I’m planning to travel around Australia in a van for two years and want to keep my gaming passion alive while on the road. I’m mainly an Xbox gamer, enjoying titles like Halo, Gears of War, and Assassin’s Creed. I’m especially interested in emulating some of my childhood games too. I’m wondering if the Steam Deck can handle this. Can it run Xbox Game Pass games without relying on cloud gaming? Also, can I connect the Steam Deck to a TV or monitor using HDMI, and is using an Xbox controller possible? I’ve heard great things about the Steam Deck’s OLED display, but what are its limitations? Should I consider other similar devices? Lastly, are there any must-have accessories for someone always on the move? Thanks in advance for your advice!
7 Answers
Make sure to check out YouTube! There are loads of videos that answer the questions you’re asking about the Steam Deck; you’ll probably find a lot of useful info there.
The Steam Deck can connect to a TV or monitor, and yes, you can use your Xbox controller, which is sweet. Just keep track of its power limitations; it isn’t built for heavy-duty performance with the latest titles, but it does handle a bunch of other games pretty well. If you’re traveling, a portable USB battery that can handle 45W would be a great accessory to have!
If you’re really leaning into mobility, consider the ROG Ally X. It might be a great fit for your needs while traveling!
One thing to note is the Steam Deck really relies on WiFi. If you don’t have consistent internet access, it might be a hassle. Other devices may offer a bit more flexibility, but you’ll still need some connectivity for Steam. If Game Pass is a dealbreaker, going the Windows route might make sense, but that could steer you toward different brands like the ROG Ally.
Overall, the Steam Deck is a budget-friendly gaming device, but if you want a seamless experience with heavy AAA titles at 60FPS, you might be disappointed. For older games and indie titles, though, you should enjoy your time. The Master Chief Collection, for example, runs pretty smoothly! Also, keep in mind that it’s an excellent emulation machine if you’re looking into retro gaming. The new Windows-based handhelds out there might be interesting to watch, but there’s a chance some upcoming SteamOS devices could be worth considering for your needs.
Emulation is a breeze on the Steam Deck, so you’ll have no trouble revisiting those classic titles you loved. However, keep in mind that running Xbox Game Pass isn’t straightforward unless you install Windows on the device, which isn’t where the Steam Deck shines. You can definitely connect it to any HDMI display using a USB-C dock or hub, and Bluetooth controllers, including your Xbox controller, work really well with it. Just remember, if you’re hoping to run the latest AAA games, you might hit some snags; games released after 2020 could be hit or miss, so it’s worthwhile to do some research on individual titles.
That’s good to know about the multiplayer games. I’ll definitely do my homework on considering titles that are Steam Deck-friendly!
For the Steam Deck, if you’re looking for something more than cloud gaming, Windows is required to run Game Pass games outside of streaming. Just FYI, it’s a popular solution among gamers looking to expand their options.
Thanks for the info! It’s a bummer about Game Pass, but I appreciate the honest feedback.