Used to be that video game emulation was reserved for PC gaming enthusiasts, and more specifically, higher-end hardware. Since the process of emulation would often require more CPU usage compared to the original hardware, the actual replication of legacy hardware processes on newer technology can be taxing and reserved for beefier rigs. However, as emulation programming has been improved and become more efficient, emulators for systems like GameCube and PS2 have been streamlined. Most lighter gaming rigs and laptops can handle modern emulation now, and with the Steam Deck, many see the handheld as another potential avenue for emulation.

Considering Valve was very upfront about the customizability of its new handheld gaming PC, many who opt to install Windows on their Steam Deck are likely considering emulation as well. Steam Deck will launch with an updated version of Steam OS, replacing the existing Steam Big Picture mode, but Valve confirmed that a clean install of Windows is possible. Given that most emulation is done through Windows, since it's the most ubiquitous platform for PC gaming, being able to install Windows on the Steam Deck obviously represents some huge potential for emulation. Even outside of Windows installation, Linux is just as good for emulation, so Steam OS will still work.

RELATED: Why Xbox Should Make a Handheld Like Switch and Steam Deck

Emulation is Looking Promising For the Steam Deck Already

steam deck stardew valley

Of course, the actual developers of emulation software seem to be optimistic of the Steam Deck's technical specs. Speaking with PC Gamer, a contributor to the "Dolphin" GameCube emulator project named JMC4789 talked about the potential of the project for emulation. Specifically, JMC was confident the Deck would be able to run Dolphin emulation quite well. Developers on the Nintendo Switch "Yuzu" emulator also mentioned that the Steam Deck has a lot of potential in running Switch emulated games. Assuming the capability is there, emulation in a primarily portable form factor is pretty huge, even in the face of smartphones and laptops.

As far as interest in portable emulation is concerned, it's certainly there. Base-level gaming laptops, and even more recent non-gaming laptops have had enough processing power to handle near-flawless emulation from PS2/GameCube games and under. Even on mobile platforms, Android emulation has come a long way, while iPhone emulation still remains a bit trickier to workaround. One quick glance on the Google Play Store will show tons of different emulator apps to download for systems like Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 1, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and more. Steam Deck could absolutely handle options for emulation.

RELATED: The Shapeshifter Dev Talks The Importance of Emulation

Steam Deck's Convenience Factor Means Emulators Should Succeed

steam deck steam library laptop

Valve's Steam Deck makes a lot of sense as a desirable system for emulation, especially in the wake of the Nintendo Switch's popularity. Having a handheld option that has the software customizability of a PC, alongside a portion of the convenience that Nintendo has honed in on so well with the Switch, means it's perfect for most PC gaming. However, emulation in particular is a special case, because there are numerous third-party hardware (at various qualities and price points) dedicated strictly to emulation. Examples like the Analogue Pocket, or the Anbernic RG350P, are dedicated portable hardware used strictly for emulating classic portable consoles with modern tech.

Even the Nintendo Switch itself has its Switch Online retro gaming libraries with its NES/SNES, so the demand is certainly there for emulation on the Steam Deck. Not to mention how much easier and user-friendly emulation software has become; as long as fans can get their own game ISOs, emulators like Dolphin and PCSX2 have largely become plug-and-play. Plus with the Steam Deck's technical specifications, there may not be all that much tweaking of emulation settings to make graphics issues looking just right. The Steam Deck's APU is rated for 2.4-3.5 GHz processing power, as well as 1.0-1.6 GHz graphical power, should handle most emulation needs aptly.

Among other recent changes to the Steam Deck's specs, which suggest even more bandwidth for speedier performance, mean the Steam Deck should be great for emulation. Similar to desktop/laptop PCs, players could certainly set up their Steam Decks as handheld consoles dedicated to emulation. Especially with the higher storage options on the NVMe SSD, as well as the high-speed micro-SD card slot, there's plenty of room for tons of emulated games on Valve's handheld console. Not to mention the option to play any player's Steam library, the intended purpose of the console in the first place. The Steam Deck will be a perfect device for handheld game emulation, as long as it works well enough.

Valve's Steam Deck releases in Q4 2021.

MORE: Switch Pro Could Take a Few Features From the Steam Deck