The Steam Deck is a gaming industry revolution allowing players to play their favorite PC games on a portable device. With a Linux-based Steam OS, the device is designed to provide the best gaming experience on a portable console. However, one key question arises for VR enthusiasts: Can virtual reality games run on the Steam Deck?
Although the Steam Deck wasn't originally designed for VR, many see its potential as a full-fledged PC and wonder about its VR capabilities. This guide covers Steam Deck's current VR compatibility and examines the hardware and software factors that impact its VR performance.
Software in Steam Deck and VR Compatibility
The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS for gaming but doesn’t officially support VR applications. While users can still install SteamVR, it isn’t fully compatible with the Deck's OS. When launching SteamVR, a warning appears about potential compatibility issues, especially within VR menus.
To use more applications in VR, users can also install Windows on the Steam Deck. This approach leads to compatibility with different VR apps and programs. However, installing Windows on the Steam Deck is a little more complicated and may need a docking station for smooth performance.
Steam Deck’s Hardware Capabilities for VR
The Steam Deck is powered by AMD APU technology and features an integrated Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU. This combination delivers performance superior to most other handheld gaming devices. Although it doesn’t match the capabilities of a VR-ready PC, the APU is robust enough to handle portable gaming with impressive efficiency.
The Steam Deck features 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which is essential for processing data to support VR. However, compared to high-end gaming desktops or VR-optimized laptops, its GPU isn’t powerful enough to handle full VR applications, especially AAA games.
The Steam Deck does not have HDMI or DisplayPort, which is typical for VR accessories. This can be solved by connecting USB-C-based VR headsets, which may reduce compatibility. The deck's portable size and design give it excellent mobility as a gaming console, but its hardware is compromised regarding VR.
How Does It Handle VR?
Steam Deck is not technically capable of running VR sets unless you are willing to buy VR headsets with a USB-C port or use third-party docking stations. Most PC-based VR headsets need a high-performing connection, which can be achieved with a USB-C docking station that supports DisplayPort.
This portable device might limit the general VR experience even with compatible connections. The Steam Deck’s GPU is not powerful enough to meet the high demands of many VR programs, so most users will need to rig the VR with third-party software. Wireless VR solutions such as Virtual Desktop can overcome some of these issues by casting the Deck’s screen to a headset, but this usually restricts the user to flat, screen-based VR rather than true 3D VR.
Performance and Graphics Quality in VR Scenarios
For VR content, the Steam Deck relies on AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) to improve graphics quality without heavily increasing the workload. While FSR can boost frame rates and image clarity, it doesn’t fully compensate for the GPU’s limitations. Additionally, the Deck's moderate hardware means high-performance VR games may experience lag or reduced visual quality.
For those who wish to play VR on the Steam Deck, it may be best to limit themselves to less graphically intensive VR applications. Games with fewer 3D interactions or lower graphic quality are more suitable for the Deck. But even with these limitations, it is not easy to deliver a seamless VR experience every time.
Alternatives to VR Headsets
A practical alternative to VR headsets is augmented reality (AR) glasses, which provide a larger virtual screen for gaming. AR glasses are lighter and more convenient than heavy VR headsets. They can expand the Steam Deck’s 7-inch display to 130 inches, offering a much better experience than the native Deck display and making gaming much more convenient.
AR glasses are also relatively simple to set up, requiring no extra software or complex adjustments. Their built-in speakers provide decent audio support for mobile gaming. While this setup doesn’t provide a full VR experience, it still enhances gameplay for Steam Deck users.
Final Thoughts - Steam Deck VR Capabilities and Potential
Although Valve has yet to confirm full VR support for the Steam Deck, the device’s versatility allows for potential future advancements. With possible software updates and hardware improvements, the Steam Deck’s VR capabilities might improve over time.
The Steam Deck can technically support specific VR setups, but it’s not powerful enough for high-end VR gaming. For now, however, it is a versatile gaming device with some light VR potential that offers a creative way to explore VR, even if it is not yet built for it.