Steam Deck Update: Sony Makes a Big Move for PC Gamers

Steam Deck Update: Sony Makes a Big Move for PC Gamers

Sony has made a major shift in its approach to PC gaming, offering a big win for Steam Deck users. After months of controversy over PlayStation Network (PSN) login requirements for single-player games, the company has reversed some of its restrictions, though challenges still remain. In addition, new rumors about Valve’s upcoming Steam Console have surfaced, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 appears to be running well on the Steam Deck. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments.

Sony Removes PSN Login Requirement for Ghost of Tsushima and God of War

Sony’s initial approach to PC ports sparked backlash when the company introduced mandatory PSN logins for Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut and God of War: Ragnarok. While the login provided trophy syncing and social features, it was unnecessary for single-player experiences. More importantly, the restriction locked out users in countries where PSN is unavailable, effectively rendering the games unplayable for them.

Following strong community pushback, Sony announced that it would remove the login requirement for these single-player games. However, one key issue remains: the Legends multiplayer mode in Ghost of Tsushima still requires a PSN login, making it inaccessible on the Steam Deck due to Steam OS’ incompatibility with PSN servers.

This partial reversal is a step in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done. Sony needs to go further by fully removing PSN login requirements for all PC games and enabling cross-save support for players who want to switch between PlayStation and PC.

Sony’s Struggling PC Strategy: Cancelled Ports and Poor Marketing

While Sony has had success with its PlayStation exclusives on PC, recent decisions suggest uncertainty in its strategy. Reports indicate that ports for Gran Turismo 7 and Demon’s Souls have been canceled, leaving fans disappointed. Additionally, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 arrived on PC with little marketing and a lackluster port, in stark contrast to the well-optimized PC versions of the first Spider-Man game and Miles Morales.

Sony’s focus on live-service games has also shifted, with rumors suggesting the company is scaling back these projects. Recent executive changes within PlayStation leadership add to the uncertainty, leaving many wondering what direction the company will take with PC gaming in the future.

Steam Console Rumors: A New PC Gaming Powerhouse?

New leaks suggest that Valve is working on a dedicated Steam console, potentially rivaling the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. According to a leak from the Spanish YouTuber Handled Deck, the console may feature an AMD 9070 GPU with RDNA 4 architecture, signaling desktop-level performance rather than a lower-power APU like the Steam Deck.

This rumor aligns with Valve’s recent moves to expand Steam OS beyond handhelds, including support for devices like the ROG Ally and Legion Go. If Valve launches a high-powered Steam console, it could provide an alternative for gamers looking to move away from traditional consoles while keeping access to their Steam library.

The timing is significant, as Microsoft appears to be shifting away from hardware exclusives, hinting that future Xbox games may be available on Steam. If Valve introduces a console with strong hardware and seamless Steam OS integration, it could become a serious competitor in the gaming space.

Microsoft’s Uncertain Console Future

Microsoft’s recent developer showcase and statements from Xbox leadership suggest that the company is moving toward a more open ecosystem, rather than focusing solely on Xbox hardware. The idea of an Xbox console running Steam natively has been floated, but whether Microsoft actually follows through remains to be seen.

Valve, on the other hand, has already dominated the PC handheld market with the Steam Deck. If they launch a Steam Console, they could solidify their position by offering a true console alternative for PC gamers, eliminating the need for a PlayStation or Xbox altogether.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Steam Deck Performance Report

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year, and early reports indicate that it runs well on the Steam Deck. A mix of low and medium settings provides a stable 30 FPS, making it a great handheld experience.

Compared to the original Kingdom Come Deliverance, the sequel is better optimized, with fewer bugs and smoother performance. Given the first game’s historical realism and immersive gameplay, its sequel is shaping up to be another excellent addition to the Steam Deck’s growing list of RPGs.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Steam Deck and PC Gaming?

Sony’s decision to remove PSN logins from its single-player PC games is a positive step, but issues like multiplayer restrictions and missing cloud saves still need to be addressed. Meanwhile, the rumored Steam Console could shake up the industry, giving players an alternative to traditional gaming consoles.

With Microsoft’s uncertain console strategy, Valve is in a prime position to capitalize on the shift towards PC gaming. Whether through the Steam Deck, a new console, or continued expansion of Steam OS, the future looks bright for PC gamers who want more freedom and flexibility in their gaming experience.

What do you think about Sony’s latest decision and the Steam Console rumors? Let us know in the comments below!