Steam Deck Owners Need to Stop Crying About 30 FPS

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The Steam Deck continues to be an impressive portable PC gaming device, despite signs of aging and occasional challenges with high-end games. As the demand for smoother gameplay increases, fans have been compelled to adjust their games to run at 30 frames per second (FPS), which has sparked a wave of criticisms and calls for an updated model.

For Steam Deck gamers, it’s high time to dispel the notion that 30 FPS equates to an unenjoyable gaming experience. Enjoying titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on a handheld device at 30 FPS is still a delightful experience. As more games evolve with higher power, fans will need to adapt to this framerate, and that’s perfectly acceptable.

It’s true that not every Deck owner might appreciate games running at 30 frames per second (FPS). In fact, some gamers may opt for this frame rate to conserve battery life, or because the game doesn’t necessitate intricate movement. For instance, strategy games such as Marvel’s Midnight Suns and Persona 5 Royal operate smoothly even at 30 FPS, making them suitable examples of games that don’t require high-speed action for an enjoyable gaming experience.

When engaging in Steam Deck games that demand meticulous movement and timing, this can pose a challenge. For fair multiplayer experiences like Marvel Rivals, it’s ideal for the game to run at 60 frames per second (FPS), as this ensures all players are on equal footing during competition. Similarly, fighting games benefit from being at 60 FPS because they rely on accurate button presses to execute effective combos.

It’s not surprising that fans transitioning from PC and console gaming found themselves yearning for more when they moved to Valve’s potent handheld device. The ability to play games at high settings on this console can be a breathtaking experience, particularly in contrast to the Nintendo Switch. Those who were less enamored with Nintendo’s hybrid console were drawn to Valve’s machine due to its extra power, as well as its extensive library of games.

Given that the Switch 2 offers superior gameplay in certain titles compared to both the Steam Deck and PS5, it’s understandable why fans are yearning for a change. However, I believe Valve should be given ample time to perfect their next console, considering the goodwill they have earned from their successful handheld device. Therefore, fans might need to exercise patience as the second Steam Deck is developed with utmost care and attention.

Not all video games achieve a frame rate of 60 frames per second (FPS), so it’s important to understand and accept this fact. Just because some games can’t reach 60 FPS doesn’t diminish the Steam Deck’s power in any way, particularly given that new games are being developed with 60 FPS as a cap. To ensure an optimal gaming experience on your handheld console, try reducing the game’s frame rate to 30 FPS and enjoy playing it smoothly.

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2025-05-04 19:12