Valve is rolling out a much-needed quality-of-life update for Steam Deck users: a display-off low-power mode that lets the handheld console download games and updates while the screen is off.
New Background Download Feature for Steam Deck
The newest update brings in a mode that allows players to continue downloading content when their device is not being actively used. Starting today, this new display-off low-power mode will be activated automatically any time the Steam Deck is plugged in, minimizing power consumption without stopping downloads.
For users running on battery power, the device can still stay active in this mode, though Valve has built in a safety net. When the Steam Deck's battery level falls below 20 percent, it automatically enters full sleep mode to avoid totally draining the battery.
Smart Prompts For User Control
Valve also included an intuitive prompt system to make the experience more seamless. If a user presses the power button while a download is in operation, a dialogue box will appear and query them if they'd like to continue downloading with the display off.
In case the system reaches any kind of idle timeout, it automatically switches to display-off low-power mode to save energy while downloads continue uninterrupted, according to Engadget.
Bringing Steam Deck Closer to Modern Console Features
This brings the Steam Deck closer to modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, all of which feature background download modes, which allow players to update or install games while systems are at rest.
For players who download massive titles or updates quite frequently, this addition means not having to leave the screen on for hours on end. It is particularly beneficial for those with slower bandwidths or shared bandwidth since it allows downloading in the background without affecting your gaming or online performance.
Outside Valve's handheld, gamers who want to get the newest ROG Xbox Ally can now place their orders. The pre-orders started in September as a preparation for its Oct. 16 release.
