Should You Buy a Steam Deck in 2025? A Detailed Breakdown

Should You Buy a Steam Deck in 2025? A Detailed Breakdown

The Steam Deck, first released three years ago, has had a profound impact on the handheld gaming industry, especially in the Linux gaming space. It paved the way for affordable, repairable, and versatile portable PCs. However, with new competitors like the Lenovo Legion Go S and other emerging devices, is the Steam Deck still worth buying in 2025?

The Steam Deck’s Legacy in Handheld Gaming

The Steam Deck has revolutionized portable PC gaming by:

• Making handheld gaming on Linux more viable than ever.

• Offering a cost-effective solution compared to traditional gaming PCs.

• Championing repairability, making it one of the easiest handhelds to maintain.

That said, advancements in hardware mean that the Steam Deck is no longer the top choice for every gamer. So, should you still consider buying one?

Who Should Still Buy a Steam Deck?

If you primarily play:

• Indie games

• Older generation titles

• Less demanding single-player games

Then, the Steam Deck still makes sense as a purchase. However, if you want the best performance for modern AAA games, newer handheld PCs might be a better fit.

The Steam Deck’s Biggest Strength: SteamOS

One of the biggest selling points of the Steam Deck remains SteamOS. It offers:

• A console-like experience without the hassle of Windows.

• Compatibility with most Steam games, especially single-player titles.

• A user-friendly interface optimized for handheld gaming.

However, the Steam Deck does not support major online multiplayer games like:

• Call of Duty

• Destiny 2

• Valorant
  This is due to anti-cheat limitations on Linux. While you can install Windows on a Steam Deck, many users find it cumbersome and less optimized.
  

The Lenovo Legion Go S: A Strong Contender

The upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S could challenge the Steam Deck in a big way:

• It comes with SteamOS pre-installed.

• It has a Steam button and native Steam integration.

• Priced around $500, making it a direct competitor to the Steam Deck OLED.

The Legion Go S won’t have an OLED screen, but it features:

• 120Hz IPS display

• 500-nit peak brightness

• Larger screen size (~1 inch bigger than Steam Deck)

Additionally, the AMD Z1 Extreme chip makes it significantly more powerful than the Steam Deck in most scenarios.

The Steam Deck’s Performance Limitations

While still capable, the Steam Deck is now struggling to keep up with:

• New AAA titles at acceptable settings.

• Higher resolutions & refresh rates in modern games.

• More power-efficient handheld competitors.

For example:

• The Legion Go S will have a 45Wh battery, similar to the Steam Deck.

• Other devices, like the RG Lix, offer 6–8 hours of battery life due to larger 80Wh batteries.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for longevity and future-proofing, the Steam Deck is not the best choice for new buyers.

Alternatives to the Steam Deck

If you’re considering an alternative, here are some viable options:

✅ Best Windows Alternative in the Same Price Range:

• ROG Ally (Original)

• Lenovo Legion Go (First Gen)

• MSI Claw (now with performance improvements)

✅ Best Upcoming SteamOS Alternative:

• Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS version launching in May 2025)

✅ Best for Budget Buyers:

• Refurbished Steam Decks (when available at $270–$320)

However, be patient if buying a used device. Deals on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can take a week or more to find.

Should You Buy a Steam Deck in 2025?

The answer depends on your needs:

• If you want a powerful and future-proof handheld, wait for the Legion Go S in May.

• If you want a budget-friendly, Linux-based handheld, consider a refurbished Steam Deck.

• If you need a portable emulation powerhouse, a dedicated Android device may be a better option.

Ultimately, the Steam Deck is still a great device, but newer alternatives provide better performance, longer battery life, and more features at similar price points.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence, wait a few months and see how the Legion Go S performs. Reviews will provide a clearer picture of its SteamOS integration, performance, and battery life. The Steam Deck isn’t obsolete, but it's no longer the obvious best choice for handheld gaming.

💬 What do you think? Are you still considering a Steam Deck in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 🚀