Steam Deck 2 wish list: features I desire in the next-generation model.

      Valve has already accomplished the challenging part with the Steam Deck. It demonstrated that a handheld gaming PC can deliver a console-like experience while remaining practical and enjoyable. With the release of the Steam Deck OLED, the company refined this concept by enhancing the screen, increasing the battery size, and incorporating several smart enhancements.

      Therefore, the Steam Deck 2 doesn't need to pursue a radically new identity. The current Steam Deck has its imperfections, but it doesn’t need to engage in a meaningless specifications battle. What I truly desire is a combination of quality-of-life enhancements and hardware improvements that meaningfully enhance the overall experience.

      Provide a better screen that prioritizes efficiency

      The Steam Deck OLED features a beautiful display. Valve’s choice to adopt OLED technology, a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, and a larger 7.4-inch screen was a refreshing upgrade, and I absolutely want OLED to be included in the Steam Deck 2 as well. However, it is puzzling that Valve omitted a feature that would significantly improve a handheld: built-in VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). This absence is notable since VRR can enhance the smoothness of games without forcing the system to adhere to strict frame rate targets, which can also lead to better battery performance. Interestingly, while the Steam Deck OLED supports VRR on some external displays via USB-C, it does not have this capability on its own screen. Equipping the Steam Deck 2 with a smoother 120Hz OLED panel and VRR would level the playing field with competitors.

      Battery life and charging require larger improvements

      Battery life remains the primary quality-of-life challenge for handheld PCs. Valve made notable strides with the OLED version due to its larger 50Wh battery and improved efficiency. However, it wasn't long before reviews highlighted that more demanding titles can still deplete the Deck OLED's battery quickly.

      A larger battery would have a significant impact. The ASUS ROG Ally X is a good reference point, featuring a substantial 80Wh battery. Therefore, a battery in the 70Wh range for a Steam Deck 2 would greatly enhance the system's portability without frequent reliance on a charger.

      Charging also needs attention. Valve provides the Steam Deck with a 45W power supply, and while the 20% to 80% charging stats appear reasonable, a complete charge still takes longer than I would prefer. Sleep functionality requires improvement as well. Battery drain during sleep has been a prominent discussion topic within the community regarding current models. A quick wake-up feature is only beneficial if the device isn't quietly using battery power while resting in a bag or on a table.

      Replaceable Battery?

      This request may be ambitious, but a replaceable battery on the Steam Deck 2 would be remarkable. To be fair, Valve has already made the OLED model easier to repair than the original, incorporating Torx screws and providing better internal access. With the EU pushing for regulations requiring removable and replaceable batteries in portable electronics, there’s a slight possibility that handhelds could eventually benefit from this shift.

      Greater emphasis on controls and core hardware

      To ensure the Steam Deck 2 feels future-proof, I have a few ambitious requests.

      Firstly, it should have two USB-C ports, as having just one seems too restricting for a handheld PC that requires the same port for charging. One of these could even support Thunderbolt. This isn’t merely a personal wish—users on the Steam Deck subreddit have expressed a desire for an additional port for some time. We also need more memory capacity. 16GB now feels like a bare minimum rather than a comfortable target.

      On the controls front, I hope Valve seriously considers TMR joystick sensors instead of relying on the traditional Hall Effect sensors. TMR technology is gaining traction since it offers the same "drift-resistant magnetic stick" appeal while consuming significantly less power. The company has already experimented with this technology in its new Steam Controller, which features dual TMR magnetic thumbsticks. Thus, this is more than just a technical improvement; it aligns with Valve’s vision of a “generational leap” in technology.

      New Steam Controller Valve

      The Steam Deck 2 doesn’t need to be flashy

      Valve doesn't have to create the fastest or most efficient handheld on the market. It simply needs the Steam Deck 2 to capitalize on the strengths that made the original successful, while further refining the experience.

      Even if the company doesn’t implement all of the enhancements discussed above, I still have confidence that Valve will get the formula correct. The company has never been most captivating when it tries to follow trends; it has stood out precisely because it is willing to embrace a good idea, continue experimenting (as seen with the original Steam Machine), and enhance it without getting sidetracked by the rest of the industry.

      As one of my favorite YouTubers, DJ Peach Cobbler, aptly stated: “Valve is not a massively successful company in spite of their failures, they are massively successful because they’re willing to fail.”