Steam Deck, a scarce item

Steam Deck. © Valve Corp.

If you want a the Steam Deck console, you’re in for the long haul. Valve updated its Steam Deck info page to announce that all preorders taken as of now won’t sail until Q4. So if you place your order today, don’t expect to see your dock until October at least. But if you’re not really sure that you want to purchase a Steam Deck, you should put down the 5 USD required to make a reservation and secure your spot in line. If ultimately you decide not to go through with your order, your 5 USD will be refunded.

Also, it’s now possible to install Windows 10 on the Steam Deck because Valve just released the GPU, WiFi and Bluetooth drivers needed to load and play games. Windows 10 is the only version you can install for now because the Steam Deck BIOS apparently doesn’t include TPM firmware (which Microsoft requires for Windows 11). Note that the speakers and headset jack won’t work because there are no audio drivers for them yet. Bluetooth or USB-C audio are currently your only two options if you don’t want to play silent games.

⇨ The Verge, Jay Peters, “New Steam Deck orders won’t ship until at least October.”

⇨ The Verge, Sean Hollister, “The Steam Deck now runs Windows.”

2022-03-10