FridayOL

Gamers rejoice! Valve has just released a new beta client update for the Steam Deck, and it's packed with a feature designed to significantly improve your device's battery health. The update introduces a new setting that allows you to cap the maximum charge of your Steam Deck to 80%. This seemingly simple change can have a profound impact on the long-term lifespan of your battery.

Why Limit Charging to 80%?

Lithium-ion batteries, the type used in the Steam Deck, degrade over time with repeated charging cycles. Keeping a battery at 100% charge constantly puts stress on it, accelerating the degradation process. By limiting the maximum charge to 80%, you reduce this stress and extend the overall lifespan of the battery. Think of it like this: constantly topping up a car's fuel tank to the brim versus keeping it around half full – the latter is generally kinder to the engine.

How to Enable the New Setting

The new setting is easy to find and enable. Simply navigate to Power > Battery Settings within the Steam Deck's system settings. You'll see a new option labelled “Charging Limit”. Select 80% from the dropdown menu, and your Steam Deck will now stop charging when it reaches that level.

Benefits Beyond Longevity

While the primary benefit is improved battery health, limiting the charge can also offer a few other advantages:

• Reduced Heat: Charging generates heat. Limiting the charge can slightly reduce the heat output during the charging process, which can be beneficial in warmer environments.
• Convenience: You’ll always have a decent charge level, meaning you're less likely to be caught out with a completely depleted battery when you're on the go.

Is This Just for Beta Users?

Currently, this feature is available in the beta client. However, Valve has indicated that they plan to roll it out to the stable release of the Steam Deck software in the near future. If you're not already participating in the beta program, it's a great opportunity to test out this new feature and provide feedback to Valve.

The Verdict

This is a welcome addition to the Steam Deck and a smart move by Valve. It demonstrates a commitment to user experience and the long-term health of their device. Limiting the charge to 80% is a simple yet effective way to extend the lifespan of your Steam Deck's battery and ensure you can enjoy gaming on the go for years to come. We strongly encourage all Steam Deck owners to enable this setting once it's available in the stable release.