Valve has up to date the Steam Deck firmware with probably the most ceaselessly requested options.
Because the handheld launched in February 2022, gamers have needed to hold the gadget powered on with the display screen on to obtain video games and updates.
Gamers have complained that this may be irritating after they’re attempting to obtain a big recreation and wish to flip their Steam Deck off, however have to attend till the obtain is completed. In the event that they flip off the hand-held, the downloading is paused.
Immediately, nevertheless, Valve has added a brand new low-power obtain mode for Steam Deck, permitting it to finish lively downloads in “a brand new display-off energy mode”. As soon as the downloads are full, the hand-held mechanically goes into sleep mode.
Whereas the hand-held is downloading with the display screen off, gamers can both press a button or transfer the hand-held to briefly activate an data display screen displaying the obtain standing. From there they’ll both hold downloading with the display screen off, or totally wake the hand-held once more.
This new function – which is at present out there to Steam Deck customers within the Beta and Preview channels and can ultimately roll out to all customers – is enabled by default when the Steam Deck is plugged into an influence provide. Gamers who wish to additionally allow it when it’s operating on battery energy can go into Settings -> Energy to show it on.
In line with Valve, the brand new function might be triggered in two methods. Whereas the hand-held is downloading content material, gamers can press the Energy button to convey up a brand new dialogue field which asks them in the event that they wish to hold downloading with the display screen off. If a Steam Deck is left idle for a set time, it’ll additionally transfer to the low-power obtain mode mechanically.
Again in November 2023, in the course of the launch of the Steam Deck OLED mannequin, Steam Deck product designer Lawrence Yang stated the group was engaged on a ‘Steam Deck 2’, which might function a “next-generation” improve in energy, however burdened it wouldn’t be out there for “at the very least two or three years”.
