After a long wait, EA finally dropped the trailer for DICE’s next Battlefield title. Battlefield 6 is the long awaited entry in the popular military shooter franchise, and the hype behind this game is still building. The game has already amassed an impressive number of Steam wishlists, but fans of the series are still skeptical.

Half a Million Gamers Wishlist Battlefield 6, But Fans Say: No Pre-Orders

It was recently revealed that over 500,000 gamers worldwide had hit “add to Wishlist” for Battlefield 6 on Steam. All the leaks, rumors, and trailers so far have revived interest in the series, as many see the game as a proper successor to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4, which are widely considered the peak of the series. But despite the great reception of the video, and growing hype behind the game on Steam, pre-orders for Battlefield 6 seem a little shaky at the moment.

In a typical AAA video game fashion, the studio/publisher drops the trailers months ahead of launch and garners attention and hype. Soon after, the pre-orders kick off, hoping that gamers believe in the promises a short video offers. The current reputation of AAA games on release date has made many hesitant to pre-order games in general, with Battlefield 6 being no exception. To recall, Battlefield 2042 had a disastrous launch, with numerous bugs, performance issues, matchmaking problems, lack of content, and much more.

Due to this, fans of the Battlefield series are unsure about whether EA (voted multiple times as the worst company ever) can turn the franchise around in the direction gamers want. If you go to any social media post related to Battlefield 6, you’ll see the words “Remember. No Pre-Orders”, which is a play on the iconic quote from COD Modern Warfare 2’s Makarov (Remember. No Russian).

In other words, gamers are constantly reminding one another about the failures of the previous entry and are called to hold the line against pre-orders this time around. EA hasn’t revealed the pre-order figures yet, and this movement might not have the desired effect. But it would be interesting to see whether gamers actually manage to have a meaningful impact against a giant in the gaming industry.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Tech enthusiast? Get the latest news first! Follow our Telegram channel and subscribe to our free newsletter for your daily tech fix!

The post Battlefield 6 Gets 500K Wishlists on Steam, But Gamers Hold the Line on Pre-Orders appeared first on Gizmochina.

The latest talk of the town has shed light on some interesting rumors that talk about Valve’s next gaming handheld and a new home console. While there have already been reports surrounding the Steam Deck 2, Valve might be getting a surprising push from Sony that could help take its handhelds to the next level. So here’s everything you need to know.

Steam Deck 2 Leak: Zen 6 APU, New Valve Console, & Sony’s Silent Support

A new episode of the Broken Silicon podcast has reignited speculation around Valve’s hardware roadmap, and this time, it’s bigger than just a Steam Deck 2. Valve is reportedly developing a powerful next-gen handheld and a full fledged home console. One or both of these could be powered by AMD’s upcoming Zen 6 “Magnus” APU, which is also rumored to power the next generation of Sony and Microsoft consoles.

But perhaps most intriguing is Sony’s quiet collaboration with growing support for Steam Deck. As of right now, there are already multiple PlayStation titles on the Steam Deck, with Sony also bringing custom Steam Deck boot animations for its popular games like The Last of US. This rumor highlights how Sony doesn’t look at Valve or Microsoft as competitors; rather, it makes the Steam Deck its unofficial PlayStation handheld.

The podcast further discusses Valve’s first home console, which could debut alongside the Steam Deck 2. SteamOS continues to grow in popularity compared to Windows powered handhelds. So it could just be a matter of time before Valve becomes the next big player in the console segment.

Preview	Product
	Steam Deck 64 GB Console Bundled With X-Ninja Stream Deck Case with Steam Deck Screen Protector…	Check Price on Amazon

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Tech enthusiast? Get the latest news first! Follow our Telegram channel and subscribe to our free newsletter for your daily tech fix!

(Via)

The post Steam Deck 2 and New Valve Console Rumored: Sony Quietly Strengthening Ties? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has confirmed it is now working with more partners on officially licensed SteamOS devices. This update was shared through the recently revised SteamOS FAQ. Back in January, Lenovo was the only confirmed partner, but Valve now says it is collaborating with other selected OEMs. It hasn’t named any of the new partners, and no new device has been officially announced yet.

Valve says OEMs can contact them directly for SteamOS licensing details. It also clarified that these upcoming devices may not all be gaming handhelds. SteamOS is not limited to handhelds, and future products could take other forms. The only SteamOS devices currently supported are the Steam Deck and the Legion Go S. The Legion Go S is set to launch on May 25, over four months after its announcement.

SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system designed for gaming. It comes with the Steam Client as the main user interface, offering access to the Steam Library, Steam Chat, Game Recording, and other features. It is built for controller use and supports quick suspend and resume. System and driver updates happen automatically.

The OS runs over 18,000 games from the Steam library using Proton, which allows Windows games to work on Linux without extra steps from developers. Games that don’t work well are labeled through the Steam Verified program.

Users can switch to a standard Linux desktop and install other software or game launchers. SteamOS is based on Arch Linux. The core system is open source, but the Steam Client and some drivers are proprietary.

SteamOS is expected to come pre-installed on supported hardware. Right now, that includes only the Steam Deck and Legion Go S. Valve is working on expanding support and improving compatibility with AMD-powered handheld PCs. Users can try SteamOS using the recovery image provided on Valve’s site.

Tech enthusiast? Get the latest news first! Follow our Telegram channel and subscribe to our free newsletter for your daily tech fix!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Source)

The post SteamOS to Support More Handhelds and PCs, Valve Confirms New Partners appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has started its annual Steam Summer Sale with notable discounts on popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, and more.

Additionally, Steam has introduced a new “Deep Discounts” section featuring games with up to 95% off their list price. Below is a list of games with massive discounts, along with some other attractive offers.

Steam Summer Sale Deep Discounts

• American Truck Simulator – $2 (90% off)
• Arma 3 – $3 (90% off)
• Asseto Corsa – $2 (90% off)
• Batman: Arkham Knight – $2 (90% off)
• Battlefield 2042 – $6 (90% off)
• Battlefield V – $3 (94% off)
• Borderlands 2 – $3 (85% off)
• Castle Crashers – $1.50 (90% off)
• Celeste – $2 (90% off)
• Disco Elysium – The Final Cut – $4 (90% off)
• Euro Truck Simulator 2 – $2 (90% off)
• Humankind – $5 (90% off)
• Jurassic World Evolution 2 – $6 (90% off)
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War – $2.50 (95% off)
• Prison Architect – $3 (90% off)
• Sid Meier’s Civilization VI – $3 (95% off)
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – $4 (90% off)
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint – $6 (90% off)
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands – $5 (92% off)
• Total War: SHOGUN 2 – $3 (90% off)

Discounts on popular titles

• Armored Core 6 – $42 (30% off)
• Baldur’s Gate 3 – $48 (20% off)
• Cyberpunk 2077 – $30 (50% off)
• Elden Ring – $42 (30% off)
• Fallout 76 – $10 (75% off)
• Hogwarts Legacy – $24 (60% off)
• Manor Lords – $30 (25% off)
• Monster Hunter: World – $10 (67% off)
• Red Dead Redemption 2 – $20 (67% off)
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – $30 (50% off)
• Stardew Valley – $9 (40% off)
• Street Fighter 6 – $30 (60% off)
• Tekken 8 – $40 (43% off)
• The Last of Us Part I – $40 (33% off)
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon – $11.99 (80% off)

Do note that if you live outside of the US, the prices of these games will vary due to regional pricing, however, the discounts should be in the same percentage ballpark as mentioned above.

The post Best Steam Summer Sale 2024 deals: Discounts up to 95% on popular titles appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has just announced details about its much-awaited Steam Summer Sale 2024. As previously planned, the Summer Sale will commence on June 27 at 10 AM Pacific time.

Like every year, Valve is expected to offer heavy discounts on a bunch of games, including fan-favorite titles. Expectations are high since the Autumn and Winter sales were not all that exciting. Gamers can expect discounts on titles like Palworld, Manor Lords, and more.

Some of the games we are most excited about include titles like Elden Rings, which recently received the Shadow of the Eardtree DLC, along with Baldur’s Gate 3, Helldivers 2, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Lies of P. Games like Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 has seen a resurgence in its player base thanks to its recent TV adaptation, so if you haven’t given the games a try before, this sale might be the perfect opportunity to explore the post-apocalyptic wastelands.

Steam has also teased a new category called “Deep discounts” for this sale, which could likely be a neatly compiled list of games with heavy discounts. As mentioned above, the sale will commence on June 27 and go on till July 11, so players will get ample time to pick and choose from a large variety of discounted games.

Do remember that if you don’t like a game that you have purchased or are facing issues running it on your system, you can easily request a refund within 14 days of purchase on the condition that you have less than 2 hours of playtime on the game.

In related news, Steam is currently running a publisher sale for Team 17, the developers and publishers behind some amazing titles like Blasphemous, Overcooked, and Hell Let Loose. The publisher is offering these titles and many more with up to 85% discount.

(Source)

The post Steam Summer Sale 2024 kicks off on June 27 with deep discounts on beloved games appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve fans will finally get another reason to be extremely happy, if its not Half-Life 3. A leak has potentially revealed Valve’s next big competitive multiplayer game: Deadlock.

This game is aiming to create an impact similar to Counter-Strike or Dota, which is saying something

Shared by @PlayerIGN on Twitter (see video here), the leaked gameplay footage offers a glimpse into this 6v6 third-person shooter. According to well-known Valve enthusiast Tyler McVicker, hundreds of players are already testing Deadlock in a closed alpha phase, suggesting the game is well into development.

McVicker positions Deadlock as Valve’s next major competitive title, aiming to be as impactful as Counter-Strike or Dota. He describes it as a hero-based, level-based shooter with a focus on individual skill, potentially incorporating elements that made Valve’s previous games successful. We also see glimpses of character customization, with the video featuring a selection screen boasting 19 playable heroes.

McVicker adds that Deadlock’s development began in 2018 and incorporates tower defense mechanics into a unique blend of fantasy and steampunk aesthetics.

While the leak provides a taste of what Deadlock might offer, it’s important to remember that the game is likely still in early stages. Stay tuned for official announcements from Valve to learn more about Deadlock and its potential release date.

RELATED:

• Valve’s Steam drops support for Windows 7 & 8.1
• Valve Introduces AI Disclosure and Reporting Features on Steam
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Premium Camera Phone is now only $799
• REDMAGIC Magnetic VC Cooler 5 Pro now available at a discounted price at GeekWills
• HyperOS vs MIUI: 10 Things You Must Know

(Via)

The post Valve’s Next Big Multiplayer Game “Deadlock” Leaked on X, Dubbed to be as Big as Counter-Strike and Dota appeared first on Gizmochina.

Steam, the popular gaming platform, recently witnessed a peculiar glitch involving the game “The Universim.” This incident has sparked discussions and theories within the gaming community, highlighting the intricacies of game development and the unexpected surprises in digital platforms.

The achievement showed 0/0 instead of 0/1

“The Universim,” a city builder game with God Game elements, developed by Crytivo, is known for offering players control to evolve civilizations through different ages. However, a strange occurrence has left some players baffled. Despite not playing the game, several Steam users found the “Genesis” achievement unlocked in their accounts. This achievement, which normally requires building the first civilization in the game, appeared without any gameplay recorded.

This oddity was first reported by a Reddit user, DjuncleMC, who noticed the unlocked achievement despite never having played “The Universim.” The revelation led to a flurry of speculation. While some theorized it could be an anti-piracy measure, others suggested a bug in the achievement’s conditions.

Further investigation by the community revealed an intriguing detail: the achievement’s condition was set incorrectly at 0/0 instead of the typical 0/1, leading Steam to register it as completed. This minor glitch, albeit seemingly insignificant, has stirred up considerable attention, emphasizing the complexities of game programming and the vigilant nature of the gaming community. The game, which has been in development since 2014, is set for its version 1.0 launch this month. Crytivo, while concentrating on enhancing the gameplay experience, now also faces the task of addressing this quirky anomaly.

This episode also highlights the power of community-driven problem-solving in the digital age. Steam has always relied on its user base to point out bugs and glitches, which is kind of humourous too. The collective effort of Steam users not only identified the glitch but also proposed explanations, indicating that there definitely exists some form of collaborative spirit in the gaming sector.

RELATED:

• Valve’s Steam drops support for Windows 7 & 8.1
• Steam’s 2023 Gaming Gems: Revealing Trends and Top Hits!
• Alldocube iWork GT 12: AMD 2-in-1 laptop, $100 off and free keyboard
• Best Robot Vacuums of 2023 – Gizmochina

(Via)

The post Steam Gamers Confused by Spontaneous Achievement, or a Possible Bug in ‘The Universim’ Game appeared first on Gizmochina.

Effective January 1, 2024, Steam has officially ended support for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1, impacting users still running the client on these outdated operating systems. As a result, Steam Client installations on these platforms will no longer receive any updates, including crucial security patches. Steam Support will also no longer provide technical support for issues related to these operating systems.

While Valve expects Steam games and the client to continue running on these older operating systems for some time after the cutoff date, they cannot guarantee full functionality beyond January 1, 2024. This move is attributed to core features in Steam relying on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which is no longer compatible with the outdated Windows versions. Additionally, future versions of Steam will necessitate Windows features and security updates exclusive to Windows 10 and above.

Valve strongly urges users to update to a more recent version of Windows to ensure continued access to Steam and any purchased products. The decision aligns with Microsoft’s own termination of support for Windows 7 in January 2020 and Windows 8.1 in January 2023.

Valve’s official Hardware & Software Survey from December 2023 indicates that a minimal percentage of users are still on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, with 0.06% and 0.15%, respectively. In contrast, a significant majority, 53.45%, have migrated to Windows 10, and 41.95% are using Windows 11.

RELATED:

• Valve Rolls Out a Fresh Steam Update with Revamped Privacy Features
• Steam’s 2023 Gaming Gems: Revealing Trends and Top Hits!
• Epic Kicks Off 2024 With 17 Days of Free Games! Get Saints Row Today!
• Unlock Savings: Discount on Every Giztop Product under the New Year Sale Extravaganza
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2023: Save $100 on this 8-inch gaming Android tablet
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Premium Camera Phone is now only $799
• Get $100 Off on Vivo X100 Pro at Giztop
• Best Mini PCs of 2023 – Gizmochina

(Source, via)

The post Valve’s Steam drops support for Windows 7 & 8.1 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has rolled out a beta update for its Steam client, just in time for the Christmas season. This update brings long-awaited privacy features and more versatile shopping cart options, enhancing the user experience on the popular gaming platform.

Users can opt into the beta client to use the new features

For two decades, Steam users have requested the ability to keep certain games private in their libraries. Valve has finally responded with a beta feature that lets players mark games as private. This means that users can hide games from their library, along with associated achievements and playtime. It’s a significant step for Steam, which started as a simple launcher for Counter-Strike in 2003 and has since evolved into a comprehensive gaming service.

To use this new privacy feature, Steam users need to opt into the beta client. This involves a simple process of changing settings in the Steam client, after which users can select games to mark as private. This feature is especially useful for those who prefer to keep their gaming habits discreet or for games they might not want publicly displayed.

Another notable addition is the improved shopping cart functionality. With the festive season in full swing, this feature is timely for users buying gifts. The updated shopping cart allows for inline gifting, enabling users to buy multiple gifts in one transaction, a convenience for those looking to gift games to friends. Additionally, the unified shopping cart syncs across all devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

These updates come ahead of the Steam Winter Sale, a much-anticipated event for gamers. With these new features, Steam is showing its commitment to evolving and catering to its users’ needs. The introduction of privacy settings and streamlined gifting options indicates Valve’s dedication to enhancing user privacy and convenience, setting the stage for more user-centric updates in the future. Steam’s evolution continues to impress, solidifying its position as a leading digital gaming platform.

RELATED:

• Valve Steam Sales schedule for 2024 announced, Winter sale kicks off December 21
• PC Gamers With PlayStation Controllers Can Now Discover Supported Titles On Steam With The Latest Update
• Alldocube iWork GT 12: AMD 2-in-1 laptop, $100 off and free keyboard
• Best Feature Phones with UPI support 2023: Nokia Dominates

(Via)

The post Valve Rolls Out a Fresh Steam Update with Revamped Privacy Features appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve, the digital PC gaming giant, has just dropped a bombshell for gamers worldwide with its announcement of a comprehensive lineup of Steam Sales extending from the frosty Winter of 2023 to the scorching Summer of 2024. In a recent blog post, Valve outlined a whopping 14 discount extravaganzas, spanning various genres and themes.

Kicking off the gaming fiesta is the Steam Winter Sale, slated to run from December 21, 2023, to January 4, 2024. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride through festivals like the Capitalism and Economy Fest, Pirates vs. Ninjas Fest, and the intriguing Dinos vs. Robots Fest, among others.

Upcoming Steam Sale events:

• Steam Winter Sale (December 21, 2023)
• Capitalism and Economy Fest (January 8th, 2024)
• Pirates vs. Ninjas Fest (January 22nd)
• Next Fest (February 5)
• Remote Play Together (February 12)
• Dinos vs. Robots Fest (February 26th)
• Steam Spring Sale (March 14)
• Deckbuilder’s Fest (March 25)
• FFS Fest (April 15)
• Farming Fest (April 29)
• Endless Replayability Fest (May 13th)
• Open World Survival Crafting Fest (May 27)
• Next Fest (June 10)
• Steam Summer Sale (June 27, 2024)

Valve has strategically spaced out these sales, offering a variety of themes from business simulations to open-world survival crafting. The seasonal sales, such as the Steam Spring Sale and the concluding Steam Summer Sale, promise an extensive selection of discounted games across various genres.

Out of all these events, one that stands out is Valve’s Next Fest, occurring multiple times a year, which goes beyond traditional discounts. It provides gamers with the opportunity to explore free demos and engage with live streams hosted by developers. It serves as a preview event for upcoming game releases, enhancing the overall gaming experience for the community.

In related news, EPIC Games Store is all set to do another massive holiday season giveaway, which is scheduled to kick off later this week. Last year, the giveaway featured some bangers like Wolfenstein: The New Order, Metro: Last Light Redux, a couple of Bethesda classics, and more. This year, there are rumors of a Red Dead Redemption 2 giveaway.

RELATED:

• Epic Games secures victory in Antitrust battle against Google’s Play Store monopoly
• PlayStation 2 PCSX2 emulator: 99% PS2 games now Playable!
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Premium Camera Phone is now only $799
• Alldocube iWork GT 12: AMD 2-in-1 laptop, $100 off and free keyboard
• Get $100 OFF on Xiaomi 14 Pro at Giztop (1TB Variant)

(Source)

The post Valve Steam Sales schedule for 2024 announced, Winter sale kicks off December 21 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Steam Deck users, rejoice! SteamOS 3.5.5 has just hit the Stable channel, bringing a slew of enhancements that promise to elevate your gaming sessions. Let’s dive into the key changes that this update brings to the table.

Display Enhancements: One notable improvement in SteamOS 3.5.5 is the adjustment of the default color rendering for the Steam Deck LCD. The emulation of the sRGB color gamut now delivers a slightly warmer and more vibrant color appearance, enhancing visual experiences. Users can fine-tune display colors with the new Settings -> Adjust Display Colors feature, allowing customization of Color Vibrancy and Color Temperature.

For those craving high dynamic range visuals, Steam Deck now supports HDR for external displays, with additional HDR Analysis available in Advanced Display settings. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is also on the menu, provided your USB-C adapter supports it.

General Upgrades: Steam Deck OLED gets official support with the SteamOS 3.5.5 update. Additionally, the update addresses a CPU performance issue for specific workloads, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. External storage devices now auto-mount when connected, streamlining the user experience.

Graphics drivers have been updated, bringing performance boosts and fixes for specific games like Starfield. Bluetooth connection stability has been improved, along with faster sleep resume speeds. The ability to switch between controller and mouse/keyboard bindings by long-pressing Options adds a convenient touch to the Linux hid-steam driver.

Firmware Enhancements: Firmware 118 introduces voltage offset settings, providing more control over your Steam Deck’s performance. The Steam Deck Dock Firmware 121 follows suit, introducing Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support and improving reliability when changing display modes via on-screen menus.

Updated Arch Linux Base: Beyond these device-specific upgrades, SteamOS 3.5.5 incorporates an updated Arch Linux base. This brings in newer performance, security, and stability fixes for the underlying packages supporting SteamOS. Highlights include a new window tiling system and improved Discover (app store/software manager) with enhanced search functionality.

RELATED:

• Steam Deck OLED teardown: provides better cooling & performance
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2023: Save $100 on this 8-inch gaming Android tablet
• Xiaomi 14: New flagship with snapdragon 8 gen 3 only for $599
• Best iPhone 15 Pro cases for 2023: Dbrand, Spigen, RhinoShield & More
• Best Messaging Apps for Android in 2023

(Source)

The post SteamOS 3.5.5 update brings color calibration & performance boost to the Steam Deck appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve‘s unexpected global release of the Steam Deck OLED has left gamers and tech enthusiasts buzzing. The key upgrade here: a slightly larger 90Hz OLED screen, a step up from the previous 7″ LCD display. The display can reach a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, promising a more vibrant gaming experience.

YouTuber Dave2D, quick on the draw, got hands-on with the Steam Deck OLED and did a thorough rundown, spotlighting its improvements over the older model.

Digging into the nitty-gritty, the new 6nm processor, along with a beefed-up battery and a revamped cooling system, translates to noticeable improvements. When put to the test, the Steam Deck OLED runs about 2 decibels quieter and 5 degrees cooler under load compared to its predecessor.

Under the hood, the Valve stuck with a single copper heatpipe for the chip’s 15-watt maximum TDP. Additionally, there is a slightly larger and quieter fan for air circulation. The 6nm “Sephiroth” SoC, although carrying a new moniker, shows minimal differences from the older 7nm version.

The bigger battery isn’t just for show. It extends battery life across all tested games, with significant gains in demanding titles. In games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Control, the OLED model lasts over 20 minutes longer under load, needing a recharge after just over two hours. Meanwhile, less demanding titles like Dead Cells get a runtime boost to eight hours, an hour and a half more than the previous model.

RELATED:

• Valve hints at Steam Deck 2 in 2-3 years
• Anbernic RG ARC gaming handhelds with 4″ IPS display, Android 11/Linux now available, start at 399 yuan ($55)
• Lenovo Legion Go console is now on sale in the EU for €799
• AnTuTu top 10: Realme GT Neo 5 SE is the best-performing mid-range smartphone of October 2023

(Source)

The post Steam Deck OLED teardown: provides better cooling & performance appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has explicitly stated that they do not intend to release the Steam Deck 2 console until 2025. However, a recent report has emerged, unveiling leaks about new hardware from the company. It turns out that this new hardware is a Steam Deck featuring an OLED display which the brand has just released unexpectedly.

Other than the OLED screen, there’s not much that’s different, except for the memory, which has been upgraded from LPDDR5 5500 to LPDDR5 6400. While this change should theoretically make the device perform better, we’ll need to test it in real-life situations to see if there’s a noticeable difference. Here’s the complete list of specs for the Steam Deck OLED console.

Valve Steam Deck OLED specs:

The Steam Deck OLED is equipped with a 6 nm AMD APU, featuring a Zen 2 4-core/8-thread CPU clocked at 2.4-3.5GHz and an RDNA 2 GPU with 8 compute units running at 1.6GHz, delivering 1.6 TFlops of FP32 performance. It packs 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM operating at 6400 MT/s through quad 32-bit channels. Storage options include a choice between a 512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD, both complemented by a high-speed microSD card slot.

In terms of controls, the Steam Deck OLED offers a comprehensive array of options, including gamepad controls with A, B, X, Y buttons, a D-pad, L & R analog triggers, View & Menu buttons, 4 assignable grip buttons, 2 full-size analog sticks with capacitive touch, HD haptics, and 2 square trackpads with haptic feedback, as well as pressure-sensitive features for configurable click strength. It also features a 6-Axis IMU for enhanced control precision.

The device sports a 7.4-inch diagonal HDR OLED display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, offering a peak brightness of 1000 nits in HDR and 600 nits in SDR, with an impressive contrast ratio exceeding 1,000,000:1. The display covers 110% of the P3 color gamut and supports a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, all with a rapid response time of under 0.1 ms. Additionally, the device boasts high-performance touch functionality.

Sensors include dual ambient light sensors (ALS) for optimal lighting adjustments. In terms of connectivity, the Steam Deck OLED features Bluetooth 5.3 and a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E radio, supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands with 2 x 2 MIMO, and compatibility with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards.

Audio capabilities comprise stereo sound with an embedded DSP, a dual microphone array, a 3.5mm stereo headphone/headset jack, and multichannel audio support via DisplayPort over USB-C, standard USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.3. The device is powered by a PD3.0 Type C power supply with a 45W output, and it houses a 50Whr battery, providing 3 to 12 hours of gameplay on a single charge.

For expansion, it offers a microSD slot with support for UHS-I, and it can serve as a display port over Type C, capable of handling up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. It also includes USB3 Gen 2 support.

The Steam Deck OLED comes in a compact package, measuring 298mm x 117mm x 49mm and weighing 640 grams. It runs on SteamOS 3, which is based on Arch, with a desktop environment powered by KDE Plasma.

Pricing & availability

The Steam Deck OLED will be available for purchase beginning on November 16. It comes in two storage options: the 512 GB variant priced at $549 and the 1 TB version at $649. Valve is also offering a limited edition Steam Deck OLED, which is exclusively available in the United States and Canada, for $679.

RELATED:

• Retroid Pocket 2S Metal Edition gaming handheld teased ahead of its imminent release
• Anbernic RG ARC gaming handheld with a Sega Saturn-inspired design launched
• Get Lenovo Legion Go Game Console for $899 at Giztop

(Source)

The post Steam Deck OLED console with faster memory launched, starts from $549 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has released a fresh update for the Steam Deck handheld gaming console, known as SteamOS 3.5.1, specifically designed for devices enrolled in its Preview channel. It’s important to keep in mind that beta software, including this update, may still have some issues that need to be resolved. Nevertheless, this update brings a variety of intriguing changes and fixes, which can be reviewed below.

One standout feature of this update is the introduction of undervolting controls. This means that the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) can receive less voltage than its default specification, potentially reducing heat generation. For those who like to tinker, undervolting can enhance system stability, improve battery life, and potentially prevent performance throttling.

It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of undervolting can vary due to manufacturing variations. This happens because no two CPUs, or APUs in this case, are exactly the same, even if they are the same model. This is because the manufacturing process is not perfect. As a result, some CPUs may be able to handle lower voltages than others without becoming unstable.

The update addresses several issues and introduces various improvements, particularly related to external displays. Previously, HDR output wasn’t possible in 32-bit applications, but this has been resolved. An annoying bug that kept the internal display backlight on constantly has also been fixed. For users who utilize the desktop mode, problems like erroneous color displays during transitions to the Plasma Desktop have been addressed.

Additionally, the update resolves issues with memory cards that had problems with faulty file systems, offering a more seamless experience to Steam Deck users.

In related news, a new Steam Deck might be coming sooner than expected. Previously, Valve stated that it has no plans to release Stream Deck 2 before 2025, however, a recent certification has revealed a refreshed version under development with a better WiFi modem, better battery life, and more.

RELATED:

• Steam Deck 2 Release Date: Valve Confirms 2025 or Later Launch, but Gamers May Have to Wait Even Longer
• Sony Pictures Core launched for PS5 & PS4 bringing free movies to the console
• AYANEO FLIP handheld gaming device with a revised clamshell design set for December 2023 unveiling
• Lenovo Legion Go gaming handheld set to launch on October 31st, starts at $699

(Source)

The post SteamOS 3.5.1 beta brings undervolting controls & bug fixes to the Steam Deck appeared first on Gizmochina.

The world of handheld gaming consoles is buzzing, with new devices capturing the hearts of gamers everywhere. Leading the pack is the Steam Deck, a surprise hit from Valve that has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. With its success, many are asking, “When will we see a Steam Deck 2?” While Valve has stated we shouldn’t expect a new console until at least 2025, recent hints suggest that an updated version of the original might be closer than we think. Here are the details…

New Steam Deck! Better Battery Life Means More Gaming on a Single Charge

“Appearances can be deceiving.” You’ve probably heard this phrase many times throughout your life. Indeed, when it comes to technology, looks can be even more misleading. For instance, a product that seems unchanged in its design might emerge with a completely revamped look. This is precisely what Valve intends to do with the Steam Deck.

A Steam Deck refresh could be coming soon, according to recent rumors and FCC filings. The refreshed model is expected to have a new model number (1030) and feature a Wi-Fi 6E card for significantly improved download speeds. Other potential improvements include a better battery life, a brighter display, and a more efficient cooling system. Some of the potential improvements that could be included in a Steam Deck refresh:

• Wi-Fi 6E for significantly improved download speeds
• Better battery life
• Brighter display
• More efficient cooling system

However, it is important to note that these are just rumors and speculations at this point. Valve has not yet announced any plans for a Steam Deck refresh. If a Steam Deck refresh is released, it is likely to be a minor update with incremental improvements. Like we said, Valve has already said that it is not planning to release a full-fledged Steam Deck 2 until at least 2025.

RELATED:

• Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate vs Honor Magic5 Ultimate: Specs Comparison
• Steam Deck 2 Release Date: Valve Confirms 2025 or Later Launch, but Gamers May…
• PS5 Takes Top Spot in August Hardware Sales, But Nintendo Switch Defeats Xbox and…
• Steam Deck OS 3.5 update brings display & performance improvements along with bug fixes
• Nintendo Switch 2 to Feature Unique Custom DLSS Unavailable on Any Other NVIDIA GPU

(via)

The post New Steam Deck Coming Sooner Than We Thought! appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve has unleashed a new update for the Steam Deck handheld console labeled the Steam Deck OS 3.5 exclusively for devices enrolled in its Preview channel. What that means is that the update is not yet ready for a broader rollout. However, there are a bunch of interesting changes and fixes coming with this update which you can check out below.

Steam Deck OS 3.5 update chengelog

Display

• Added Settings -> Adjust Display Colors, to tune the display’s Color Vibrancy and Color Temperature. The settings can be tuned with a preview of a test image (above), or with your running game.
  • Native: The native display color appearance (the color rendering for Steam Deck prior to this update).
  • sRGB: Emulate the sRGB primaries, in a smooth manner that does not introduce gradient clipping.
  • Boosted: Emulate a wider-gamut display appearance, resulting in increased apparent vibrance. May result in gradient clipping.
• HDR can now be enabled in Display Settings if supported by the external display.
• VRR can now be enabled in Display Settings if supported by the USB-C adapter.
• Reworked Quick-Access scaling settings to separate scaling from filtering. Added Stretch and Zoom scaling as new options to handle different aspect ratios.
• Fixed touchscreen orientation while external display is connected.
• Compositing is now avoided in additional scenarios, reducing latency and stutter in situation with multiple overlays on screen.
• Improved latency in certain situations where the application renders slower than the display’s refresh rate.

General

• Fixed an issue where certain workloads would exhibit severe CPU performance issues unless SMT was manually disabled.
• External storage devices are now auto-mounted when connected to Steam Deck. To format or manage storage devices use the new device management interface in Settings->Storage.
• Updated graphics drivers, with many performance and functionality improvements. Improved performance for Starfield. Fixed viewmodel corruption in Amnesia: The Bunker and launch failures for Immortals of Aveum and Kaiju-A-GoGo.
• Improved Bluetooth connection stability, especially with multiple controllers
• Slightly improved sleep resume speed
• Implemented switching between controller bindings and mouse/keyboard desktop bindings by long-pressing Options in the Linux hid-steam driver, to match Steam’s default Desktop configuration.
• Improved fade transitions between applications.
• The contents of the performance overlay can now be customized by creating a ~/.config/MangoHud/presets.conf configuration file.
• Fixed a bug where some games could appear stretched if their window size didn’t match their swapchain size (eg. Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4)
• Fixed Disgaea PC needing to be tapped on before input works
• Fixed physical dimensions reported to games, fixing some issues with an incorrect aspect ratio sometimes being detected (eg. Returnal)
• Worked around a problem where Allow Tearing could cause heavy stuttering if the Performance Overlay or other overlays appeared on screen. Tearing is now impossible in such situations, and the Performance Overlay should be disabled for best results.
• Fixed a problem where keyboard input would not be detected in Overwatch 2
• Controller firmware: fixed an issue where some thumbstick touch sensors would lose touch periodically

Firmware 116

• Added voltage offset settings.
• Improved robustness of the Firmware Settings Reset chord (Volume Down + Quick-Access + Power) against some boot hang scenarios.
• Fixed a rare issue that would set the processor TDP limit too low causing CPU and GPU frequencies to be stuck at 400 MHz and 200 MHz respectively.
• Fixed an issue when the charging light would turn back on when plugged in for a while after fully charged.

Updated Arch Linux base

• This update pulls in newer performance, security and stability fixes for the underlying packages that are the foundation for SteamOS
• Most notably, this includes recent changes to KDE Plasma, Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode. Full notes on these updates can be found on KDE’s website here. Here are a few of the highlights:
  • New window tiling system
  • Updated Discover (app store / software manager) with a new homepage and improved search
  • Discover can now perform system updates from the desktop
  • Updated desktop widgets

To access Steam Deck OS 3.5, users can opt-in by navigating to Settings on their Steam Deck, followed by System, and then System Update Channel. However, it’s essential to note that Valve hasn’t specified when this update will be available as a stable release, so it’s currently in a testing phase.

RELATED:

• Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test now available to almost every CSGO player
• GPD Win Mini compact gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen 5 7640U/ Ryzen 7 7840U APUs launched
• Microsoft’s next Xbox console could launch in 2028, court docs show
• Best Smart Shoes of 2023 – Adidas, Under Armour & More

(Source, via)

The post Steam Deck OS 3.5 update brings display & performance improvements along with bug fixes appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve is getting closer to releasing Counter-Strike 2 in late 2023. In March 2023, the first limited test was released, only available to a small group of players and content creators. According to a recent post by CS2 on X, the company is trying to invite more players to join the CS2 Limited test.

How to get Counter Strike 2 Limited test?

As per the post, the players who have Prime status and are part of a competitive skill group in Counter-Strike Global Offensive will get an invitation. When you see this invitation on the top-left corner of your screen in the game, you can click on it. It will then ask you to exit the game and download the Counter-Striker 2 upgrade, which is about 26GB in size.

It’s worth mentioning that not everyone has received the update, myself included. Following this release, I unlocked my rank in CSGO, and I’m currently waiting for the invitation. However, there’s a possibility that the company might open up testing to the remaining players in the next release.

What can we expect from this update?

With this latest limited test release, people are now getting a chance to play on the reworked Inferno map. Players can now earn points for winning games in the latest Premier mode. The game introduces its new pick-and-ban system in ranked, which is much quicker than other games. Aside from the pick-and-ban ranked mode, the new rating system has been announced, and the post on X hints at how this new rating system works. Stay tuned for more information on Counter-Strike 2.

RELATED:

• Counter-Strike 2 is Here, Arrives This Summer as a CS:GO Upgrade
• Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Game Delayed Until Later This Year
• Resident Evil 4 Remake Demo is Now Live Everywhere, Game Drops March 24
• Sony plans to invest heavily to incubate games in China under China Hero Project

(Via)

The post Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test now available to almost every CSGO player appeared first on Gizmochina.

As the gaming community buzzes with the promise of Valve‘s Steam Deck, a stylish alternative to the official Steam Deck Docking Station is about to hit the market. Accessory maker GuliKit is launching an unofficial dock that not only serves a practical purpose but adds a dash of nostalgia to your gaming setup.

The dock also has cooling vents to keep the Steam Deck cool at all times

Taking inspiration from the iconic Super Nintendo, the dock features a gray shell adorned with large purple switches. While these switches might be there purely for visual flair, they do make a statement. The docking port even includes a slideable dust cover for protection, along with cooling vents to help your device breathe easy.

The tech specs are not to be overlooked either. With a USB-C charging port, AC adapter, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and three USB 3.0 ports, the dock is fully equipped for modern gaming demands. Offering up to 100W power delivery and 4K 60Hz HDMI video output, GuliKit’s dock is compatible with more than just the Steam Deck. Devices like the ROG Ally and Ayaneo’s systems fit just as well. Heck, you can even turn your Nintendo Switch into a TV console with this dock, although you’ll need to place it upside down for proper port access.

Despite its nostalgia-laden design, the GuliKit dock embraces versatility with a hidden storage space for up to four microSD cards. Although the pricing details are under wraps, the dock is expected to roll out this September. One drawback for international gamers? It’s styled after the US version of the SNES, not the more polished European model.

This new accessory offers gamers a functional and stylish way to enjoy handheld gaming on the big screen, proving that sometimes, looking back can actually push you forward.

RELATED:

• Lenovo Legion Go to Challenge Steam Deck and Switch with 8-Inch Display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor, 16GB RAM
• Gamers can now order Refurbished Steam Decks, Valve Takes 20% Off the Original Price
• Best Smartwatches with ECG in 2023 – Pixel, Garming, Apple & more

(Via)

The post This Steam Deck Dock Resembles the SNES, Will Launch in September appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve’s Steam Deck, the handheld gaming device that was launched with the intention of bridging the gap between PC and portable play, is now available at a more affordable price point. Today, Valve introduced “certified refurbished” units of the Steam Deck, presenting a tempting 20% off the original prices. Not only are these units easier on the wallet, but they also come with the same one-year warranty as their brand-new counterparts.

The one-year warranty should be quite reassuring for those who choose to purchase Refurbished Units

The current offerings include all three storage tiers: the 64GB at $319, 256GB at $419, and the top-tier 512GB model for $519. When compared to their fresh-out-of-the-box versions, which are priced at $399, $529, and $649 respectively, it’s evident that gamers are in for significant savings.

But what ensures the quality of these refurbished units? Valve’s rigorous testing process, the company claims, guarantees the best experience for its users. Each device undergoes a full factory reset, the latest software update, and an exhaustive inspection of over 100 different tests at Valve’s dedicated facilities. This ensures every aspect, from the controller inputs and audio system to screen and internal components, meets their stringent standards. Even the battery’s health undergoes scrutiny to ensure longevity and performance. While these units might have slight cosmetic imperfections, Valve assures a top-tier gaming experience.

Each refurbished Steam Deck package includes not only the device but also a refurbished power supply, a carrying case, and a quick-start guide. However, Valve advises potential buyers to keep a keen eye on their stock, given its nature, since refurbished steam decks are expected to sell faster.

RELATED:

• Ayaneo 2S could be the next Steam Deck rival after ASUS ROG Ally
• Steam rejects games that feature AI assets that infringe on copyright
• Best Activity Tracker Watches in 2023 – Garmin, Fitbit, Apple & More

(Via)

The post Gamers can now order Refurbished Steam Decks, Valve Takes 20% Off the Original Price appeared first on Gizmochina.

Overwatch 2 is making its way to Steam after a surprising announcement from Blizzard Entertainment revealed that the popular hero shooter and some other games will soon be shifting to Valve’s massive games library.

So when does Overwatch 2 hit Steam shelves?

As per the official announcement, Overwatch 2 will be launching on Steam on August 10. This marks a notable shift from Blizzard since the studio typically launched its original IPs from its own game launcher called Battle.net. The company stated that “we want to break down the barriers to make it easier for players everywhere to find and enjoy our games.” So now, Overwatch 2 will feature achievements, and allow you to invite your friends from Steam’s friend list.

According to Mike Ybarra, President of Blizzard Entertainment, “It’s our goal at Blizzard to listen to players and try to exceed their expectations in everything we do. While Battle.net remains a priority for us now and into the future, we’ve heard players want the choice of Steam for a selection of our games, starting with Overwatch 2 on August 10th. We’re happy to work with Valve to make that happen.”

Interestingly enough, the game’s Steam launch coincides with Blizzard’s plans to release the Overwatch 2: Invasion event, which is its first new PvE mode. The gaming company also announced that it will be sharing more details regarding the other titles “when the time is right.”

RELATED:

• World of Warcraft & Overwatch Are Going Offline in China, Here’s Why
• Blizzard Entertainment hit by DDoS attack, Diablo IV & other games Down for Hours
• Microsoft’s Xbox Introduces New Voice Reporting Feature for Enhanced Player Safety
• Assassin’s Creed Red set in Feudal Japan may launch next year
• OPPO Reno10 vs OPPO Reno10 Pro: Specs Comparison
• Quick Take: ASUS ROG Ally is the Xbox Handheld Console we never got

The post Overwatch 2 leads Blizzards Games’ shift to Steam appeared first on Gizmochina.

Counter-Strike is a first-person shooter video game that was originally developed as a modification of the popular game Half-Life in 1999. It was created by two developers, Minh Le and Jess Cliffe, who later worked with Valve Corporation to develop the game into a standalone game. The game quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most played online games in the world. Counter-Strike 1.6 was released in 2003 and remained the most popular version of the game until the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in 2012. The game stayed that way for more than ten years, until yesterday when Valve finally announced Counter-Strike 2, the long-awaited upgrade to CS:GO.

Valve is offering a limited beta to select members of the game’s community. The game has been fully overhauled to update every system, content and aspect of the Counter-Strike experience. Valve has moved the game to the latest version of its in-house Source 2 engine, which will result in a noticeable improvement in graphic quality. Counter-Strike 2 will feature sharper textures, more realistic lighting, and additional geometry.

Valve has taken a three-tier approach to level design. Touchstone maps, such as Dust 2, will mostly remain untouched. Upgrade maps will use the enhanced lighting pipeline to improve the materials and reflections’ realism, while Valve plans to completely overhaul a handful of levels to take full advantage of its engine.

The gameplay has also been enhanced with the move to Source 2. For example, smoke grenades will now exist as volumetric 3D objects within the game world, which will make them responsive to other gameplay elements. For instance, shooting or throwing grenades through the smoke will allow vision through the smoke for a split second. Valve is also overhauling the game’s server architecture to support sub-tick updates, which should make the new entry feel like the most responsive Counter-Strike game to date. This will be the biggest gameplay shift from the last game, which relied on 64-tick updates for registering in-game movements and other actions, such as shooting.

Valve’s announcement of Counter-Strike 2 has generated a lot of excitement within the gaming community. With its enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and overhauled server architecture, Counter-Strike 2 looks set to deliver an upgraded and thrilling experience for its loyal fans.

RELATED:

• Valve Steam Deck debuts in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Tiawan
• BGMI might return to India if game limits playtime, removes gore: Report
• Best Monitors for Xbox Series X 2023

(Via)

The post Counter-Strike 2 is Here, Arrives This Summer as a CS:GO Upgrade appeared first on Gizmochina.

Earlier this year, Valve finally launched the much-awaited Steam Deck; however, customers had to wait through months-long reservation queues before the company started selling the handheld directly. To add to the frustration, the console was only available in a select few markets like Europe, the US, and Canada.

Now, the gaming giant is finally expanding the availability of the Steam Deck to four major Asian markets: Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong. The console will be available via Komodo, which is the official Steam Deck distributor in these regions.

The launch was first announced in August, when Valve set up pre-order landing pages on the respective regional websites. Users who pre-ordered will begin receiving emails today to finalize their purchases, and the shipment date will be December 17.

The console is priced fairly close to the European and American prices (€419/$399) in the Asian market. It remains to be seen if the brand intends to move into more Asian countries, such as Indonesia, India, etc.

For those unaware, the Valve Steam Deck is a portable gaming console that includes some enthralling games such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Elden Ring, The Witcher 3, Stardew Valley, and Shadow Warrior. You can essentially play any existing game from your Steam library on the console if it is verified as being supported by the Steam platform.

In terms of specifications, the Steam Deck has a 7-inch IPS display with an HD resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz. It is driven by an AMD Zen 2 processor and an RDNA 2 GPU. It has 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD storage, as well as a microSD card slot. Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C, USB 3.2, 3.5mm audio jack, and DisplayPort 1.4 are all supported. The gaming console provides access to the Steam library, as well as Xbox Game Pass and the Epic Games Store.

RELATED:

• Steam Deck Could Launch in India Soon, Possible Pricing Revealed
• OneXPlayer 2 handheld console launch delayed, Indiegogo backers will receive units in March 2023
• Anbernic RG505 handheld console with OLED display, 5,000mAh battery launched

The post Valve Steam Deck debuts in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and Tiawan appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, Valve launched the Steam Deck handheld console. The consoles were exclusively sold via the pre-reservation method up until now, but now the Steam Deck is finally available for direct purchase.

The company revealed in a blog post that it has been dealing with supply chain issues and component shortages, but thanks to Valve’s efforts, the ever-increasing reservation rate has been surpassed. Of course, the manufacturer reserves the right to return to taking reservations if demand is too high, citing “production, processing, and shipping bandwidth as still finite.”

The Steam Deck has a starting price of €419; however, this configuration only has 64 GB of eMMC storage. The 256GB SSD variant is priced at €549, while the top-end model, which has the “fastest storage,” anti-glare etched glass, an exclusive carrying case, and a virtual keyboard theme, has a price tag of €679. The most affordable option will be available for orders later this year, while users who purchase the latter two varieties will start receiving their consoles within 1-2 weeks.

Valve has also launched the Steam Deck Docking Station, which features three USB 3.1 ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. It can be used to connect the Steam Deck to two external displays and multiple other Valve devices, and it can also charge the console simultaneously.

RELATED:

• Nintendo Switch dominated Japan console market, nearly 500K units sold in Sept alone
• BenQ TH690ST Short Throw Projector for console gaming launched in Europe
• Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld launched in US & Canada

The post Valve Steam deck can now be purchased directly, Docking Station launched appeared first on Gizmochina.

Valve had recently announced that the company is on track to start selling its Steam Deck handheld gaming device from February after it failed to stick to the initial launch timeline because of the global shortage of components and supply chain issues.

Now, the company has confirmed that the Steam Deck will go on sale from 25th December. Those who have reserved the device will get an email invite to place an order within three days, which means that the first batch of devices will start shipping from 28th February.

Valve has also added that it will release new batches on a weekly basis. The company has also clarified that the order emails are sent in the same order that reservations were made and the customers can only order the Steam Deck model that was originally reserved.

The company is allowing customers to still make a reservation for $5. There are three options to choose from — 64GB eMMC model costing $399, 256GB NVMe SSD model priced at $529, and 512GB NVMe SSD model which costs $649.

As for the hardware, Steam Deck will come powered by AMD’s quad-core processor based on the Zen 2 architecture and a graphics processor based on AMD RDNA 2 architecture. It packs 16GB of LPDDR5 onboard RAM and offers up to 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.

It features a 7-inch HD touch display with 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The company says that it uses an optically bonded IPS LCD for enhanced readability and it offers 400 nits brightness with a 60Hz refresh rate.

As for the connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 for controllers, accessories, and audio along with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. It runs the company’s own Steam OS 3.0 and is powered by a 40Whr battery that promises up to 8 hours of gameplay.

RELATED: 

• Lenovo Legion Y90 gaming phone complete specifications revealed; packs 22GB RAM, 640GB storage, and more
• Razer X Hello Kitty series brings new gaming products, and they are Cute!
• Lenovo teases new gaming shoulder buttons, launches with Legion Y90
• Nubia’s REDMAGIC 7 gaming smartphone confirmed to launch next month
• Sony PlayStation 5 may soon be able to run older PlayStation 3 games

The post Valve to start selling Steam Deck handheld gaming PC from February 25 appeared first on Gizmochina.

The highly-anticipated handheld gaming console from Valve — Steam Deck has already been delayed once because of the global shortage of components and supply chain issues, but it seems that the device is now on track.

As per the latest updates coming from the company, it expects to start shipping the Steam Deck by the end of February. This is the same timeframe that the company had promised when it first delayed the launch.

Apart from hardware, the company is also trying to make sure that the users have good experience playing games on the device from the get-go. To make sure this happens, Valve has apparently shipped out several Steam Deck units to developers last month to test their games and make sure they are compliant with the hardware and software environment.

Under the Deck Verified program, the company will give a verified checkmark to games in the storefront that satisfy its categories for Steam Deck compatibility, including full controller support, as well as support for the default resolutions of 1280 x 800 pixels or 1280 x 700 pixels with readable text.

Valve’s Steam Deck will come powered by AMD’s quad-core processor based on the Zen 2 architecture and a graphics processor based on AMD RDNA 2 architecture. It packs 16GB of LPDDR5 onboard RAM and offers up to 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.

It features a 7-inch HD touch display with 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The company says that it uses an optically bonded IPS LCD for enhanced readability and it offers 400 nits brightness with a 60Hz refresh rate.

As for the connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 for controllers, accessories, and audio along with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. It runs the company’s own Steam OS 3.0 and is powered by a 40Whr battery that promises up to 8 hours of gameplay.

RELATED: 

• Redmi K50 Gaming Edition may be the first to launch from its lineup, will feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
• ASUS announces ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet powered by Intel Core i9 processor
• New Logitech G435 Wireless Gaming Headset with 40mm drivers are Carbon Neutral
• Samsung announces Odyssey Neo G8 32-inch 4K 240Hz curved gaming monitor
• CIYCE Evolution 3 in 1 Gaming Headset: A Superb Gaming Audio Gear

The post Valve Steam Deck handheld gaming device to be available by the end of February appeared first on Gizmochina.

The gaming handheld space just got a new member in form of Valve’s Steam Deck, a handheld console with specs that blow all the Nintendo Switch models out of the water.

With a starting price of $399, users get a device with a 7-inch 1280 x 720p touchscreen. The display is flanked on each side by two thumbsticks and two touchpads. There is also a D-pad next to the left joystick while ABXY action buttons are on the right. The device has two front-facing speakers, a Steam button, and a Quick Access button. Alongside two shoulder buttons on each side, you also get two back buttons on the back.

The Steam Deck has its volume buttons on top just like the Nintendo Switch Lite. There is also an audio jack a few millimeters from the buttons and not too far on the same side is the vent for the fan, a USB-C port, a status LED, and the power button.

The console is powered by an AMD APU with a quad-core Zen 2 CPU with 8 threads and an 8 RDNA 2 CUs GPU. It has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and comes in three storage versions – 64GB eMMC (PCIe Gen 2 x1), 256GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4), and 512GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4). All variants have a MicroSD expansion slot.

Introducing Steam Deck: powerful, portable PC gaming starting at $399. Designed by Valve, powered by Steam. Shipping December 2021.

Learn more at https://t.co/ZOTx3KUCVK and reserve yours tomorrow. #SteamDeck pic.twitter.com/jcgbaKfT9c

— Steam (@Steam) July 15, 2021

The Steam Deck has support for Bluetooth 5.0, and unlike the Nintendo Switch, you can pair controllers, input devices, and audio accessories. It also has dual-band Wi-Fi and the USB-C port supports display output at 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. There is an official dock that allows it to be connected to an external display. The dock has 2x USB-A 2.0 ports, 1x USB-A 3.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-C Power Delivery passthrough input port, and an ethernet port. There is also a 6” USB-C captive cable with a 90º connector that connects to the Steam Deck.

Valve says there is a 40Whr battery inside the device and it will provide between 2 to 8 hours of gameplay depending on the games you play. It comes bundled with a  45W Power Delivery 3.0 charger.

The Steam Deck runs SteamOS 3.0 but because it is a PC, you can install third-party software and operating systems. Once you are logged in, your Steam Library appears. The Quick Access button brings up a dedicated space for your notifications, friends, important settings, and peripherals. Apart from being able to access the games from your library on your device, you will also be able to stream from your PC to the Steam Deck via Valve’s Remote Play feature.

Reservation for the Steam Deck is already available for customers in Canada, European Union, U.S., and the U.K. and it will begin shipping in December. Valve says that once inventory is available, buyers will be notified in the order that they made their reservation. You will not be able to reserve more than one unit and you can’t change the model once you are able to purchase. There is a $5 reservation fee but it counts towards the final price you pay.

The Steam Deck is priced at $399 for the 64GB version, $529 for the 256GB version, and $649 for the 512GB version.

RELATED:

• Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) arrives with a bigger display, upgraded dock, and more
• Qualcomm’s upcoming handheld game console won’t have a 4G/5G modem
• Xbox confirms it is developing game streaming devices, Game Pass also coming to smart TVs

The post Valve’s Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC priced at $399 appeared first on Gizmochina.