Katarzyna Petru
Valve has finally listened to gamers and added a feature that the community has been asking for since the console's launch. The Steam Deck has gained a new mode that allows users to download games with the screen turned off – saving energy and time for users.
New mode – small change, big difference
With the latest beta update of SteamOS, the Steam Deck has received the “Display-off downloads” option. Thanks to this, the device can finish downloading games from the queue even when the screen is off. The mode activates automatically when the console is connected to power, but it can also be turned on manually using the battery.
This solution is simple yet very practical – it saves energy and avoids unnecessary screen lighting when the console is just downloading data from the network.
How does it work in practice?
Valve has provided two ways to use the new mode.
First: while downloading, simply press the power button – a new dialog box will appear asking if you want to continue downloading with the screen off. Just select "Continue".
Second: the Steam Deck will automatically switch to low power mode after a specified period of inactivity.
When the console resumes operation, the user will see a simple progress status of the download. And if the battery level drops below 20%, the system will automatically enter sleep mode to avoid the risk of data corruption.
Response to the competition's moves?
It's undeniable that the portable console market has gained a lot of new players in recent months – from the ASUS ROG Ally to the Lenovo Legion Go. Manufacturers are racing to add features that improve user comfort. Valve, while sticking to classic solutions for a long time, has finally decided to catch up.
The new download mode with the screen off may seem like a minor update, but in everyday use, it could become one of the most frequently used features. It's details like these that make the equipment even more practical and tailored to the needs of gamers.
Valve listens to the community
This is another example of Valve genuinely responding to user feedback. Players have long expressed the need for such a solution, especially those who often download large games in the background. Now they can finally leave the Deck on the desk, turn off the screen, and be sure everything will download – without wasting energy and without the need for supervision.
If the beta tests go well, the feature will be included in the stable release of SteamOS in the coming weeks.
Steam Deck has finally matured to the level of comfort that gamers have expected from the start. Download mode with the screen off is an example that sometimes all it takes is one well-thought-out feature to improve the daily experience for users – and in the process, show the competition that Valve can still listen.
