Steam Deck, Valve’s new trading platform, is all about versatility, meaning it will be compatible with a range of third-party hardware and software. This includes virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Quest, third-party stores like the Epic Games Store, and even Completely different operating systems Like Windows 11 one.
We’ve now learned that Steam Deck will also be compatible with Microsoft’s cloud streaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, which means owners will be able to play supported Xbox games on a Valve mobile device.
At least that’s what Xbox boss Phil Spencer announced in a tweet expressing his admiration for Steam Deck after a lengthy testing period with the new console. “I can say it’s a really great device,” he wrote, “Gaming on the go, screen size, and control everything works great.” […] xCloud works fine. “
@valvesoftware this week was chatting with Scott, Eric, and Gabe on Steam Deck. Having had most of the week, I can say it’s a really great device. Games with me on the go, screen size, control everything is great. Playing Halo and Age looks good, xCloud works well. Congratulations to the Sustainable Development Team. pic.twitter.com/q4hWBvkk85August 13, 2021
Although he didn’t specify exactly how well Xbox Cloud Gaming will run on Steam Deck, Spencer says in his tweet that Halo and Age [of Empires] I feel good on the console.
Monitor expectations
The question in the room still remains how well Steam Deck will perform with AAA games. Compatibility with these games is well and good, but if they don’t perform well, Valve’s console is unlikely to be as groundbreaking as the company clearly expects.
Fortunately, the developers are optimistic. in one Interview with GamesRadarValve designer Scott Dalton explains, “We’ve only crossed the threshold in the past six months to claim we can play AAA games at good frame rates. Everything you wish for when you run your library.”
We know that Valve is aiming for 30fps for all games that are supposed to run on the Valve Deck. So the “good frame rates” that Dalton is talking about could actually refer to that number. This is solid performance for demanding titles, even if 60fps is the target threshold for consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X.
However, neither Spencer nor Xbox has commented on whether Xbox Cloud Gaming will work in the browser or in a native app on Steam Deck, because the former could significantly cloud the user experience if that happens.
However, Spencer’s statement that the service will be available on the device is good news and we can’t wait to test the device when it’s released in September.
via GamesRadar
