Choosing the Right Handheld:
Steam Deck vs. the Windows-based Alternatives
In the dynamic realm of handheld gaming, the choice extends beyond mere hardware specifications; it encompasses the entirety of the gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Steam Deck and its comparison to its Windows-based counterparts.
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User Interface and Operating System
Now, picture this – You've just purchased a new gaming laptop but it's missing both its mouse, trackpad, and keyboard. Imagine the difficulties of trying to use that windows-based laptop as a gaming machine, with nothing other than an Xbox controller. That's the challenge Windows-based handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go face. They're essentially trying to squeeze a full desktop experience into your palm, on an OS that was never designed for handheld (or console-esque) gaming.
Doing basic things on a Windows handheld, like checking your achievements, involves playing around with the touch screen, on-screen keyboards, and hotkeys. If you're coming from an Xbox or PlayStation however, you'd know that checking your achievements is as simple as hitting your "Xbox" or "PlayStation" button and clicking your achievements tab. This same ease of use is present on SteamOS, this same simplicity works beyond achievements too – from starting party-chat lobbies to checking your downloads or even updating the system – it's all right there, and that's exactly how a dedicated gaming device should be, and that's exactly how it is on Valve's Steam Deck.
Updates are also a fantastic topic to talk about. On the Steam Deck, everything is updated in what's essentially a single click, all at once – your GPU drivers, WiFi, display, audio drivers, system updates, and OS updates. It's all contained the same way it would be if you were downloading an update on your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. Just hit the update button, wait a few minutes and you're done. However, on a Windows-based handheld, you'll spend sometimes hours downloading updates from potentially dozens of different locations – manufacturer-specific overlay updates such as Legion Space, Armoury Crate or AyaSpace. Then you'll need to download your CPU/APU's drivers from AMD, do Windows updates via the Windows Updater in settings, and handle individual launcher updates like Steam. It's a mess, it's complicated, and frankly, it sometimes doesn't even work.
Game Compatibility
Let's face it, Windows has long dominated the PC gaming scene. Windows-based handhelds bring a vast library of games to your fingertips, from competitive online multiplayer titles like Call of Duty to beloved classics like Minecraft. Windows deserves recognition for this extensive compatibility, but the journey isn't always straightforward.
Introducing the Steam Deck, armed with a revolutionary feature known as "Proton" This cutting-edge technology effectively translates Windows games into a language that Linux (SteamOS) understands, providing a pretty seamless gaming experience. This setup often delivers smoother performance compared to running games on Windows. This advantage stems from the lightweight nature of SteamOS, in contrast to the resource-heavy Windows OS. While competitors may boast higher performance on paper, the streamlined efficiency of SteamOS ensures that the Steam Deck can maximize its hardware capabilities without the burden of running a heavy operating system. With Proton, gaming becomes effortless—simply hit "Play," and let the magic happen in the background, without any manual setup required.
Valve, the mastermind behind the Steam Deck, introduces a compatibility strategy with "Verified badges". These badges serve as assurance that a game will run flawlessly on your Steam Deck. Here's the breakdown:
Verified (✅): Your game will run on the Steam Deck like a console experience—no tinkering, no keyboard/mouse, just pure gaming bliss.
Playable (⚠️): It plays perfectly but may need minor setup, like typing your name during character creation or adjusting resolution.
Untested (➖): Games yet to undergo Valve's compatibility assessment, but are still likely to play.
Not Functional (❌): A clear warning—these games won't work on the Steam Deck without manual tinkering.
While it's true that a Windows handheld technically supports more games, it's not that simple. The randomness of game compatibility on Windows handhelds can be a headache—issues with AMD vs. Intel CPUs, specific AMD drivers, Windows versions, and display orientations. Contrast this with the Steam Deck's meticulously curated collection of over 7,000 personally verified games (Verified) and the potential for several hundred thousand more (Playable).
So, while Windows handhelds boast numbers, the Steam Deck offers a carefully curated selection where most games run flawlessly. The choice isn't just about quantity; it's about the assurance of a superior gaming experience on the Steam Deck, and on the deck, you'll know exactly how it'll perform before you even hit the "buy" button.
Performance Metrics
When it comes to gaming handhelds, technical prowess is crucial. Some Windows handhelds, fueled by potent chipsets like the 7840u or Z1 Extreme, boast impressive specs on paper, seemingly outstripping the Steam Deck in raw computing power and graphics performance. Many buyers are drawn to the promise of running demanding games at higher frame rates.
However, the Steam Deck offers a different approach. While it may not tout the highest specifications on paper, it excels in delivering a smooth and efficient gaming experience. Thanks to its optimized SteamOS and meticulous hardware-software integration by Valve, games run seamlessly, prioritizing overall fluidity, responsiveness, and user-friendliness over raw power.
The Steam Deck offers a unique combination of features that elevate the gaming experience to new heights. One standout feature is its preloaded shaders, ensuring consistently smooth gaming performance right from the start—unlike Windows handhelds, which may experience stuttering as they compile shaders during gameplay.
Additionally, the newer OLED model of the Steam Deck boasts a stunning 800p OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. We've already discussed how the lightweight nature of SteamOS leaves some extra performance headroom for games, and the display is another area where your gaming experience receives a significant boost compared to current Windows-based rivals.
For instance, the 800p OLED display on the Steam Deck not only appears much higher resolution than even 1080p displays due to the exceptional quality of OLEDs, but the 800p resolution also imposes minimal strain on the APU's processing power. Take the Legion Go, for example, which features a native 1600p display—four times the pixels of the Steam Deck. However, with twice the resolution comes four times the performance hit. Yes, you read that right, running games at 1600p can demand up to four times the processing power, resulting in a significant loss in either framerate or graphic fidelity, if you're able to run the game at all.
While theoretically, you could lower the resolution on your Legion Go down to 800p to match the Steam Deck, this would mean running the game at a quarter of its native resolution, resulting in a noticeable drop in clarity and overall visual quality.
Surprisingly, running games at a native 800p resolution on the Steam Deck's OLED display delivers a much cleaner and visually appealing experience compared to running the same resolution on a 1600p display. This is particularly evident since there's no digital upscaling involved, as is common with most modern TVs.
In addition to its impressive display, the Steam Deck excels in practical aspects such as battery life and noise levels. With a battery life that often exceeds that of its Windows counterparts by more than double, and near-silent operation, the Steam Deck remains cool and unobtrusive. No coil whine, no sweaty palms, no requirement to wear headphones to drown out the fan noise.
When considering handheld gaming, finding the right balance between power and user experience is crucial. The Steam Deck prioritizes delivering a satisfying gaming journey that goes beyond mere technical specifications. Its efficient hardware-software integration guarantees a responsive, reliable, and enjoyable gaming device. While the allure of raw power may be enticing, the differences between the Steam Deck and Windows-based handhelds are minimal and may not justify sacrificing the user-friendly experience offered by the Steam Deck.
However, it's important to acknowledge certain circumstances where raw power might be more useful than optimization. For users who plan on docking their handheld gaming console and using it as a normal desktop PC, a performance-oriented handheld may be more suitable. However, for those who intend to use their handheld gaming device primarily for handheld gaming, everything we've said about the Steam Deck stands.
Long-Term Support, Repairability and Updates
When it comes to handheld gaming PCs, long-term support is crucial for keeping your device running smoothly over time. However, one thing you'll want to consider with the Steam Deck is that you can't send it directly back to the manufacturer in the event of major issues. That's because it's not available officially and Valve have no Australian-focused customer support, but don't worry, the Steam Deck still stands out when it comes to support in other ways.
If you buy your Steam Deck from a local Australian retailer like Kogan, you'll have the protection of Australian consumer law and a standard Australian warranty, in our experiences with Kogan they've not only replaced entire units, but we've even had numerous reports of them sending replacement units to your door before you've even shipped your faulty Steam Deck back.
Valve has also teamed up with iFixit, a well-known company that specializes in DIY repair and replacement parts. This partnership means that almost every part of the Steam Deck is designed to be replaced by you, the user. And with parts available globally through iFixit, getting what you need for repairs or upgrades is easy and won't break the bank, nor will you need to send your unit off to America, so long as you're capable of the repairs yourself.
And if you're ever in need of repair or modification services, remember that we're here for you at Handheld Space. You can find out more about what we offer here.
The user-centric support model is a stark departure from the conventional practice in the industry. While many devices require users to send the entire unit back to the manufacturer for repairs, the Steam Deck empowers users to address issues at the component level. This not only reduces downtime but also places control back into the hands of the device owner, especially when your warranty inevitably ends.
In contrast, several Windows-based handhelds present challenges in after-sales support. Customer experiences with companies like Ayaneo, known for poor customer support and delayed shipments of replacement parts, highlight the frustrations users might encounter. Instances of receiving incorrect or unrelated items instead of the requested replacement parts can lead to prolonged inconveniences, sometimes lasting months.
Devices like the ROG Ally and those from Lenovo follow a similar trajectory, necessitating the return of the entire unit for repairs, making the process more cumbersome and time-consuming although much shorter (And easier) than AYANEO. Meanwhile encounters with less reputable companies, like OneXPlayer, reveal instances of outright neglect of customer inquiries and support requests.
The partnership with iFixit provides Steam Deck users with a valuable resource for obtaining genuine replacement parts at reasonable prices. This collaboration aligns with the ethos of user repairability, where individuals can maintain, repair, or upgrade their devices without being at the mercy of lengthy service processes or unreliable customer support.
So, What's Actually Good About Windows Handhelds?
While the Steam Deck presents a compelling case for a dedicated gaming handheld, it's only fair to acknowledge the strengths of Windows-based counterparts. Windows handhelds do bring some notable advantages to the table.
Technical Compatibility: Windows handhelds, with their familiarity with PC environments, technically boast more compatibility with games. The sheer diversity of the Windows ecosystem allows these devices to access a broader spectrum of titles.
Online Multiplayer Games and Anti-Cheat: Windows handhelds shine in the realm of online multiplayer games, especially those with stringent anti-cheat measures. While the Steam Deck might struggle with certain titles due to anti-cheat restrictions, Windows handhelds can seamlessly run such games. However, it's essential to note that users on Windows handhelds have faced bans due to background software such as AyaSpace and Armoury Crate being flagged as cheats.
Variety in Form Factors: Windows handhelds offer a diverse range of form factors, catering to different user preferences. Whether it's the small and comfortable GPD Win4, the robust Legion Go, or the innovative Ayaneo Kun, users can choose from a variety of designs and sizes.
Global Availability: Windows handhelds often enjoy global availability, making them more accessible to users worldwide. In contrast, acquiring a Steam Deck might present challenges due to demand and distribution constraints, especially to us Aussies.
While Windows handhelds have their merits, the Steam Deck emerges as the unequivocal choice for a superior gaming experience. Here's why:
Purpose-Built Design: The Steam Deck's user interface and operating system, crafted explicitly for gaming, offer an intuitive and seamless experience. Navigating tasks like purchasing games or managing the library is effortlessly executed with built-in controls.
Optimized Game Compatibility: The Steam Deck boasts a curated library of over 7,000 personally verified games, ensuring optimal performance. The "Verified for Deck" initiative guarantees a level of convenience and quality that surpasses the sheer quantity found in Windows handhelds.
Developer Support and Tailored Experiences: Valve's collaborative relationship with developers results in tailored gaming experiences. Steam Deck-specific modes and the "Verified" badge underscore this unique synergy, providing users with experiences optimized for the distinctive hardware.
Performance Efficiency: The Steam Deck's efficiency, smoothness, and commendable battery life outweigh the emphasis on technical specifications. It's an embodiment of the gaming experience, where real-world performance matters more than a mere glance at the spec sheet.
Long-Term Support and Repair Accessibility: The commitment to user-centric support, global availability of replacement parts through iFixit, and a proactive approach to ongoing support distinguish the Steam Deck. This model ensures users can address issues at the component level, promoting sustained longevity.
In conclusion, unless your handheld gaming priorities revolve solely around Xbox Game Pass or specific titles like Fortnite or Warzone, the Steam Deck stands as the indisputable choice, providing a gaming experience that transcends the limitations of traditional Windows handhelds by a substantial margin.
If you're looking for the best way to purchase a Steam Deck in Australia, visit our Buyers Guide or simply click HERE for the direct purchase link. We also have a list of recommended PC handheld accesories HERE.
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