Tag: Steam Deck

  • Valve Ships 70 Tons: New Steam Machine Incoming?

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve received around 70 tons of new hardware shipments in June, with weight and package counts differing from previous imports.
    – The shipments consist of 42 packages per shipment but weigh roughly half as much as earlier large shipments, suggesting different hardware.
    – The hardware is still listed as “Game Console,” so it could be Steam Deck, Steam Frame, or Steam Machine.
    – Rumors point to a Steam Machine unveiling on June 23 and reservations on June 30, making it a plausible possibility.
    – Reddit reactions to the Steam Machine speculation have been mostly skeptical.

    Steam Shipments Spark New Speculation

    After import data had already caused quite a stir around the Steam Machine in May, new hardware shipments have now being spotted. This time, however, there are some notable differences compared to previously seen imports.

    Weight and Package Details

    According to ImportGenius, Valve received four shipments on June 10, each consisting of 42 packages with a total weight of around 6.4 tons. On June 17, the company then received five more shipments – again with 42 packages per shipment. Three of them are listed at around 6.4 tons, while the other two weigh around 12.5 tons. In total, this adds up to around 70 tons of hardware. Compared with the imports spotted in May, the Steam Machine could actually be in the containers this time.

    In May, Valve received around 50 tons of hardware from China – and many fans had hoped it would turn out to be the Steam Machine. When it become clear that the shipments were connected to a Steam Deck restock, however, disappointment followed. This time, the shipments look different. What stands out in particular is that they again consist of 42 packages, but weigh only around 6.4 tons. With the same number of packages, they therefor weigh only about half as much as previous large shipments. Even the larger current shipments, at around 12.5 to 12.7 tons, are slightly lighter than the shipments spotted so far, which usually weighed closer to 14 tons. This could have several explanations – such as different packaging or different bundles. However, it could also indicate that the packages contain different hardware this time.

    Possible Device Identity

    It is not possible to definitively verify which device is actually inside the packages. Since the shipments are still listed as “Game Console,” the main possiblities are the Steam Deck, Steam Frame or Steam Machine. It therefore cannot be ruled out that these are “just” Steam Decks again. Given current rumors placing the Steam Machine unveiling on June 23 and reservations on June 30, however, the Steam Machine does not seem unlikely. The topic has already reached Reddit, although initial reactions their have been rather skeptical.


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  • Deal: Dinosaur Skeleton Tycoon Game Free on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Two Point Museum is free to play this weekend on Steam, with a 33% discount for the first time since release (around $20).
    – The game features diverse museum themes: prehistory, aquariums, supernatural, science, and space.
    – Gameplay involves sending experts on expeditions, managing exhibits, staff, and visitor happiness (including security).
    – Wccftech gave the game a perfect 10/10, praising its beginner-friendliness, expedition system, and Two Point humor.
    – The game reportedly plays well on controller/Steam Deck, but mouse-and-keyboard controls are somewhat awkward.

    Theme Park Tycoons Got Nothing on This

    If theme parks are the furst thing that comes to mind when thinking of tycoon games, Two Point Museum offers an intersting alternative. Instead of roller coasters and food stands, this game is all about dinosaur skelletons, exhibition halls and museum chaos. This weekend, the management game from Two Point Studios and SEGA is free to play on Steam. Anyone who wants to keep playing afterward can get a 33% discount on the reguler price of $20.09 for the first time since the game’s release in March 2025, according to SteamDB. That makes Two Point Museum available for just around $20 for the first time.

    Expeditions and Sticky Fingers

    Players take charge of there own museums in Two Point County. It is not just about dinosaurs, either. The themes range from prehistory and aquariums to supernatural curiosities, science and space. Experts are sent on expedishuns to discover new exhibits, while back at the museum, visitors must be kept happy and exhibition halls have to be built and maintained. Staff also need to be managed – including security, as some museum visitors have sticky fingers.

    A Perfect Score from Critics

    In Wccftech’s review, Two Point Museum recieved a perfect 10 out of 10. Editor Amy Eastland writes: “I loved every moment of this game, and didn’t have a single issue throughout.” Among other things, the reviewer praises the game’s beginner-friendliness, the exciting expedition system and the signature Two Point humor that players will already know from games such as Two Point Campus or Two Point Hospital. Incidentally, the tycoon game is reportedly suprisingly good to play with a controller or on the Steam Deck. Mouse-and-keyboard controls, on the other hand, are said to be somewhat awkword. Aside from that, there were no notable points of criticism in Wccftech’s review. The game is also very well recieved on Steam: 95% positive reviews from around 12,000 user reviews.

    Pricing and Availability

    This weekend, Two Point Museum is free to play on Steam with a 33% discount on the reguler price of $20.09, marking the first such deal since March 2025. The game is available for just around $20. It is subject to time restrictions and limited unit availibility.


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  • SteamOS 3.8: New Steam Machine Clues & Better Handheld Support

    Key Takeaway

    – SteamOS 3.8 released with modernized Arch Linux base, kernel 6.16, and KDE Plasma 6.4.3 desktop mode
    – Practical improvements include faster updates, better Wi-Fi, HDMI audio fixes, and mono audio accessibility
    – Expanded support for third-party handhelds like Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally, and MSI Claw
    – Initial support for Steam Machine hardware added, fueling speculation about a 2026 launch
    – Enhanced features for HDR, VRR, external displays, Remote Play, and screen casting

    Valve’s new SteamOS 3.8 update realesed on June 18

    Valve officially released SteamOS 3.8 on June 18. After several months of beta testing, the update arrives as one of the most comprehensive SteamOS releases in recent years. In addition to numerous improvements for the Steam Deck, Valve is expanding support for third-party handhelds while also dropping fresh hints about potential Steam Machine hardware. These changes mark a significant step for the platform.

    The updated Arch Linux base and kernel version changes

    The update introduces a modernized Arch Linux base and Linux kernel 6.16. Users should benefit from broader hardware support, improved stability and more efficient power management. Valve has also upgraded desktop mode to KDE Plasma 6.4.3 and made Wayland the default display protocol. The aim is to bring desktop mode closer to the responsiveness and performance of Gaming Mode. Support for HDR, VRR, external displays and TV scaling has also been improved across the board.

    Practical improvements and audio fixes made available

    While these changes may sound rather technical, SteamOS 3.8 also brings several practical improvements. Updates should now install faster, Wi-Fi connections should be more reliable, HDMI audio detection has been improved and mono audio has been added as an accesibility feature. Valve has also fixed issues affecting individual games such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Starfield and SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide. Remote Play, game recording and screen casting through applications such as OBS and Discord have also recieved improvements for better performance.

    Support for various third-party handheld gaming devices is expanded

    Valve is no longer focusing solely on the Steam Deck. SteamOS is increasingly being adapted for handheld gaming PCs from other manufacturers. Devices mentioned in the update include models from the Lenovo Legion Go, ASUS ROG Ally, MSI Claw, GPD and OneXPlayer families. Among other things, Valve is improving controller support, gyro controls, automatic screen rotation, SD card stability, Bluetooth compatibility, GPU stability and power management. Input latency has also been reduced on some handhelds like certain ASUS models.

    Windows handhelds compared to SteamOS user experience

    This is particularly interesting because many Windows-based handhelds offer plenty of power but often feel more like miniature gaming PCs than true consoles in everyday use. SteamOS could help close that gap: turn on the device, launch a game and start playing – without dealing with Windows quirks, driver issues or desktop maintenance. This seamlessness is expected to appeal to consumers wanting a console-like handheld.

    Initial Steam Machine hardware support and upcoming rumors

    According to Valve’s patch notes, SteamOS 3.8 also includes initial support for Steam Machine hardware. While the company has not provided any further details about the living-room PC, the wording alone has been enough to reignite speculation. On Reddit, many users see the update as another important preparatory step toward the launch of the Steam Machine. Recent SteamDB updates to Steam Machine-related package entries have further fueled the rumors. According to a leaker, Valve could officially unveil the Steam Machine as early as June 23, 2026.

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  • Steam Machine Leak: Announcement & Reservation Dates

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve’s “Steam Machine” unveiling is reportedly scheduled for June 23, with reservations starting June 30.
    – Official announcement and first reviews may go live simultaneously on June 23.
    – Fans are cautiously optimistic but worry about potential disappointment due to past rumors.
    – Expected price is $600–$800, though some fear it could exceed $1,000 following the Steam Deck price increase.
    – All details remain speculation until Valve makes an official statement.

    Last week, a leak about allegedly shipped test units attracted a lot of attention. Now, the leaker has spoken up again and provided more specific details. As Steam Hardware Updates writes on X, Valve is expected to unveil its living room PC on June 23 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT. Reservations are then said to begin one week later, on June 30, also 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT.

    Further Details on the Announcement

    According to Steam Hardware Updates, their source stated that videos may be published after June 23. The official announcement and the first reviews could therefore go live on the same day. That sounds entirely plausible, as Valve followed the same approach with the Steam Controller. However, they also stress that they are “not 100% yet”, although the dates mentioned make the most sense based on the information they have received.

    Fan Reactions and Price Concerns

    The updated leak has also already reached Reddit, where fans remain cautiously optimistic. Many users are excited and hope that the Steam Machine will launch soon. However, after the many recent rumors surrounding hardware imports, some are worried that this could lead to yet another disappointment. The potential price remains another major concern. Fans are hoping for a price similar to traditional consoles – roughly $600 to $800 – but given the recent price increase for the Steam Deck, some now expect the Steam Machine to cost more than $1,000. Until Valve makes an official statement, both the release date and the price of the Steam Machine remain pure speculation.

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  • S-Game: GTA 6 Not the Reason for Phantom Blade Zero Delay

    S-Game: GTA 6 Not the Reason for Phantom Blade Zero Delay

    Key Takeaway

    – Phantom Blade Zero’s release moved to October 29, only three weeks after GTA VI’s November 19 launch
    – S-Game CEO prioritizes product quality over competition or marketing timing
    – 99% of the delay decision was driven by development needs, not market strategy
    – Focus is on optimizing for Steam Deck and addressing hardware cost concerns
    – Studio wants to avoid a massive day-one patch by polishing further

    Unexpected Changes in Release Schedules

    The developers at S-Game, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, revealed an over-the-top action RPG packed with martial arts and blockbuster-style trailers. Now, with what is expected to be the biggest release of the decade, Grand Theft Auto VI, slated for November 19, the Phantom Blade Zero team has moved its release date from September 9 to October 29, as announced in Sony’s latest PlayStation State of Play. This puts Phantom Blade Zero’s release merely three weeks behind GTA 6, a timing that has confused many observers in the gaming community.

    Developers Explain Their Reasoning

    Many wonder if the developers at S-Game are concerned about the overlap, but S-Game CEO and Phantom Blade Zero director Qiewi “Soulframe” Liang explained his reasoning behind both the delay and the final release date in an interview with PC Gamer. Liang reportedly doesn’t focus much on traditional marketing, as the Phantom Blade Zero gameplay trailers have already done most of the heavy lifting. He emphasized that the decision was about quality and development timing, not about dodging competition or aligning with any marketing calendar.

    “Many people think we may have some marketing strategy to move it out of the overcrowded September window, and some are very worried that it’s closer to November. We don’t think about any of this. We only think of the quality of the product itself. I don’t think competition can influence, much, the success of a work. Only the product itself matters. So I would say 99% of the decision was about development,” Soulframe said in a direct quote that has been widely circulated since the announcement.

    Competition and Market Concerns

    When directly asked about Rockstar Games’ upcoming GTA VI release and the marketing campaigns that are yet to follow, leading up to Phantom Blade Zero’s launch, the CEO of S-Game gave an ambivalent response that surprised many interviewers: “I have no idea, actually. We don’t think about what’s happening there. We don’t even think about the competition, what’s launching before or after. What matters is how polished the game is, and if we have one or two extra months, we can fix more bugs and do more optimizations so that we don’t need a huge day-one patch.” This statement reflects a single-minded focus on technical polish rather than market positioning.

    Technical Optimization Priorities

    Rather than focusing on GTA VI’s release, Liang is more concerned with ongoing memory constraints and hardware challenges, as S-Game wants to optimize Phantom Blade Zero to run respectably even on the Steam Deck, despite being a heavily detailed Unreal Engine 5 game. Shifting focus away from GTA 6’s release, the CEO of S-Game said: “This year, hardware prices are going up, and people who want to replace their hardware may postpone their upgrade plans, so we think we need to let the game be played by as many players as possible without reducing the quality.” This indicates a strong commitment to accessibility across different hardware configurations without sacrificing visual fidelity.

    Final Commitment to Quality

    In a separate post on X, Liang stated: “We do not want to release Phantom Blade Zero knowing there is still an opportunity to take it one step further.” This brief but powerful message reinforces the studio’s overall philosophy that a delayed game, if made better, is ultimately more valuable than a rushed one that meets an arbitrary deadline. The team seems willing to accept whatever commercial consequences come from launching so close to Grand Theft Auto VI, as long as their own product meets their internal standards of excellence and player satisfaction.

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  • Deal: $0 Dog-Sled Survival Roguelite Free on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – The Red Lantern is now free on Steam for a limited time and is Steam Deck Verified.
    – The game is a survival roguelite where you lead a sled-dog team through the Alaskan wilderness.
    – Key gameplay involves making decisions at waypoints (hunt, evade, gather, or move) and managing camp, dogs, and supplies.
    – Failure is expected, but you keep some upgrades (like unlocked dogs) for future runs.
    – The game is praised for its atmosphere and dog designs, but criticized for heavy reliance on luck and random chance.

    Frostbite keeping you from being a sled-dog musher?

    If frostbite has kept you from becoming a sled-dog musher, The Red Lantern now offers a digital alternative. Developed by Timberline Studio and published by Kepler Interactive in 2021, the game puts players in the role of a musher – the leader of a sled-dog team. The goal is to reach a remote cabin deep in the Alaskan wilderness and start a new life there. The journey is framed as a survival game with roguelite elements. According to SteamDB, this is the first time the title has been available for free on Steam. Thanks to its “Verified” status on the Steam Deck, the offer should also be of interest to handheld gamers.

    Guiding the dog sled through the Alaskan wilderness

    Players guide the dog sled stage by stage through the Alaskan wilderness. At waypoints, the team encounters animals, abandoned places or other events. Each time, a decision has to be made: hunt, evade, gather supplies or keep moving. Every action either costs resources or brings in new ones. Between sections, the musher sets up camp, feeds the dogs, treats injuries, cooks meat and manages ammunition. Anyone who hunts too recklessly or manages supplies poorly risks the musher and the dogs never reaching the cabin. Since The Red Lantern also uses roguelite elements, failure is part of the gameplay loop. If an attempt fails, the journey starts over, but certain upgrades remain – such as unlocked dogs.

    Reviews and scores for The Red Lantern

    On Steam, The Red Lantern has nearly 1,400 reviews with a solid 81% positive rating. The Metacritic scores are significantly lower, with a Metascore of 65 and a User Score of 5.6. However, since players and critics have each submitted fewer than 20 reviews, the Metacritic scores are not very representative. Overall, the game seems to be well received, especially for its Alaskan atmosphere and lovingly designed dogs with individual traits and abilities. However, the heavy reliance on chance has drawn criticism. Many encounters and resources depend on luck, which can make runs frustrating.

    Pricing and availability

    This game is currently free to claim on Steam for a limited time. The normal price is not listed here, but the offer is time-sensitive. It is a survival game with roguelite elements, and it is verified for the Steam Deck. The game has a Metascore of 65 and a User Score of 5.6 on Metacritic, with less than 20 reviews from each group. The Steam rating is 81% positive from nearly 1,400 reviews.


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  • Steam Machine Reviews Surface: Embargo Date & Unboxing Leak

    Key Takeaway

    – Review units for the new Steam Machine have reportedly been sent out, with a review embargo lifting after June 23.
    – Pre-order and pricing announcements are rumored for June 22–30, suggesting a possible July or August launch.
    – The review package includes a Steam Controller, mounting brackets, and interchangeable faceplates, though retail contents are unconfirmed.
    – The community remains cautious due to past unsubstantiated rumors, with major concerns about pricing potentially exceeding $1,000.
    – It is unclear if the Steam Machine and the mentioned Steam Frame will launch simultaneously.

    Valve Community Buzz Over New Steam Machine Leak

    A fresh rumor swirling around the Valve community indicates that the Steam Machine might finally be nearing its release. According to Steam Hardware Update on X, the very first review units have already been dispatched to reviewers and content creators. The report suggest that the review embargo will lift after June 23, whiel pre-order and pricing announcements are apparently planned for sometime between June 22 and June 30. If this information proves accurate, a launch in July or August would seem fairly plausible. Steam Hardware Update has not disclosed exactly where they got this information from.

    Packaging and Accessories Details Revealed

    The alleged contents of the package are also pretty notable and worth mentioning here. In addition to Valve’s living-room PC, recipients are apparently receiving a Steam Controller, some mounting brackets and interchangeable faceplates. It remains unclear whether these accessories will be included with the retail version of the Steam Machine or whether they are only part of this review package exclusively. After several recent rumors about Valve hardware imports ultimately came to nothing, many people in the community appear to be treating the latest claims with a healthy amount of caution.

    Community Reaction and Pricing Concerns

    The rumor has also sparked quite a bit of discussion over on Reddit. The top comment in the thread reads: “At this point, I don’t know what to believe anymore.” While many users are hoping that Valve is preparing another major hardware launch, few seem willing to take the latest leak at face value whatsoever. Much of the conversation also centers mainly around pricing concerns. The possibility of the Steam Machine costing more than $1,000 remains one of the community’s biggest concerns, especially after the recent Steam Deck price increases that we saw.

    Additional Mention of Steam Frame

    By the way, Steam Hardware Update also briefly mentions the Steam Frame, but notes that it remains unclear whether the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will launch at exactly the same time or seperately. Reddit and Steam Hardware via X (formerly Twitter) are the sources for this information but no further details are given about the Steam Frame at this moment.

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  • Best Gaming Pillow for Handheld Comfort in Bed

    Key Takeaway

    – Reduces hand strain and numbness by transferring device weight from hands to the pillow.
    – Supports multiple handhelds (Steam Deck, Switch, ROG Ally, etc.) with a multi-adjustable arm.
    – Has drawbacks: slight wobble from the mount and pillow losing shape over time.
    – Limits freedom of movement compared to playing without support.
    – Priced at $66.80–$74.99, with cheaper alternatives like U-shaped or nursing pillows available.

    Gaming Discomfort Solution

    Anyone who plays on handheld devices for longer sessions knows the problem: after a while, you start shaking out your hands. The reason is usually the fixed posture. Holding a handheld in the same position for extended periods can strain the joints and muscles, potentially compressing nerves and blood vessels. The result can be tingling, numbness or hands that feel like they are falling asleep. Mechanism’s Gaming Pillow is designed to address exactly that.

    Compatibility and Design

    The pillow is available with mounts for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally, ROG Ally X and PlayStation Portal. The handheld attaches to a multi-adjustable support arm, allowing users to position it for sitting or lying down. A second mount on top of the pillow can hold a power bank or smartphone.

    User Testing Results

    A Reddit user tested the accessory with the Steam Deck for around two weeks and came away cautiously positive, giving it 7.5 out of 10 points. According to the user, the pillow noticeably reduces strain when gaming in bed or on the sofa because the handheld’s weight no longer rests entirely on the hands, arms and elbows. This should also help reduce tingling and numbness. However, the mounting mechanism reportedly wobbles slightly, and the pillow is said to lose its shape rather quickly.

    Community Feedback

    The Reddit thread is not unanimously positive. Some users argue that while the pillow may relieve strain on the arms and hands, it can also limit freedom of movement. Others point to cheaper alternatives such as U-shaped pillows or nursing pillows. On Mechanism’s website, the accessory starts at $66.80, depending on the configuration. On Amazon, the pillow is currently listed for $74.99, though only for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S and PlayStation Portal.

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  • Rare Deal: Top City Builder Under $3 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Scorchlands is a relaxed city builder with no time pressure, ideal for optimizing production chains.
    – It is currently 76% off on Steam, priced at its all-time low of $2.87.
    – The game has 90% positive Steam reviews, praised for its resource management and hex-based puzzles.
    – Later gameplay can become overwhelming with resources, and it lacks a proper endgame.
    – Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Unknown,” but community reports say it’s playable.

    Discovering Scorchlands on Steam

    Those who enjoy optimizing production chains in city builders instead of constantly dealing with time pressure may find a hidden gem in Scorchlands. Developed by Ringlab and Star Drifters, the city builder launched in July 2024 and normally costs $11.99. Thanks to a 76% discount, the game is now once again available at its all-time low of $2.87. According to SteamDB, this is the first time since October 2025 that this price has returned. Steam currently lists Steam Deck compatibility as “Unknown,” but according to a community post, the title is playable on Valve’s handheld.

    Gameplay and Resource Management

    In Scorchlands, players are taken to the volcanic moon Helia, where the bird-like Giwi are trying to build a new home. Players establish colonies, tap into resource deposits and gradually create an increasingly complex production network. Resource management is at the heart of the experience: raw materials have to be mined, processed and transported between different settlements – all of which requires careful planning. Fortunately, Scorchlands lets players take their time.

    Unlike classic city builders such as Anno, the title largely does without time pressure and constant crises. Instead of reacting to a steady stream of warning messages, players can optimize their production chains at their own pace. There is combat, but it is handled more through tactical planning than frantic click-fests. Judging by the Steam reviews, the relaxed gameplay is one of the game’s biggest strengths.

    Community Feedback and Value

    Scorchlands has only around 130 reviews on Steam so far, but 90% of them are positive. The original concept, with its focus on resources, terraforming and hex-based puzzles, is generally well received. However, later in the game, the growing number of resources is said to become overwhelming. Players also criticize Scorchlands for lacking a proper endgame, which limits long-term motivation. At less than $3, however, the title should still be worth a look for fans of building strategy games – especially since, given its price history, it is unclear how soon such a discount will return.

    Final Notes on the Deal

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • New Racing Game Bundle: 7 Top Titles for $10

    New Racing Game Bundle: 7 Top Titles for $10

    Key Takeaway

    – Seven racing games included in the Redline Racing Bundle
    – Most games are Steam Deck-compatible
    – Deal expires on June 27
    – Two tiers: $5 for three games, $10 for all seven

    Humble Bundle’s latest package — Redline Racing Bundle — has arrived with seven racing games in tow. Aside from the sixth game on the list, all the games in this bundle are Steam Deck-compatible. This deal will expire on June 27.

    Bundle Tiers and Pricing

    This bundle is divided into two tiers: the first tier costs $5 and contains three games, while the second tier contains all seven games and costs $10. Here is exactly what the bundle offers:

    Important Disclaimer

    Discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. Humble Bundle is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers.

    • First tier ($5) includes three Steam Deck-compatible racing games
    • Second tier ($10) includes all seven games in the collection
    • All games except the sixth one support Steam Deck
    • Deal expires on June 27

    This bundle offers a fantastic oppurtunity for racing fans to expand there library with multiple titles at a significently discounted price. The two-tier structure allows customers to choose between a budget-friendly option or go all-in for the complete collection.

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