Nearly eight months after its initial launch, Valve's Steam Deck is now available to purchase without a reservation. The much anticipated announcement is the highlight of the company's Steam Deck updates, which also include the release of the official docking station and a number of new software features.Valve announced the Steam Deck in July 2021 with an original launch date expected in December of that year. However, due to supply chain issues, Valve was unable to produce enough units to satisfy the demands of eager gamers and the developer delayed the Steam Deck's release. For the gaming system's February 2022 launch, reservations were required, and the online queue filled up fast. Even in light of this limitation, Valve has shipped more than one million Steam Deck units.Finally, Valve has built up the manufacturing capacity to deliver the Steam Deck to fans with no prior reservation. Those with existing Steam Deck reservations are already set to receive their gaming system by mail. The Steam Deck is now shipping to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
With their latest update, Valve made the Steam Deck's official docking station available as well. Fans first caught an unexpected glimpse of the Steam Deck dock during Tokyo Game Show 2022. The docking station can connect to a multitude of peripherals and displays, boasting three USB A 3.1 ports, a USB C power port, DisplayPort and HDMI video output ports, and a gigabit Ethernet port. While Valve encourages use of the official docking station for propping up the Steam Deck and viewing the screen, the system is also compatible with third-party USB docks or hubs.
Alongside these hardware releases, Valve rolled out software updates for the Steam Deck, both fixing bugs and adding new features. Among the improvements to docked mode are increased compatibility for displays and new settings for resolution and scaling. Additional developments include better touchscreen responsiveness, redesigned virtual menus, and increased stability of offline mode. On-screen keyboards have been added for Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. These increased language options arrive now that Valve has made the Steam Deck available in Japan and other Asian markets in August.
These latest additions only build on the Steam Deck's accessibility and versatility. Throughout the development of the Steam Deck and even post-launch, Valve has invited user feedback and is consistently receptive. The company's willingness to listen to players is reflected in the improvements made to the system with each Steam Deck beta update. Valve noted that, depending on how fast orders come in, the reservation system may have to come back. The developer expressed that it is optimistic about keeping up with the demand. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of handheld PC gaming, it won't come as a surprise if the Steam Deck reservation requirement returns.
Source: Valve