Steam Deck is Valve’s Switch-like portable PC: Starting at $399 this December

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  The Steam Deck, from Valve. [credit: Valve ]

On Thursday, Valve took the wraps off of its new Switch-like portable PC, now dubbed the Steam Deck , confirming that is indeed the hardware Ars Technica reported on earlier this year . It will begin shipping later this year at a starting price of $399.

The hefty-looking console, which is 11. 7 inches long (compared to 9. 4 inches for the default Switch with Joy-Cons), will launch at three price points, differentiated by built-in storage capacity, SSD speed ratings, and differently tempered glass on its screen. Those upgraded versions will cost $529 (256GB) and $649 (512GB, “anti-glare etched glass”). Both pricier bundles include a carrying case.

All models will include the same AMD-powered combination of Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, which Valve describes as a “custom” APU. Each model also includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 40Whr battery (guaranteeing “2-8 hours associated with gameplay” on a single charge), and a 7-inch, 1280×800 touchscreen LCD.