Valve’s upcoming handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, is set to enter the market later this year, and the company has been busy testing various features in preparation. The latest beta testing phase for the Steam Deck involves playing games over a local network, without the need to log in to a Steam account.
According to a report by The Verge, Valve has started a local network beta program for the Steam Deck, which allows users to play games with friends and family over a local network without the need for a Wi-Fi connection. This feature is designed to work with games that have already been downloaded onto the device, and the goal is to make it easy for players to share games with each other without having to use Steam’s online services.
This beta program is currently available only to a select group of testers who have pre-ordered the Steam Deck. However, Valve plans to expand the beta to more users in the coming weeks, with the aim of gathering feedback and ironing out any issues before the Steam Deck’s official release. Valve has stated that the local network feature is still a work in progress, and the company is working to make it more stable and user-friendly.
The local network feature is an exciting development for the Steam Deck, as it allows players to enjoy their favorite games with friends and family in the same room without the need for an internet connection. It also means that players can share games with each other more easily, without having to worry about online authentication or account restrictions.
Valve has not announced an official release date for the Steam Deck, but the company has stated that it will be released sometime in 2023. The device is designed to be a portable gaming console that can run a wide variety of PC games, and it features a built-in controller, touchpad, and keyboard. The Steam Deck will be available in three different storage configurations, with prices ranging from $399 to $649.
