Valve is currently testing a long-awaited new feature aimed at improving power efficiency on the Steam Deck. The update, currently available on the beta and preview channels, allows the device to enter a new “low power mode” to complete game downloads and updates.
In this mode, the device’s screen turns off completely while the downloading process continues in the background, eliminating the need to keep the screen on until the download is complete, and then the device automatically goes into complete sleep mode.
How does this update help?
This change is a working solution to an issue previously noted by users, and partly addresses concerns raised around high power consumption and device heat preservation during downloading. When a user presses the power button while there are active downloads, a new dialog box appears giving them the option to “Continue” the download with the screen off.
Once in Low Power Mode, the user can at any time press a button or move the device to display a new status screen showing the download progress, with the ability to fully wake up the device or let it continue downloading. This feature is activated by default when the Steam Deck is connected to a power source (electricity).
Users can also choose to activate it manually while relying on battery through the device settings, however there is a safety limit in place. If the battery charge level drops below 20%, the Steam Deck automatically goes into full sleep mode to ensure that the charge does not drain.
