Katarzyna Petru
Valve has finally listened to the players and added a feature that the community has been asking for since the launch of the console. The Steam Deck has gained a new mode that allows games to be downloaded 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 plugged into power, but it can also be turned on manually while using the battery.
This solution is simple yet very practical – it saves energy and avoids unnecessary screen backlighting when the console is simply downloading data from the network.
How does it work in practice?
Valve has provided two ways to use the new mode.
First: during the download, simply press the power button – a new dialog box will appear asking if you want to continue the download with the screen off. Just select "Continue."
Second: the Steam Deck will automatically enter low power mode after a specified period of inactivity.
Upon resuming operation, the user will see a simple download progress status. And if the battery level drops below 20%, the system will automatically go into sleep mode to avoid the risk of data corruption.
Response to Competition's Move?
It cannot be denied that the market for portable consoles has gained several new players in recent months – from ASUS ROG Ally to Lenovo Legion Go. Manufacturers are racing to add features that improve user comfort. Valve, while long sticking to classic solutions, has finally decided to catch up.
The new download mode with the screen off is seemingly a minor update, but in everyday use, it could become one of the most frequently used features. It's these kinds of details that make the hardware even more practical and tailored to the needs of gamers.
Valve listens to the community
This is another example that Valve genuinely responds to user feedback. Players have long expressed the need for such a solution, especially those who frequently download large games in the background. Now they can finally leave the Deck on the desk, turn off the screen, and be sure that everything will download – without wasting energy and without the need for supervision.
If the beta tests go well, the feature will be included in a stable release of SteamOS in the coming weeks.
The Steam Deck has finally grown to the level of comfort that players have expected from the start. The 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 of users – and along the way show the competition that Valve still knows how to listen.
