Steam Deck Is Valve’s Portable Steam Machine, Launching in December

Valve’s portable gaming device, the Steam Deck, is real, and it’s launching this year. The company revealed its hardware today and says that it will allow you to play your Steam library anywhere. Its base model will cost you $399 and launches this December.

Valve partnered with AMD to create a custom APU for the Steam Deck, a Zen 2 and RDNA 2 that delivers “more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope.” The company adds that the device was built for extended play sessions, saying, “The rear of the device is sculpted to comfortably fit a wide range of hand sizes.” It bears a striking resemblance to the Nintendo Switch, but there are some notable differences as well. For example, the Steam Deck sports trackpads just below its analog sticks, and in addition to the R1/R2 and L1/L2 triggers, it has grip buttons planted on its back.

Valve also explains that you can use the Steam Deck to install standard PC software, meaning you can surf the internet, watch videos, and engage in other regular PC activities. You can take a look at a number of short videos showcasing the Steam Deck in action on its website.

As if the inspiration from the Switch wasn’t clear enough, the Steam Deck will have a dock that allows you to prop up the device and connect it to external display devices. You can buy the official dock separately, but you can also use powered USB-C hubs. As for storage models, the $399 base version comes with 64 GB of storage and a carrying case. Alternatively, for $529 you can grab the 256 GB NVMe SSD internal storage model with faster storage, a carrying case, and an exclusive Steam Community profile bundle. The most expensive version will run you $649 and includes 512 GB NVMe SSD internal storage, the fastest storage option, premium anti-glare glass, an exclusive carrying case, the profile bundle, and an exclusive virtual keyboard theme.

You can reserve your Steam Deck starting tomorrow only in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union, with Valve promising expanded availability details to come soon. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a fee to reserve your device.