Hi everyone!
As I’ve said in the past (see my older post https://sh.itjust.works/post/33787188), I’ll probably buy an used LCD Steam Deck alongside my Playstation 5 right after my wedding as a gift to myself in 2 months.
I’d be using the Deck mostly docked to a screen to play Strategy games like Frostpunk or other games not suited to consoles.
I’d also be using the Deck while travelling (which doesn’t happen often) to play some retro games I’ve missed like the Metro Trilogy.
Here are a few remaining questions:
- Am I right in thinking that I could play on the big screen games until the middle of the Playstation 4 era?
- Am I right in thinking that I could play on the Deck’s screen almost every game which could run on a Playstation 4?
- Since I’d be buying a used LCD deck, I fear that the battery would be in poor health. Is there a way to know its health? If I replace the battery, could I get a better one?
- My PC screen can charge devices through USB-C and has 4 usb ports. It delivers enough power to charge my Surface Go 1 while using it. In my mind, it could clearly replace a dock, but would I have any advantages in getting one? Could the official dock be used for another handheld like my kid’s Switch?
- If I end up using a Dual Schock 4 or a Dual Sense when my Steam Deck is docked, will I have to pair them again with my consoles every time after using them with the Deck?
- Since I’d be buying a used Steam Deck, is there anything I should be particularly careful about?
I’m looking forward to joining the communauty!
If you want to know if a game works on the deck or not steam lists steam deck verification for games that work. If it’s listed as verified it’ll be a smooth experience, like launching a console game. If it’s marked playable it will have more detailed information about the game’s issues, most common is needing to use an onscreen keyboard for certain things or other UI weirdness.
Games that aren’t verified might work but you’ll likely need to tweak settings to get them running smoothly.
I think you’ve already had your questions answered, but I’d like to add 2 more things:
First, if it’s in budget, I would still consider OLED. I love my LCD deck, but I kinda wish the screen was nicer.
Second, it may be cheapest to get the 64GB version and upgrade the ssd yourself. That’s what I did, and it’s pretty easy with the deck’s repairable design.
I have both and I don’t really care about the oled vs lcd display quality. Both give a picture that is way way way more than enough to play any game on it. OLED screen just is a tiny bit bigger which helps and oled model has a better charger with longer cable.
Yeah I’d love to get an Oled since the screen is nicer and it has more autonomy.
But I don’t want to put more than CHF 300.- (around 300$) since I already have a PS5, a Switch (not being used a lott, would sell it if my kids allowed me) and a Surface Go 1 running Fedora.
Still the LCD screen on the Switch is okay for me so I don’t it’ll change so much especially as I think I’ll play a lot on the Deck docked.
If I end up using a Dual Schock 4 or a Dual Sense when my Steam Deck is docked, will I have to pair them again with my consoles every time after using them with the Deck?
Just get another used gamepad used if it becomes an issue! That is the beauty of using a computer instead of a console, most gamepads are going to work and with Steam’s controller interface it is easy to select a control scheme that will work well for that controller.
- Yes
- Yes
- It’s not too hard to replace it but you can’t get a better one than the original one
- It’ll work fine. Give it a month and then see if you want a dock as well.
- Most likely yes.
- Joystick drift, although they can be replaced and calibrated.
Thanks for the precise answer
I’ll check into everything. Thanks!
Am I right in thinking that I could play on the Deck’s screen almost every game which could run on a Playstation 4?
Sure, assuming the game is released on a supported platform like Steam, or any of the platforms Heroic or Lutris support. Though I guess if you really wanted specific PlayStation games running on your deck you could setup PS Now to stream it.
Am I right in thinking that I could play on the big screen games until the middle of the Playstation 4 era?
Same as above really, with the only caveat being that changing the resolution will obviously diminish performance. Eg. If you dock the deck on a 4k TV and set the game’s resolution to 4K you shouldn’t be surprised if the game runs like ass.
Since I’d be buying a used LCD deck, I fear that the battery would be in poor health. Is there a way to know its health? If I replace the battery, could I get a better one?
I don’t know of any tools to measure or monitor the health of the deck’s battery.
You can replace the battery if you’re up to it. I don’t believe there are any higher capacity internal batteries available without some significant modifications to the unit.
Most other deck users that are concerned with battery life opt for power banks. You can always explore that route if it becomes a concern.
My PC screen can charge devices through USB-C and has 4 usb ports. It delivers enough power to charge my Surface Go 1 while using it. In my mind, it could clearly replace a dock, but would I have any advantages in getting one? Could the official dock be used for another handheld like my kid’s Switch?
I can only speak for myself, but I like using my dock because it has an Ethernet port so I don’t have to rely on my wireless connection when I’m on the couch and a Display Port so that it could be docked at my desk and plugged into one of my monitors. When I’m doing game development, this comes in pretty handy; I can build the game directly on the deck or transfer to it, then test it out in game mode very quickly. I’ll admit, this is a sort of a niche usecase, though.
If I end up using a Dual Schock 4 or a Dual Sense when my Steam Deck is docked, will I have to pair them again with my consoles every time after using them with the Deck?
I don’t own a Dual Sense (or a PS5), so I cant speak to that. Every bluetooth controller I’ve used behaves the same though. When I turn off the deck or undock it, the controller enters pairing mode and if I turn on my PS4 the controller is automatically paired to it. I don’t have to do anything extra.
Since I’d be buying a used Steam Deck, is there anything I should be particularly careful about?
As with any used product, if it comes with a warranty of any kind pay very close attention to the wording so you’re aware of the avenues available should anything bad happen to the product.
Other than that, good luck! And congratulations on your wedding!
You can buy most parts including the battery from ifixit. They have a partnership with Valve for parts. Also they have instructions on how to fix the part.
It’s so cool to see that Valve is really trying to make it as repairable as possible.
Make sure you don’t hit your wife with it.
Nah I wouldn’t want to break it (the deck, not my wife)
