Valve has rolled out a new feature for the Steam Deck that makes downloading games and updates a lot more convenient. The handheld gaming PC now supports a display-off low-power mode. It allows users to download content even when the screen is turned off.
This feature works much like the rest mode on modern gaming consoles such as the PlayStation or Xbox. When the Steam Deck is plugged in, the new mode will be enabled by default. Players can also keep it active while running on battery, but the system will automatically switch to full sleep mode once the battery level drops below 20 percent.
If you press the power button while downloading, the Steam Deck will now show a prompt asking if you want to continue the download with the screen off. It can also automatically enter this display-off mode when it becomes idle for a while.
This might sound like a small update, but it is quite practical. Many gamers prefer to schedule their downloads during breaks or overnight, and this feature ensures that the device uses less power while still getting the job done.
The update is really helpful. Now, you can let big updates or new titles download in the background without worrying about performance drops or screen burn-in.
