Valve’s newly announced handheld gaming PC, could potentially be used to play Xbox Game Pass titles.

The $399+ device was announced on Thursday, described as “a powerful all-in-one portable PC” capable of running the latest AAA games.

Steam Deck runs the latest version of Valve’s SteamOS software – which is based on Linux – allowing players to easily access their Steam games library and all of the platform’s features.

However, Valve insists that Steam Deck is also an open PC with the ability to install any software or connect with any hardware.

According to an exclusive hands-on on IGN, it will be possible for Steam Deck users to install a fresh version of Windows, if they choose, and access other company’s game stores such as The Microsoft Store.



This would theoretically allow users to access their Xbox Game Pass library. At the very least, it sounds like users will be able to stream Game Pass title over the cloud via a web browser.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can already stream their games to Android and iOS devices via the cloud, but Steam Deck could potentially offer an attractive solution for gaming on the go without having to worry about WiFi speed.

Steam Deck will feature a “powerful, custom APU” developed with AMD, a 7-inch touch screen, full-sized controls with gyro and trackpads, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD expansion slot and a USB-C port.

It will begin shipping in December with prices starting at $399 (64GB eMMC). Increased storage options will also be available for $529 (256GB NVMe SSD) and $649 (512GB NVMe SSD).

Introducing Steam Deck: powerful, portable PC gaming starting at $399. Designed by Valve, powered by Steam. Shipping December 2021.

Learn more at https://t.co/ZOTx3KUCVK and reserve yours tomorrow. #SteamDeck pic.twitter.com/jcgbaKfT9c

— Steam (@Steam) July 15, 2021

Posted: Jul 19, 2021 6:30 am
Related Forum: PC Gaming Forum

Source: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/valves-steam-deck-could-be-a-handheld-xbox-game-pass-machine/