Steam Deck Wait Times Now Just 1-2 Weeks for New Orders

If you‘ve been eager to get your hands on Valve‘s powerful new handheld Steam Deck, the long wait is finally over. In 2023, brand new Steam Deck orders through the Steam website are now shipping in just 1-2 weeks for customers in the US, UK, EU and other regions. This is a massive improvement over the reservation queue delays of a year or more that buyers faced in 2022 shortly after launch.

In this detailed guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Steam Deck models, specs, performance, pricing, and take a closer look at whether the $649 512GB flagship model is worth it for serious gamers.

Steam Deck Models and Storage – What Are The Differences?

The Steam Deck is available in three different storage size configurations:

• 64GB eMMC storage for $399
• 256GB NVMe SSD storage for $529
• 512GB high speed NVMe SSD storage for $649

Storage Speed and Performance

The type of internal storage used in each Steam Deck model has a significant impact on real world loading times and performance:

• 64GB model – Uses slower eMMC storage resulting in longer load times for games and apps. Boot time is also slower.
• 256GB and 512GB models – Use faster NVMe solid state drives up to 5500MB/s for much quicker load times.

Based on hands-on testing, the 64GB Steam Deck takes twice as long in some games to load levels compared to the faster NVMe SSD models. The 256GB model provides excellent performance for most gamers, but the 512GB Deck‘s ultra fast premium SSD is even faster.

Storage Space

The amount of usable storage space is also an important consideration:

• 64GB model – Only has 50GB or so of usable space after Steam OS reserved space. Enough for just a few small indie games.
• 256GB model – Provides ample room for 10-15 large AAA game installs. Should be sufficient for most gamers.
• 512GB model – Lets you install your entire 30+ game Steam library with space left over. Great for power users.

Clearly, the 64GB Deck is a compromise aimed at budget-focused buyers, while the 256GB and 512GB models deliver much better all-round performance and room for plenty of games.

Steam Deck 512GB Model – A Closer Look at the Premium Experience

At the top end, the flagship 512GB Steam Deck upgrades the experience with some exclusive features and accessories:

Anti-Glare Etched Glass Display

• Specially etched glass screen provides significantly better visibility in bright lighting
• Reduces reflections and glare very effectively
• Matte display is easier on the eyes for extended gaming sessions

Faster NVMe SSD Storage

• Uses a top-tier PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD for lightning quick load times
• Sequential read speeds up to 5500MB/s based on benchmarks
• Even faster than the solid 256GB NVMe SSD model

Exclusive Carrying Case

• Comes with a high quality protective case specially designed for Steam Deck
• Provides peace of mind when travelling with the handheld or on the go
• Adds a premium feel

More Storage for Games

• Massive 512GB capacity lets you install your full 30+ game Steam library
• Never have to worry about managing storage space or uninstalling games
• Future proofed for adding more games over time

The 512GB model also comes with the same great Steam Deck experience like the responsive thumbsticks and trackpads, immersive 7-inch touchscreen, powerful AMD APU delivering 60fps gameplay, and versatility of SteamOS.

How Does Steam Deck Performance Compare?

On paper, the Steam Deck‘s custom AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 processor puts it ahead of the Nintendo Switch in terms of graphics power and computing horsepower. The Switch uses a much older and slower Nvidia Tegra SoC.

But the Steam Deck also isn‘t trying to match the raw performance of consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It sits somewhere in between a last-gen console and the new generation.

Here‘s a specs overview and how major consoles compare:

You can see the Steam Deck uses a processor and graphics architecture similar to the newer consoles, albeit in a lower power envelope designed for a handheld. This allows it to comfortably outpace the Nintendo Switch.

In terms of real world gaming performance, the Steam Deck is capable of playing recent AAA games like Elden Ring smoothly at 30 FPS or higher on default settings at its native 800p resolution. More demanding games may require some tweaking of graphics settings for the best experience.

Valve says active cooling allows the Steam Deck to run at full clock speeds for sustained periods where devices like smartphones would be thermally constrained. Of course, the integrated controls and handheld form factor also set it apart from traditional consoles.

Strong and Growing Demand for Steam Deck

Ever since reservations first opened in July 2021, the Steam Deck has seen incredible demand with most regions selling out within an hour. Valve has steadily ramped up manufacturing capabilities over 2022 to produce more units.

In November 2022, Valve designer Greg Coomer said they are now able to produce Steam Decks at "more than double that rate on a weekly basis".

According to VGChartz estimates, over 1.3 million reservations had been made as of October 2022. With Steam Deck production now exceeding 26,000 units per week, Valve seems on track to fulfill all outstanding reservations before end of 2022.

The strong sales and growing user base is also attracting more developer support to optimize games for the Steam Deck‘s unique controls and form factor. This will further improve the overall user experience.

Steam Deck – Key Takeaways

• With wait times now just 1-2 weeks, it‘s easier than ever to purchase a Steam Deck without a long reservation queue
• The 64GB base model makes some compromises, so the 256GB version is the best option for most gamers
• Serious players should consider the 512GB model for its premium display, storage, carrying case and performance
• Steam Deck offers a handheld experience perfect for enjoying your Steam games library on the go
• Initial supplies were limited but growing production will clear reservation backlogs

For PC gamers who enjoy the versatility and customization that this platform provides, the Steam Deck perfectly delivers that experience in a portable handheld package. And with the long wait for existing reservations nearly over, it‘s a great time to get your order in today and soon have this powerhouse handheld delivered to your door.