If you want to buy a Steam Deck for yourself, you have three options to choose from.
It can be fairly confusing because the higher-end models are more expensive but do provide great bang for their buck.
In this post, we’ll provide a detailed look at the mid-range 256 GB model and also, review the carrying case that comes with it. We’ll also compare it to the other Steam Deck models available in the market.
Steam Deck 256 GB Model
The mid-tier model offers a storage space of 256GB. It has the advantage of being portable and fully functioning as a personal PC. It fits snugly inside most mid-sized backpacks. We barely felt it in our bags during the month we conducted tests on it. You also get four times the storage of the low-end model.
Alternate #1
Steam Deck 64 GB Model
The lower-end model of the Steam Deck has lesser storage and slower speeds compared to the mid-range model. However, it’s a lot more affordable and still a beast in terms of performance. If you intend to buy this model for gaming, then you may need to get a microSD card.
Alternate #2
Steam Deck 512 GB Model
The top-tier model of the Steam Deck boasts 512GB of high-speed storage. It also has a much more durable screen. It’s the ideal device to get if you intend to install large-sized AAA games. The anti-glare screen is a great addition since you can play games outside with ease.
Quick Summary of the Main Product
The mid-tier model of the Steam Deck is a great option for those who value:
- Portability
- High storage capacity
- Gaming performance
With 256GB of storage, this model offers a significant upgrade over the low-end model’s 64GB of storage. This is perfect for gamers who want to store a large number of games, videos, and other media without having to delete files to free up space.
This model also comes with a much faster drive which makes loading times a lot quicker. It’s the device to get if you want to have certain games installed on your Steam Deck at all times.
This may be something to keep in mind if you prioritize speed over storage capacity. That being said, the device still offers a great balance between storage and performance.
While its price may seem expensive for a handheld device, it’s important to remember that this device is not just a video game console, it’s a portable personal PC.
With the ability to run full PC games and the power to handle demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering, you get far more versatility than a traditional console.
As a bonus, the 256 GB model also comes with exclusive Steam profile pictures that can be used to personalize your online gaming experience.
It’s also equipped with a powerful processor, a high-quality graphics card, and a large battery that allows for extended gaming sessions on the go.
Features and Benefits
Large Storage Space
The 256 GB model of the Steam Deck offers a significant upgrade in storage capacity compared to the base model which only comes with 64GB.
This makes it ideal if you want to store a large number of games and other media files without having to constantly delete files to free up space.
With 256GB of storage, you will have more than enough room to store all of your favorite games, videos, music, and other media. This is convenient since it will ensure that you have access to your entire library of content wherever you go.
Fast Load Times
The 256 GB model is equipped with a faster NVME SSD drive instead of the eMMC drive found in the base model.
The NVME SSD drive provides faster loading times and improved performance.
We found that this model had much faster loading times compared to the less expensive base model when testing the same games.
Docking Options
The Steam Deck Docking Station is designed to increase the functionality of your gaming setup. It allows you to connect your Steam Deck to your TV, set it up on your work desk, or charge it on your nightstand.
It’s the perfect accessory to expand the ways in which you can use your Steam Deck.
The size and shape of the Docking Station are designed to hold the Steam Deck securely. It features a USB-C connector at the perfect angle and length, as well as a molded rubber seat to prevent scratches. It’s specifically designed to complement the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is also compatible with a variety of other docking stations that you can use it with as well.
Fully-Functional PC
The Steam Deck is designed to be both a portable device and a PC, so it can be used in different ways.
One of the ways is to connect it to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and use it as a conventional gaming rig. This allows you to enjoy your games on a larger screen and with more precision.
You can set it with a USB-C hub, which can connect the Steam Deck to a variety of monitors.
Carrying Case
The Steam Deck’s carrying case is a standout feature that greatly improves the overall experience of using the device.
The case is hard-shell with a soft velvet interior and a molded form inside that fits the Deck securely. You also get special zippers with interlocking holes that can be locked with a luggage lock for added security.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy the Steam Deck 256 GB Model
Price
While the 256 GB model is definitely fairly more expensive than the 64 GB one, we do think that the price is justified.
This mid-range model has a ton of better features that make it worth it such as the higher storage space, faster load times, carrying case, and more.
Hence, if you have the money to spend, we do recommend that you opt for either the mid-range or high-end model rather than the 64 GB one.
Build Quality and Design
The Steam Deck is nearly a foot wide and weighs almost a pound and a half, which makes it harder to carry and play with on the go. However, if you’re someone who carries a backpack, it can fit super easily inside it.
A significant portion of the Steam Deck’s frame consists of the control surfaces and grips. They are considerably wider than the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons (and not removable).
The standard dual analog sticks are present, along with four menu buttons, a direction pad, and four face buttons.
The Steam Deck’s top panel features standard L1/R1 bumpers and L2/R2 triggers. There are also power and volume buttons, a 3.5mm headset jack, and a USB-C port for charging the device.
The bottom edge features a microSD card slot that you can use to expand the device’s storage.
User-Friendliness
The Steam Deck is extremely user-friendly and we were pleasantly surprised to find this out during testing. Its clever design ensures that its compactness and small size do not get in the way of its utility.
Square touchpads sit below the analog sticks and above the Steam and Options buttons. The touchpads are placed super well to ensure you don’t accidentally press them while you’re gaming.
We were expecting a ton of mis-inputs but found out during testing that the clever design of the Steam Deck prevents this completely.
Storage Space
As briefly discussed above, the 256 GB space that this model provides is good enough to house a few games that you play regularly.
You can then combine this with a cheap microSD card that you can use to install games that you’d play and then delete. This is how most current gamers are using the Steam Deck for gaming on the go.
As you can probably imagine, the 256 GB and 512 GB models are the ones that provide the best storage space for this type of setup. It’s enough to accommodate the OS as well as other necessary apps and some of your favorite games.
Extra Accessories
As we briefly mentioned earlier, you get some exclusive Steam profile pictures and a carrying case when you buy the 256 GB model of the Steam Deck.
You can show off the profile pictures on your Steam profile to let everyone know that you’re a proud owner of a Steam Deck.
Furthermore, the carrying case is great since it allows you to keep your Steam Deck safe from dust and impact when you’re traveling with it.
Pros and Cons
- Responsive controls
- Excellent battery life
- User-friendly design
- Great build quality
- Decent storage space
- Does not have an anti-glare screen
Social Proof
We wanted to get an idea of what other people’s experiences were like with using the Steam Deck 256 GB model.
Hence, we scoured some reviews online and these are the most prominent ones that we found:
Similar to the Steam Deck 256 GB Model (Recommendations)
#1: Best Affordable Alternative - Steam Deck 64 GB Model Review
The lower-end model comes at a much lower price, but some pretty intense cuts are made to get there.
While the majority of components are the same across all three Steam Deck models, the storage solution on this model is much lower at 64 GB.
Another difference is the eMMC drive versus the NVMe SSD on the other two models.
The eMMC reads at about 500 MB per second, while the other drives should read at about 4GB per second. This means you’ll get longer load times in games on this model compared to the other two higher-end models.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Steam Deck 64 GB Model
Price: This is the lowest-priced model of the Steam Deck. Hence, if you want to get one and don’t have a ton of money to spend, then you can consider opting for it.
Build Quality and Design: The build quality and design are largely the same as the other two models. It’s important to note that this model does not have an anti-glare screen and does not come with a carrying case.
Storage Space: You only get 64 GB of space with this model. This is much lower compared to the other models and you’ll have to get some sort of external solution for storage such as a microSD card.
- Long-lasting battery
- Fully customizable
- Responsive controls
- Excellent build quality
- Cheap price
- Low storage space
- Slower load times
Best Affordable Alternative
The best affordable alternative is the Steam Deck 64 GB model thanks to its low price tag, user-friendliness, and clever design.
#2: Best High-End Alternative - Steam Deck 512 GB Model Review
The top-tier model offers a whopping 512GB of high-speed storage.
It has double the storage of the mid-range model and a more durable screen.
While it’s much higher priced, it’s definitely worth it if you have the cash to spend.
We found out during benchmarking and testing that it performs roughly the same as the mid-tier model.
The fact that it has 512GB of built-in storage is what makes this version the most appealing.
It means you can install a decent number of AAA games on the internal storage and put lower-intensity games on a microSD card.
You also get a premium anti-glare glass screen.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Steam Deck 512 GB Model
Price: As we briefly discussed earlier, it’s the highest-priced Steam Deck model but the price is definitely justified since it has higher storage and a better screen.
Build Quality and Design: The overall design and build quality are largely the same as other models. The only difference is that its screen is a lot more durable and allows you to see it easily even in bright lighting conditions.
Storage Space: This model offers the highest amount of internal storage (512 GB) out of all the three Steam Deck models that are currently available.
- Great customization options
- Fast loading and a lot less prone to crashing
- Comes with a premium carrying case
- Anti-glare screen
- High internal storage space
- Expensive
Best High-End Alternative
The best high-end alternative is the Steam Deck 512 GB model thanks to its premium anti-glare screen, high internal storage, and fast loading times.
Buyer’s Guide
Price
While it’s only natural to try to opt for the cheapest option in the market, this is often not the right strategy. This is especially true for the Steam Deck since the cheapest model has extremely low storage space and a slower battery.
The thing about cheap products is that they are often made with relatively lower-quality components which affect their longevity and overall performance.
You might think that the 64 GB model is good enough for you but you may find yourself running out of space super quickly. What happens then? Well, you’ll have to buy SD cards and external hard drives. Hence, it’s not exactly cheap in the long run.
When it comes to the Steam Deck, it’s a good idea to figure out what features you want to prioritize. If you only need it for portability, then you can get the 64 GB one.
However, if you intend to have large games installed inside of it, then you’ll be much better off with the 256 GB or 512 GB version.
Build Quality & Design
All models of the Steam Deck have the same display hardware.
This includes
- An optically-bonded IPS LCD panel
- A resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels
- A 7-inch diagonal size
- A brightness of 400 nits
- A refresh rate of 60Hz
The display of Steam Deck is crisp, bright, and colorful, though it may not be as vivid as the OLED Nintendo Switch.
The premium model of the Steam Deck has an anti-glare etched glass screen. This makes it easier to see in bright environments such as when you’re playing outside on a sunny day.
However, it was noted that this screen may struggle when playing a dark game outdoors.
It ultimately depends on where you plan to play your Steam Deck, if you mostly play indoors then you might not see the benefit of the anti-glare screen.
On the other hand, if you live in a sunny climate and plan to play outdoors, consider the premium model.
User-Friendliness
All models of the Steam Deck have a user-friendly design that is easy to navigate and understand.
You get a touchscreen display, but you also have the option to navigate around SteamOS with the sticks or the D-pad.
The controls are intuitive, responsive, and easy to navigate, both in-game and in menus, which minimizes frustration. We expected that it would take us time to get used to the controls but we were navigating menus with ease within minutes.
Wrapping Things Up
In conclusion, the 256 GB model of the Steam Deck is what’s most appropriate for the majority of users out there.
If you want more space and a more durable device, then you’ll need to raise your budget and buy the premium 512 GB model. If you don’t have a ton of money to spend and don’t care too much for internal space, then you can opt for the affordable 64 GB model.
The mid-range 256 GB model provides a great balance between internal storage and price.
Which model do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.
Dive into the details by visiting our website and exploring our comprehensive guides.
