Steam Deck Runs PS4 Games As Well As The Console Itself

Valve’s Steam Deck console looks like it can run PlayStation 4 games just as well as the PS4 can. The new handheld console was recently released, and Steam Deck reviews from several outlets have already been published, most of which praise the new device. While the Steam Deck does have its limitations, such as short battery life and relatively small internal storage space, those are aspects that are usually expected from handheld consoles.

The biggest advantage the Steam Deck has over other handheld consoles, though, is the enormous library of games that are available on Valve’s platform. However, not all of the titles that are on the Steam storefront are currently compatible with the new portable device. While some games innately work with the Steam Deck because of their minimal system requirements, some may not work at all with the device due to hardware limitations or may require an update to be compatible. Thankfully, Valve has already launched its Steam Deck Game Compatibility Check feature that lets users see which games are already compatible with the console.

In Digital Foundry’s (via Push Square) review of the Steam Deck, it found that the new handheld gaming PC was capable of running PS4 games on par with or better than the actual console the games were originally developed for. According to Digital Foundry, games like Death Stranding, Horizon Zero Dawn, and 2018’s God of War all run at a minimum of 30 frames-per-second, with some of them capable of reaching even higher framerates when the cap is turned off. The caveat, however, is that the games are being played at 720p, which is lower than the PS4’s usual 1080p output. However, with the Steam Deck’s small, seven-inch display the lower resolution is difficult to notice.

With PlayStation committed to bringing more titles to PC, Steam Deck owners may eventually have what is essentially a mini PS4 in their hands. While it’s unlikely that Steam Deck owners will be able to play some of PlayStation’s latest games, such as the Demon’s Souls remake or the recently released Horizon Forbidden West, on the new handheld anytime soon, or at all if the Steam Deck proves to be incompatible, PlayStation’s older exclusives are definitely something they can feasibly look forward to.

Being able to play PS4 games on the Steam Deck is certainly impressive and exciting. With Sony basically giving up on the handheld console business after the PS Vita’s commercial failure, the Steam Deck is poised to somewhat take its place. With any luck, players will be able to experience PlayStation games on the new console, even if it can only run older offerings for now.

Source: Digital Foundry/YouTube (via Push Square)

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Martin Patino
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Martin has been writing for ScreenRant since the middle of 2020. He’s also written for several print and online publications across gaming, esports, and tech over the past 9 years. Some of these include PC World Philippines, Computerworld Philippines, 2.0 Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, GGNetwork.tv, PlayStation LifeStyle, GamingBolt, GameRevolution, UnGeek.ph, and more. Apart from video games and tech, Martin is a also massive anime and manga fan.

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