Valve has announced a portable console Steam Deck

Valve has introduced a portable Steam Deck console that will allow you to run games from the library Steam and enjoy many other familiar features: chat, cloud saves, Remote Play and not only.

It runs a SteamOS 3.0 based device (based on Arch Linux) with a Proton compatibility layer so your games "most likely don't need to be ported." Installation of Windows and third-party software will also be available.

Outwardly, the device resembles a Nintendo Switch. It has a 7-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, 400 nits brightness and 60Hz refresh rate.

Responsible for performance is AMD APU with Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, as well as a graphics chip with two compute units. The amount of RAM in any of the versions will be 16 GB LPDDR5, and the amount of internal memory can vary: 64 GB (eMMC), 256 or 512 GB (NVMe SSD). There is a microSD slot for expansion.

For games in the Steam Deck, there are classic sticks, triggers, a D-pad, traditional XYAB buttons and miniature trackpads that “can provide a competitive edge when playing shooters from the first face ". The built-in gyroscope complements all this.

Autonomous operation is provided by a 40 Wh battery. Valve promises 2 to 8 hours of no-power play. Charging is carried out via the USB-C connector. The latter supports DisplayPort 1.4 with the ability to output images in resolution up to 8K at 60 frames.

Among other things: support for Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi ac, stereo sound, light sensor, vibration feedback, 3.5 mm audio jack and two microphones. Additionally, it will be possible to purchase a docking station connected via USB-C. It will provide one USB-A 3.1 port, two USB-A 2.0 ports, as well as Ethernet, DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 connectors.

Steam Deck Prices:

• 64 GB: $ 399 (+ case included);
• 256 GB: $ 529 (+ case and exclusive Steam Community Profile Pack)
• 512 GB: $ 649 (+ Anti-Reflective Glass, Exclusive Case, Steam Community Profile Bundle, and Virtual Keyboard Theme)

Sales in the US, Canada, UK and EU countries will begin in December 2021. In other regions - in 2022. More details - on official website.