Steam Deck users, rejoice! Valve is addressing a long-awaited feature request. Say goodbye to the days of wasting battery life while downloading games.
The latest update introduces a power-saving mode that allows your Steam Deck to finish downloading games with the screen off, a welcome change for those who've wished for this option since the device's launch. But here's where it gets interesting: Valve initially resisted this feature, citing power consumption concerns during downloads.
According to hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat, leaving the screen on during downloads was intentional, as it consumes a significant amount of power, preventing the device from overheating in a bag if accidentally left on. This perspective raises an intriguing question: Is it better to have a device that conserves power by shutting down when not in use, or one that keeps running to prevent potential overheating?
With the new update, users can now choose. When you initiate a download and press the power button, a dialog box offers the option to keep downloading with the screen off. Selecting 'Continue' puts the Steam Deck into a low-power mode. Press a button or move the device, and a status screen appears, allowing you to wake the Deck or continue downloading with the screen off.
This feature is automatically enabled when the Steam Deck is plugged in, and users can also activate it for battery-powered operation, though it will enter full sleep mode if the battery drops below 20%.
What do you think of this update? Is Valve's initial concern about overheating justified, or is the power-saving mode a long-overdue addition? Share your thoughts in the comments!
