Valve's Steam Deck, a top-rated handheld gaming PC, is set to receive a critical upgrade that will address a significant bottleneck in its 64-gigabyte model.
GamesRadar tells us in a report that the problem stems from the shader cache size, which has limited the internal memory of the 64GB model, making it less capable of handling prolonged usage and larger cache build-up than the 256 and 512-gigabyte models.
However, the most recent update, SteamOS 3.5, promises to fix this problem.
A Solution to a Common Steck Deck Problem
According to Valve representative Pierre-Loup Griffais, the update will include a new Vulkan shader pipeline that will work in tandem with the Deck's single-file disc-caching technique to reduce the size of most games' cache by 60%.
This decrease will differ depending on the games installed on each Deck, but it will significantly improve overall, the representative tells PCGamer.
Valve Already Addressing Issue
GamesRadar notes that Valve has already taken great care to manage the shader cache, which has benefited SteamOS users greatly. As demonstrated by the problematic release of Hogwarts Legacy, shader buildup is a common cause of micro-stuttering on PCs.
Sharing cache files among Deck users completely eliminates or significantly reduces this problem. The only potential drawback is the amount of space the shaders occupy on the device and the Deck's daily game updates.
Notable Steam Deck Advantages
One of the Steam Deck's most notable advantages is its ability to run Elden Ring without stuttering, even during the first playthrough.
This is due to Valve providing a fully compiled shader cache download for Elden Ring, emphasizing how well it runs on the Deck.
This gives Valve's handheld gaming PC a clear advantage over its competitors, especially now that shader stuttering is becoming a bigger issue for PC gamers.
Valve's careful management of the shader cache is set to become even more important as PC gamers demand higher performance from their devices.
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The latest update gives the Steam Deck a distinct advantage over its competitors, particularly for gamers who value smooth performance without stuttering.
While the 64GB model's limited storage capacity may have appeared to be a disadvantage at first, Valve's upcoming upgrade will level the playing field and make it an even more appealing option for budget-conscious consumers.
In Other News
Microsoft is reportedly looking into creating a Windows handheld mode that could be used on devices such as Valve's Steam Deck.
The Verge reports that a leaked video shared on Twitter by user h0x0d reveals early concept and prototype work for a handheld-optimized Windows 11 UI, a launcher, and a Windows gaming shell designed for use with touchscreens and controllers.
The video is said to be part of a hackathon project carried out by Microsoft employees in September, during which ideas and projects are presented for consideration and support from company executives.
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