The Steam Deck Weighs Exactly 669 Grams – Here‘s What That Means for Portability
As an avid gamer and tech specialist eager to share the latest info on new gaming devices, one of the most common questions I see about the Steam Deck is “how heavy is it?” So let’s clear that up first – the Steam Deck has an official weight of 669 grams, or 1.48 pounds.
How does that stack up against other handheld gaming systems? Let‘s compare:
| Device | Weight in Grams |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 399 g |
| Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld | 463 g |
| Steam Deck | 669 g |
As you can see, the Steam Deck is over 65% heavier than the Nintendo Switch. But numbers only tell part of the story – how does that extra weight impact real-world use?
Couch Gaming and Portability – How the Heft Affects Your Experience
With its beefy internal specs and built-in controls, the Steam Deck unsurprisingly weighs more than typical handhelds. During my extensive testing gaming on the couch and around the house, I’ve found the Steam Deck comfortable to use for 1-2 hour sessions without any hand strain.
The ergonomic handles and balanced weight distribution are clever designs that pay off. While heavier than the Switch, the Steam Deck feels natural to grip thanks to those carefully contoured handles.
However, the story changes once you hit the 3+ hour mark. This is when the extra weight starts to drag your hands down, literally. I’d recommend periodic breaks after long sessions. Or utilize the kickstand and detachable controllers to give your hands a rest while Steam Deck powers the same AAA gaming experience.
As for portability, the Steam Deck still fits reasonably well in its carrying case but occupies nearly double the volume of the Switch. You probably won‘t be tossing Steam Deck loosely into a backpack like I often do with my Switch. This isn’t a device that will leave your side for a moment – the precious cargo demands properly protected transport!
Future Weight Improvements?
As a tech specialist, I speculate that future Steam Deck iterations could shed some grams as internal components become smaller and more efficient. The AMD Aerith processor is impressively optimized, but still based on aging Zen 2 architecture.
With rumors indicating Steam Deck 2 could adopt Zen 4 with an enhanced RDNA 3 iGPU, I estimate a potential weight reduction in the 15-20% range. This would bring Steam Deck closer to Switch levels while maintaining series-leading performance.
Until then, lovers of portable power must withstand the pleasant burden of the Steam Deck’s 669 gram curb weight in exchange for an unprecedented level of uncompromised gaming. Consider it the price we currently pay for access to our steam libraries anywhere a usb-c cable can reach!
The Verdict? Steam Deck is Surprisingly Comfortable Despite its Sizeable Weight
For a handheld crammed with bleeding edge gaming hardware, Steam Deck remains commendably comfortable during real-world gameplay. Clever ergonomic design avoids making those 669 grams feel overly cumbersome.
While the Steam Deck’s weight limits extreme portability, its refined contours and balanced feel enable enjoyable portable gaming sessions. As an enthusiastic gamer myself, I can confidently recommend the Steam Deck as a portable powerhouse – even after hours of putting its heft to the test!
