This Could Replace Every Device I Own - Massive Steam Deck Emulation Review

Is the Steam Deck the ultimate emulation handheld? That's the question that has ignited my passion for the past two months. I've delved deep into the world of gaming, pushing the limits of over 250 games spanning the last three decades. And finally, I have a resounding answer – yes.

The One to Rule Them All

While I adore collecting and experiencing a multitude of gaming handhelds, my quest has always been for that one device to reign supreme, a handheld to replace them all. If I were to pare down my entire collection to a single device, it would undoubtedly be the Steam Deck.

Now, this revelation might surprise even me. I, too, had concerns that the Steam Deck might be too bulky or heavy to serve as my solitary emulation companion. However, when considering the criteria that I prioritize for my off-camera gaming endeavors, the Steam Deck excels in software and support, product quality, and price-to-performance ratio.

The Power of Software and Community Support

When it comes to software and support, the Steam Deck reigns supreme. Valve has consistently delivered bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements for the Steam Deck, readily accessible via downloads and installations directly on the device. But it doesn't stop there. The real magic lies in the vibrant community that surrounds the Steam Deck.

The Steam Deck boasts one of the largest user bases among handhelds, leading to an abundance of third-party software and endless possibilities. It's like being part of the winning team, reminiscent of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem's advantages. If you ever desire something beyond the default Steam Deck experience, chances are the community has already created it or is in the process of doing so. Whether it's custom themes or panel controls to adjust colors and saturation, the Steam Deck community is a treasure trove of solutions.

Just recently, when my PS1 emulator hit a snag, a quick Google search led me to a Reddit post by another Steam Deck owner who had encountered the same issue and provided a copy-and-paste solution. These solutions come easy because of the vast Steam Deck user base. In contrast, if this were any other handheld, troubleshooting such issues would have been a far more arduous task.

Top-Notch Product Quality

The Steam Deck doesn't just shine in the software department; its product quality is equally impressive. Despite its size, the Steam Deck offers exceptional ergonomics and a stellar control layout that arguably surpasses anything else in the market.

The 7-inch screen, while not boasting the pinnacle of color accuracy, delivers an excellent gaming experience. This device's large screen allows for comfortable gameplay on a train or a flight, and the front-firing speakers significantly enhance the immersive gaming experience.

Unmatched Price-to-Performance Ratio

At just $400 for the base configuration plus a modest sum for an SD card, the Steam Deck offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios available. While there might be cheaper options catering specifically to emulation, and devices with more capable processors, none match the Steam Deck's versatility.

Even the cheapest Steam Deck SKU can emulate up to PS3 games with varying degrees of success, the performance increasing as you move down the line. I, myself, used a 512GB model for this video, but rest assured that everything I showcase here is entirely achievable on the most affordable Steam Deck model. It's a testament to how much functionality you can squeeze out of this phenomenal device.

Journey into Gaming Nirvana

Now that you've witnessed a myriad of retro games in action, let's embark on a profound exploration of the Steam Deck's capabilities and insights into the individual systems it supports. Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let me introduce the setup I employed for this experiment.

I meticulously selected around 300 games for the Steam Deck's internal storage using an app called Steam ROM Manager. Curating my game list to include only IGN 10/10 rated titles was my strategy to avoid choice overload and maximize precious internal storage. It's a deliberate choice that lets me indulge in gaming excellence.

While I usually don't employ a frontend on devices like the Steam Deck, the tight integration of Steam OS with the device made it an optimal choice after conquering initial setup hurdles. At this point, launching a ROM is as simple as starting any regular Steam game, swiftly opening inside the correct emulator.

Unleashing the Handheld Systems

Our journey commences with a selection of handheld systems, leading up to the venerable 3DS.

Mastering the Art of GBA Emulation

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a beloved system, and it surprisingly scales wonderfully on the Steam Deck's sizeable screen. Despite the slight black borders on the sides, the central image is astonishingly sharp, offering more vibrant colors than the original GBA. It may seem odd to emulate GBA games on a device this substantial, but the Steam Deck makes it a delightful experience.

Dominating the DS

DS emulation also thrives on the Steam Deck. With multiple layout options for the emulator, you can customize your experience, while the top screen's large window and the smaller screens to the right remain easily accessible.

PlayStation Portable Pleasures

The PSP finds a new home on the Steam Deck. While you might encounter slight black bars at the top and bottom due to the native aspect ratio, the option to stretch the 16:9 image across the full screen makes for an enjoyable gaming experience. The Steam Deck handles PSP games without breaking a sweat.

Conquering the 3DS

Our handheld exploration culminates with the Nintendo 3DS. The Steam Deck's performance in this arena proves impressive, with the ability to switch between different screen layouts on the fly. However, as with any emulation, there may be occasional shader compilation lag depending on the game.

Elevating the Art of Console Emulation

It's time to shift our focus to home consoles, ranging from the less demanding to the more challenging, including the PS3 and the Nintendo Switch.

Retro Gaming Nostalgia – Sega Genesis

The Sega Genesis, powered by the Genesis Plus GX Wide core, shines brightly on the Steam Deck. Retro titles fill the screen, breathing new life into these classics.

Smooth Sailing with Sega CD

Sega CD, known for its simple emulation, runs seamlessly on the Steam Deck. It's not a surprise, given that this system can run on devices under $50, but it's a delightful addition to the Steam Deck's repertoire.

A Glimpse into the 32X

If you're intrigued by the limited library of 32X games, you'll be pleased to know that it runs well on the Steam Deck, further expanding its capabilities.

Super Nintendo Bliss

The Super Nintendo, one of my all-time favorites, finds a new home on the Steam Deck. With bezels adding a decorative touch to the black bars, the system doesn't demand much power to emulate, allowing for extended battery life during gaming sessions.

Sega Saturn's 3D Delight

Steam Deck handles Sega Saturn emulation with grace. While various options for picture quality improvement are available, the default settings suffice for a satisfying gaming experience.

The Dreamcast Dream

Dreamcast emulation excels on the Steam Deck. Widescreen hacks are available for a more modern aspect ratio, with small black borders at the top and bottom, offering a fantastic gaming experience.

The PlayStation 1 Journey

PS1 emulation mirrors Dreamcast's approach