History of Steam Deck in Timeline
The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer developed by Valve Corporation. It is designed to access and play games from the Steam library. Incorporating lessons from previous hardware projects like Steam Machines and the Steam Controller, the Steam Deck features a custom AMD APU and runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. The Steam Deck signifies Valve's move towards internal hardware development, addressing issues encountered with Steam Machines, particularly regarding OEM reliance and native Linux game support. It provides a portable and integrated gaming experience for Steam users.
2015: Steam Machine Series Introduction
In 2015, Valve introduced the Steam Machine series, gaming computers running on Linux-based SteamOS, which would later influence the conception of the Steam Deck.
2015: Early Steam Controller Prototypes with LCD Screen
In 2015, early prototypes of Valve's Steam Controller included a small LCD screen, a concept later considered an early idea behind the Steam Deck.
April 2018: Pullback on Steam Machines
Valve quietly pulled back on the Steam Machine series by April 2018, though they stated they remained committed to an open-hardware platform.
May 2021: Rumors of Valve's Portable Gaming Unit
In May 2021, rumors emerged that Valve was working on a portable gaming unit, based on updates in the Steam code and comments by Gabe Newell.
June 2021: Steam Deck Pre-Orders
In June 2021, pre-orders for the Steam Deck were opened a day after its announcement, limited to Steam accounts opened before June 2021 to prevent reseller stock depletion. First-day pre-order reservations briefly crashed the Steam storefront servers due to high demand.
July 15, 2021: Steam Deck Reveal
On July 15, 2021, Valve revealed the Steam Deck, a portable gaming device with different storage options.
September 2021: Easy Anti-Cheat Available for macOS and Linux
In September 2021, Epic Games' Easy Anti-Cheat was made available for macOS and Linux systems, facilitating its transition for the Proton layer on the Steam Deck.
September 2021: Steam Deck Dev Kits Shipping
In September 2021, Valve started shipping development kits for the Steam Deck to developers. Valve also partnered with Komodo to help with local production, localization, and distribution support for the planned release in Asian regions.
October 2021: Steam Deck Game Compatibility Review Process
In October 2021, Valve introduced a process to review games on Steam for compatibility with the Steam Deck, marking games as "Verified," "Playable," or "Unsupported."
November 2021: Steam Deck Delayed
In November 2021, Valve informed pre-purchasers that due to the global chip shortage, the Steam Deck's shipment would be delayed from December to February 2022, while retaining the original order of delivery.
January 2022: Introduction of Dynamic Cloud Sync
In January 2022, Valve introduced Dynamic Cloud Sync, allowing cloud saving while a game is running, making it more suitable for portable use on the Steam Deck.
February 2022: Shipment Delays Announced
In February 2022, some pre-order purchasers were informed of shipment delays for certain models of the Steam Deck due to its popularity.
February 2022: Steam Deck Shipping Begins
In February 2022, the Steam Deck began shipping in North America and Europe, marking its commercial launch.
February 2022: Steam Deck Release
In February 2022, the Steam Deck was released, gaining attention for its versatility, Linux support, and Proton compatibility for Windows games.
February 2022: Original Steam Deck Launch
In February 2022, the original Steam Deck was launched, featuring a custom AMD APU based on Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, named Aerith.
February 25, 2022: Steam Deck Release
On February 25, 2022, the Steam Deck was released in North America and European regions with varying retail prices.
March 1, 2022: Aperture Desk Job Release
On March 1, 2022, Valve released Aperture Desk Job, a free Portal series spinoff, for Windows and Linux/SteamOS users, serving as a technology demonstration for the Steam Deck.
June 2022: Increased Steam Deck Production
In June 2022, Valve announced that they had doubled the number of Steam Decks shipping out each week to meet initial reservations.
August 2022: Production outpacing estimates
In August 2022, Valve's Steam Deck production was outpacing expectations, allowing them to ship units to consumers earlier than anticipated.
October 6, 2022: Release of the Steam Deck Dock Unit
On October 6, 2022, the Steam Deck dock unit was released, allowing connection to external power, monitors, and peripherals.
October 2022: Steam Deck Available Without Reservation
In October 2022, Valve fulfilled all Steam Deck reservations and opened the device for purchase without reservation, with the possibility of returning to a reservation system if demand becomes too high.
December 2022: Valve Pursues Steam Deck Improvements and Considers Steam Controller 2
As of December 2022, Valve was working on improvements to the Steam Deck, and evaluating a second generation Steam Deck as well as considering Steam Controller 2.
December 2022: Steam Deck Asia Release
In December 2022, the Steam Deck was officially released for sale in Asia.
2022: Steam Deck Sales
In 2022, the research firm Omdia reported that the Steam Deck sold 1.62 million units and was also one of the most popular purchases on the Steam storefront.
February 2023: Steam Client Update with Steam Deck UI
In February 2023, Valve replaced the previous Big Picture mode in Steam with one based on the Steam Deck user interface.
February 2023: Local network Steam installation
In February 2023, the ability to download games onto the Steam Deck from a local network Steam installation was added.
November 2023: Introduction of OLED Screen Models
In November 2023, OLED screen models of the Steam Deck were introduced, marking a hardware revision to the device.
November 2023: Announcement of New OLED Steam Deck Models
In November 2023, Valve announced two new Steam Deck models with OLED screens, extended battery, and improved cooling, replacing two of the existing models.
November 2023: Valve Announces Steam Deck Sales
In November 2023, Valve stated that they had sold "multiple millions" of the Steam Deck.
November 16, 2023: Release of New Steam Deck OLED Models
On November 16, 2023, two new Steam Deck models with OLED screens were released, replacing the previous top-end LCD variant, and the original 64GB and 512GB units were discontinued.
2023: Handheld Gaming Computer Trend
In 2023, the Steam Deck is credited with triggering a wave of similar handheld gaming computers like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
October 2024: Steam Deck Officially Available to Australia
In October 2024, Valve announced that the Steam Deck would be officially available to the Australian market from November, 2 years after its initial release.
2024: New Gaming Computer Release
In 2024, the MSI Claw A1M launched, joining the trend of handheld gaming computers that was triggered by the Steam Deck.
February 2025: Estimated Steam Deck Sales
Market research firm International Data Corporation estimated that between 3.7 and 4 million Steam Decks had been sold by February 2025, the third anniversary of the device.
