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The mobile console market has expanded in recent years, providing consumers with numerous options based on hardware and budget. Mobile players seek the best alternatives, from the Windows-based ROG Ally X to the recently announced Nintendo Switch 2.
Your options may be limited depending on the games you want to play and whether you’re on a tight budget. However, these choices are still solid gaming machines that will keep you entertained for a long time.
The 256GB Steam Deck LCD is a versatile handheld system that offers an excellent alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly device with good value.
What’s in the box
You will find the following items:
- Steam Deck 256GB LCD Handheld
- Carry Case
- 45W Power Supply
- Instruction Sheet
First impression
Even though this machine was introduced over three years ago, the 256GB LCD model remains powerful enough to play indie games and older AAA titles. This entry-level Steam Deck features a 7-inch LCD with a touchscreen and a resolution of 1280 x 800 at up to 60 Hz refresh rate. While it may not have an OLED display like its more advanced counterpart, it still offers a great visual experience for gaming.
The Steam Deck is larger than the Nintendo Switch in terms of physical size; however, it remains comfortable to use, featuring excellent joystick and button placement. You can easily play on your handheld for long gaming sessions.
Regarding power, the Steam Deck runs an AMD Accelerated Processing Unit between 2.4 and 3.5 GHz and boasts 16GB of internal RAM. With this processing power and the Linux-based Steam OS, it can run many games available through the Steam Store.
Since I mentioned the Steam Store, you can find notable titles on sale. Search for your favorite games on the Steam Store and add them to your wishlist. Eventually, you’ll receive notifications when a title goes on sale. This will be an excellent incentive for your budget.
On my Steam Deck, I have enjoyed many games in different genres, from Metroidvania titles like Ori and the Blind Forest or Shantae to classic AAA titles like Skyrim or Dead Space 2023. It’s been an entertaining journey so far with this marvelous device.
Connectivity
The wonderful thing about this device is that it can be connected to other devices from Bluetooth to wired connection, like the Steam Docking Station or third-party docks, multiple controllers, or add-ons like hard drives. I have connected the following items:
- Manba One V2 Controller
- 8BitDo Ultimate Controller
- 8BitDo SN30 Pro Gamepad
- Anker Charging Station
- GENKI SavePoint SSD
Drawbacks
Using the entry-level Steam Deck has been a wonderful experience, and I still recommend this device despite its drawbacks. Let’s face it: the machine was released in 2022. Granted, the latest model is the OLED version with either 512GB or 1TB, which includes several improvements, but the 256GB LCD model may struggle with the latest AAA titles. Don’t expect to experience DOOM: The Dark Ages in full glory on the Steam Deck. However, you’ll have no issues playing older AAA titles. Games like Titanfall 2 and Dead Space 2023 look and play spectacularly on the Steam Deck, whether on its screen or the TV when docked.
Not all game titles on the Steam Store are compatible with the Steam Deck. You can check the game listing at the Steam Store to see if it is supported. Another way to check is through ProtonDB, a third-party database that checks whether the game runs on the Steam Deck.
The internal battery life is the Steam Deck’s third and most glaring issue. Depending on usage, the Steam Store listing has it for between 2 and 8 hours. My testing found that it lasts between 2 to 3 hours tops. This is playing a combination of AAA and indie titles, from first-person shooters to platform games.
Final Thoughts
Given its few drawbacks, I have genuinely enjoyed the Steam Deck 256GB LCD as the budget-minded champion that it is. Its current price of $399.00 is excellent, considering that Steam has many sales events that make getting the games you want more economical. Yes, the battery life could be much better, but you have various options for chargers that may have a mobile form factor that will be easy to carry, such as the GENKI 100W TurboCharger.
I recommend the Steam Deck 256GB LCD as a great addition to your video game collection. It is a solid and versatile handheld device that will provide hours of excellent mobile gaming.
The Steam Deck 256GB LCD is available on the Steam Store website.
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Steam Deck 256GB LCD
