Steam Deck Update Introduces Screen-Off Downloads Feature
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Steam has rolled out a significant update for the Steam Deck, introducing a new feature that allows users to download games while the device's screen is off. This feature, referred to as 'display-off low-power mode,' enhances the user experience by conserving battery life and preserving the OLED screen's longevity.
According to Tom's Hardware, the update automatically enables this mode when the Steam Deck is plugged in, but users can also manually turn it on in the settings to facilitate downloads even when the device is running on battery power.
When a user presses the power button during a download, the Steam Deck prompts whether to continue the download with the screen off. If the device remains idle, it will also enter this low-power mode automatically.
Engadget highlights that this functionality is akin to the rest mode found in other modern gaming consoles, allowing downloads to proceed without actively using the handheld. This is particularly beneficial for gamers concerned about bandwidth when playing online games, as highlighted by Engadget, who noted that large downloads can disrupt gameplay.
Importantly, if the battery level drops below 20% while this feature is active, the download will pause, and the Steam Deck will enter full sleep mode to conserve power. This feature is not only a quality-of-life improvement but also allows users to wake up to a fully downloaded game, especially useful for downloading large titles overnight.
However, it remains to be seen whether this feature will also apply to downloadable content and game updates, which could streamline the process further by making these tasks automatic during charging.
Currently, access to this feature is limited to users in the Beta or Preview channel, as pointed out by Tom's Hardware, but it is expected to benefit a broad user base once it becomes widely available.
This update is a crucial enhancement for those who frequently use their Steam Deck in situations where high-speed internet access is not guaranteed, such as during travel. Overall, the screen-off download feature represents an important step in optimizing the Steam Deck's functionality, making it more user-friendly and efficient for gamers.