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When in this mode, you can move or press a button on the Steam Deck to check the download status. From there, you can fully switch on the console and get to gaming, or just leave it be to continue downloading in the background of your life. However, if you activate the feature in battery mode and your handheld’s battery level falls below 20%, it will pause the download and go into full sleep mode to conserve power.
Although this might seem like a minor quality-of-life improvement, it will go a long way to improve your experience with the Steam Deck. For example, if you found a new large title you want to try out, you can download it before going to bed while keeping your handheld plugged in, and you can expect to play that new game the following day. The company also did not mention if this applies to DLC and game updates, but if it does, it would keep game updates an automatic background task every time you charge your device. That way, you can say goodbye to waiting for downloads just so you can play the latest version of your favorite title. OLED users will naturally save more battery life, and it will also help preserve OLED screen life.
Valve's 256GB LCD Steam Deck is an incredible 20% off — big price drop just in time for the Steam Autumn Sale
Microsoft's new handheld gaming mode, exclusive to ROG Xbox Ally, has just leaked for every handheld running Windows 11
Best PC Gaming Handhelds 2025: Windows and Steam Decks
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/handheld-gaming/steam-deck-introduces-screen-off-downloads-helps-preserve-oled-screen-life-users-can-now-download-large-titles-with-the-handheld-in-low-power-mode-and-have-a-new-game-ready-to-go-when-they-turn-it-on#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
- Nvidia wants China's market share to secure the future of CUDA in the region — America's trade war threatens Huang's influence, and could bolster competition
- Steam Deck introduces screen-off downloads, helps preserve OLED screen life — users can now download large titles with the handheld in low-power mode and have a
- NVIDIA AI Physics Transforms Aerospace and Automotive Design, Accelerating Engineering by 500x
- China bans foreign AI chips from state-funded data centers, report claims — crackdown would include removing Nvidia, AMD, and Intel chips from builds in early s
- Cooling system for a single Nvidia Blackwell Ultra NVL72 rack costs a staggering $50,000 — set to increase to $56,000 with next-generation NVL144 racks
Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.