• Guide

Valve Steam Deck price, preorder, tech specs, and release date

Here's everything you need to know about Valve's Steam Deck, including how much it costs and when you can pre-order it.

Chris Jarrard

January 26, 2022 10:45 AM

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Valve has some big plans for 2022 with the release of the Steam Deck, a brand new handheld capable of running the latest PC games on the go. While this type of product has been tried several times in the past, none have had the direct backing of a company like Valve and none have come loaded with such hardware.

For those who are intrigued by this new handheld, we have assembled a guide that covers the price, pre-order details, official specs, and release date of the Valve Steam Deck. It’s everything you need to know about the new portable in one spot.

Valve Steam Deck price, release date, and pre-order details

Steam Deck launches on February 25th, 2022! 🎉https://t.co/6WKynbibkv pic.twitter.com/Un54Jwdq1H

— Steam (@Steam) January 26, 2022

Valve’s Steam Deck handheld will be sold in three variants: a 64 GB model, 256 GB model, and 512 GB model. While the 64 GB model uses an embedded flash memory card for storage, the other two models make use of solid-state storage. Pricing starts at $399 USD ($499 CAD) for the 64 GB model, $529 USD ($659 CAD) for the 256 GB model, and $649 USD ($819 CAD) for the 512 GB model.

The Valve Steam Deck will be released on February 25, 2022 at 10 a.m. PT. Those who got in on the first round of pre-orders can expect to their device to arrive around then. If you haven't secured one yet and want to check to see when they'll be back in stock, be sure to check the Steam Deck website.

Valve Steam Deck tech specs

While Valve is preparing to release three different models of the Steam Deck handheld, most of the system specs are consistent across the lineup. The primary differences between the models are storage size, storage speed, and in the case of the 512GB model, you get an upgraded anti-glare screen coating.

Internal components

• Processor
• AMD APU
• CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5 GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
• GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6 GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
• APU power: 4-15W

• RAM
• 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (5500 MT/s)

• Storage
• 64 GB eMMC (PCIe Gen 2 x1)
• 256 GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4)
• 512 GB high-speed NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4)
• All models include high-speed microSD card slot

• Gamepad controls
• A B X Y buttons
• D-pad
• L & R analog triggers
• L & R bumpers
• View & Menu buttons
• 4 x assignable grip buttons

• Thumbsticks
• 2 x full-size analog sticks with capacitive touch

• Haptics
• HD haptics

• Trackpads
• 2 x 32.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback
• 55% better latency compared to Steam Controller
• Pressure-sensitivity for configurable click strength

• Gyro
• 6-Axis IMU

Display

• Resolution
• 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio)

• Type
• Optically bonded LCD for enhanced readability

• Display size
• 7" diagonal

• Brightness
• 400 nits typical

• Refresh rate
• 60Hz

• Touch enabled
• Yes

• Sensors
• Ambient light sensor

Connectivity, Audio, and Expansion

• Bluetooth
• Bluetooth 5.0 (support for controllers, accessories and audio)
• Wi-Fi
• Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Stereo Audio
• Embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience
• Microphones
• Dual microphone array
• Headphone / mic jack
• 3.5mm stereo headphone / headset jack
• Digital
• Multichannel audio via DisplayPort over USB-C, standard USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.0
• microSD
• UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
• External connectivity for controllers & displays
• USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB 3.2 Gen 2

Power and physical dimensions

• Input
• 45W USB Type-C PD3.0 power supply
• Battery
• 40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay
• Size
• 298mm x 117mm x 49mm
• Weight
• Approx. 669 grams

Software

• Operating System
• SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
• Desktop
• KDE Plasma

The Steam Deck offers an impressive array of hardware and connectivity for such a small device. We will find out if Valve’s handheld has what it takes to popularize PC gaming on the go when it launches this year. For future updates on Valve’s new device, be sure to bookmark Shacknews’ Steam Deck topic page.

Chris Jarrard

Contributing Tech Editor

Chris Jarrard likes playing games, crankin' tunes, and looking for fights on obscure online message boards. He understands that breakfast food is the only true food. Don't @ him.