Valve has announced its own handheld gaming console. The Steam Deck is a compact gaming PC running a custom version of SteamOS and can play all of your Steam games while also functioning as a computer.
The Steam Deck has a formfactor similar to other portable gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch or the PlayStation Vita. On either side of the display are analog sticks with the d-pad on the left and ABXY keys on the right.
Unlike most other controllers, the Steam Deck places its keys in a unique arrangement, where the keys are on the same plane as the analog keys.
This has freed some space below, which is now occupied with two capacitive trackpads. These allow you to control the mouse pointer in games not designed to be played with a controller but rather with a mouse.
The Steam Deck also has a 6-axis gyroscope, which can be used to control your movements in games.
Below the trackpad are dual stereo speakers, which Valve claims have a DSP and wide soundstage. Of course, you can also plug in your own headphones, and the Steam Deck also has dual microphones built-in.
Rounding off the front side are four additional buttons for View, Menu, Steam, and Quick Access.
On top are the four analog triggers. The buttons are specially designed to be comfortable in racing games, which require pressing and holding the trigger buttons for long periods of time.
On the back of the console, Valve has placed four additional buttons on the grip, two on each side. These are fully customizable and can be mapped to any function within the game.
The display on the front is a 7-inch, 1280×800 resolution IPS LCD with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 400 nits maximum brightness, and touch support. The touchscreen can be used to interact with the UI and also to use the on-screen keyboard. It can also be used within games by mapping points on the screen to specific commands.
If you get the top-end model, the display also has an anti-glare etching for the glass, which should make it easier to see outdoors.
On the hardware side, the Steam Deck runs on a custom AMD APU. The CPU is based on the Zen 2 architecture and features 4-cores and 8-threads with a variable clock speed of 2.4-3.5GHz. The GPU uses the latest RDNA2 architecture with 8 compute units. The APU has a power envelope of 4-15W.
For storage, Valve provides three different tiers. The base model has 64GB of eMMC, which is also the slowest storage you can get on the Steam Deck. The middle variant gets 256GB of faster NVMe SSD storage while the top of the line variant gets an even faster 512GB NVMe SSD.
Aside from the built-in storage, users will also be able to use microSD cards to increase their storage. All models will get 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
The Steam Deck runs on Valve’s SteamOS 3.0. This is primarily based on Arch Linux and uses the compatibility layer Proton to run games designed for Windows. Valve claims you can run all of your games on the Steam Deck, not just those designed for Linux.
The Steam Deck has a custom version of the Steam store that lets you just login and jump right into your Steam library. You can also browse and purchase games here, just as you would on a PC. Steam Deck also supports Steam cloud saves, so you can stop playing on your PC and continue right where you left off on the Steam Deck.
Underneath the custom software, Steam Deck is a standard Linux PC and can be used as one. With the help of a USB dock, you can connect the Steam Deck to your monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a standard Linux computer. You can even install other game stores, at least ones that are available on Linux.
But what if you don’t want to use Linux? Well, turns out you can just wipe it and install Windows. Steam Deck is essentially a compact PC and can be used as one if required.
On the connectivity front, Steam Deck supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0.
It also has a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, which can be used for power, data, display, and audio. It can be treated like the USB-C port on a PC and you can connect all of your accessories as well as a desktop monitor through this port. It supports up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz through the DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode.
Lastly, the Steam Deck has a 40Wh battery. Valve claims it can run as long as 8 hours when used lightly or for basic 2D games. However, battery life can go down as low as 2 hours during demanding 3D games. You get a 45W USB-C PD charger in the box.
The Steam Deck comes in three variants. The 64GB model is priced at $399 and comes with a carrying case. The 256GB model costs $529 and adds an exclusive Steam Community profile bundle on top. Lastly, the 512GB model will set you back by $649 and has an exclusive carrying case, exclusive Steam Community profile bundle, and exclusive virtual keyboard theme. It also has the aforementioned anti-glare etched glass.
Steam Deck will be available for purchase in December 2021 in United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. If you live in these regions then you can now add it to your wishlist on Steam.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
