Attention all Steam Deck users: Valve is finally addressing a long-standing frustration—the inability to turn off the screen while downloading games. But here's where it gets exciting: Valve is now testing a game-changing update that allows your Steam Deck to complete downloads in a low-power mode with the screen off, saving energy and extending battery life. This feature, currently available in the Beta and Preview channels, is a direct response to user feedback, including my own, as someone who’s downloaded countless games and updates while wishing for this exact improvement.
And this is the part most people miss: When The Verge first raised this issue with Valve two years ago during the Steam Deck OLED launch, the company initially seemed content with the device’s existing capabilities. Hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat pointed out that downloading consumes significant power, raising concerns about users accidentally leaving a hot device in their bag, thinking it was asleep. However, Valve’s new solution appears to address these worries elegantly.
Here’s how it works: With the update installed, pressing the power button during a download triggers a prompt asking if you want to continue downloading with the screen off. If you choose to proceed, the Steam Deck enters a low-power mode. But here’s the clever part: If you press a button or move the device, a status screen pops up, showing download progress. From there, you can either fully wake the device or let it continue downloading with the screen off. This feature is enabled by default when plugged in, and you can manually activate it while on battery—though if your battery dips below 20%, the device will enter full sleep mode.
Controversy alert: While this update is a clear win for energy efficiency, it raises questions about whether Valve should have prioritized this feature sooner. After all, power management is a critical aspect of handheld gaming devices. What do you think? Is this update long overdue, or is Valve’s timing just right? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—share your thoughts on whether this feature should have been a day-one inclusion or if Valve’s approach is justified.
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