Steam Deck beta update brings major improvements to game downloads

Since its launch in 2022, the Steam Deck has only improved with time, receiving countless new features and quality of life improvements through relatively consistent updates. As part of the Steam Deck’s beta branch, users will finally be able to download titles while the screen is off in an update which has been a long time coming.

Though it may seem like a relatively minor feature given that it has existed on the likes of smartphones for over a decade, being able to download games/updates while the Steam Deck’s screen is off has been a long-requested yet doubtful hope from owners of the handheld.

In a welcome announcement however, Valve has now unveiled their new low-power download mode – “enabling [Steam Deck] to complete all active downloads in a new display-off low-power mode, before going to sleep.”

This new functionality will be enabled by default while on charge, and can be set to work on battery power as well. Interestingly, it appears to be a different system entirely compared to the Deck’s typical sleep mode, with Valve explaining that “when this feature is active on battery power, Steam Deck will automatically go to full sleep mode if the battery level falls below 20%.”

Ever since the Steam Deck first arrived years ago, the lack of a screen-off download option has been frustrating. As such, this feature is highly welcome to see. Hopefully the update makes its way to the stable channels soon enough.

KitGuru says: Are you glad to see this feature implemented? Has the lack of a screen-off download option bothered you? Let us know down below.

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