Can You Play Overwatch on Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck, a revolutionary gaming handheld device from Valve Corporation, has been making waves in the gaming community since its release. With its powerful hardware and impressive library of games, the Steam Deck has become a go-to option for gamers on-the-go. But one of the most popular games, Overwatch, has been missing from the Steam Deck’s library, leaving many fans wondering if they can play it on the device. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and answer the question: Can You Play Overwatch on Steam Deck?
What is Overwatch?
For those who may not be familiar, Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The game was released in 2016 and has since become a beloved title in the gaming community, known for its diverse cast of heroes, fast-paced gameplay, and rich lore. Overwatch requires a high level of coordination and strategy, making it a challenging but rewarding game to play.
Is Overwatch Available on Steam?
Yes, Overwatch is available on Steam, but with some limitations. Overwatch is a Blizzard-Exclusive game, which means that it can only be played on Blizzard’s proprietary Battle.net platform. However, due to a licensing agreement between Blizzard and Valve, Overwatch can be purchased and played on Steam, but it’s not native to the platform. This means that players need to launch Overwatch through Steam and then play it through Battle.net.
Can You Play Overwatch on Steam Deck?
Now that we’ve established that Overwatch is available on Steam, let’s get to the question at hand: can you play it on Steam Deck? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Since Overwatch is a Battle.net game, you’ll need to ensure that your Steam Deck meets the minimum system requirements to run the game.
System Requirements for Overwatch on Steam Deck
To play Overwatch on Steam Deck, your device should meet the following system requirements:
| System Requirement | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-6300U (or AMD equivalent) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M (or AMD equivalent) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 50 GB |
As you can see, the system requirements are relatively high, but if your Steam Deck meets these specifications, you should be able to play Overwatch smoothly.
Performance and Graphics
Overwatch on Steam Deck performs relatively well, considering the device’s specifications. The game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second, with occasional dips in framerate during intense battles. However, the graphics are not as sharp as they are on PC, which can be attributed to the device’s lower graphics processing power.
Controllers and Controls
One of the biggest advantages of playing Overwatch on Steam Deck is the device’s intuitive controllers. The Steam Deck’s Joy-Con-style controllers are designed specifically for gaming on-the-go, and they work seamlessly with Overwatch. You can use the left Joy-Con as a mouse and the right Joy-Con as a controller, making it easy to aim and move your heroes.
Multiplayer and Online Play
Overwatch on Steam Deck supports online multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends and other players from around the world. However, you’ll need to ensure that your Steam Deck is connected to a stable internet connection to prevent any disconnections or lag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Can You Play Overwatch on Steam Deck? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. While Overwatch is available on Steam, it’s a Battle.net game, which requires you to meet specific system requirements to run smoothly. However, if your Steam Deck meets these requirements, you can enjoy Overwatch on the go, with impressive performance and graphics.
Final Thoughts
While Overwatch on Steam Deck is a great experience, it’s not without its limitations. The game’s graphics are not as sharp as they are on PC, and the framerate can dip during intense battles. However, the device’s controllers and online multiplayer capabilities make it an excellent option for gamers on-the-go.
Conclusion
In summary, Overwatch is available on Steam, but it’s a Battle.net game that requires specific system requirements to run smoothly on Steam Deck. While there are some limitations, Overwatch on Steam Deck is a great option for gamers who want to play the game on the go. With its intuitive controllers and online multiplayer capabilities, Overwatch on Steam Deck is an excellent addition to any gamer’s library.