, the Valve Index, but they learned from each one. Specifically towards the Deck, the Steam controller and Steam Machine helped the most. The controller provided input on the Steam input system and the groundwork for the Deck's controls, while the Steam Machines helped Valve learn about OS support and creating Proton to make Windows games accessible on Linux. The Index did help with learning about designing complex devices within tight tiny constraints.

Valve Wants Any PC to Take Advantage of SteamOS

While on page 31 and talking about some of the features of the Deck, like the sleep/wake functionality, Valve sneaks in a little tidbit that they will be shipping a general installer for SteamOS. This will allow any PC to install SteamOS. They also mention they will be making SteamOS available for other manufactors to make gaming devices of their own. It seems Valve wants to push their operating system out into the wild, and as they develop and refine it, this could promote more competition in this space as the ease of SteamOS grows. It is an interesting little piece they threw in there.

The Steam Deck's Controller Design

Page 33 talks about the Deck's comfort and ergonomics. Though, while it isn't much we haven't seen before, it does include some more pictures of the Deck's prototypes, as well as some different controlle rvariations. This shows the square vs circle trackpads, as well as some more conventional controller designs. Either way, it is interesting to see!

Valve Phasing out Big Picture Mode

On page 35, Valve talks about the advancements and improvements to Steam on the Deck and benefitting Steam everywhere. They then go on to mention that the Steam Deck user interface will be available on "PCs that are connected to a TV, and in VR". This is further confirmed at the end of the booklet on page 51 where Valve clearly states "Steam Deck's user interface will soon be available through the desktop client, as a new version of 'big picture'". While there was speculation of it, this was a clear answer that puts any rumors to rest.

The Future: Multi-Generational Steam Decks

On the last page (51), Valve starts to discuss the future of the Steam Decks and SteamOS. Though, while just stating SteamOS will evolve, they clearly state multiple times that the Steam Deck "represents the first in a new category of Steam handheld gaming PCs". They will be following up with improvements and iterations to the hardware over time, but they have the idea that this is a "multi-generational product line". Honestly, I think I am relieved hearing that. Continuing support for this device is a fantastic piece of news, reaffirming their desire to keep working on this device. It will be exciting to see what they will do next.

While there is more to read, those are the biggest takeaways from the booklet. There are other drawings, photos of games, and some more to dive into with the current iteration of the Deck, but it is more generally known knowledge. You can also download the booklet yourself.

What did you think of those highlights? What would you like to see in a future version of the Steam Deck? Let us know in the comments!