Does Steam Deck Have WiFi 6?
The Steam Deck, a new handheld gaming console from Valve Corporation, has been generating a lot of buzz in the gaming community. With its ability to play PC games on the go, it’s no wonder that many gamers are eager to get their hands on one. One of the most important features to consider when it comes to gaming is the type of WiFi connectivity. In this article, we’ll answer the question: Does Steam Deck have WiFi 6?
Direct Answer:
The Steam Deck does not have WiFi 6. It comes equipped with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is a faster and more reliable version of WiFi, but not the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard.
What is WiFi 6?
Before we dive deeper into the Steam Deck’s WiFi capabilities, let’s take a quick look at what WiFi 6 is. WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of WiFi technology. It offers significant improvements over its predecessors, including:
- Increased capacity: WiFi 6 can support more devices and users on a single network, making it ideal for crowded public hotspots and busy homes.
- Faster speeds: WiFi 6 offers faster speeds, with maximum speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps (gigabits per second), compared to 1.9 Gbps for WiFi 5.
- Improved performance in dense environments: WiFi 6 is designed to perform better in crowded environments, such as busy coffee shops or public transportation, by using Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technologies.
Why is WiFi 6 Important for Gaming?
For gamers, WiFi 6 offers several benefits:
- Lower latency: WiFi 6’s improved performance and reduced latency (as low as 10 ms) make it ideal for real-time applications like online gaming.
- Faster downloads: With faster speeds, WiFi 6 allows for faster downloads of games and updates, reducing the time spent waiting for content to load.
- More reliable connections: WiFi 6’s improved performance and reduced interference make it less prone to dropped connections and disconnections.
Steam Deck’s WiFi 5 Capabilities
Although the Steam Deck doesn’t have WiFi 6, its Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) capabilities are still impressive:
- Maximum speeds: Wi-Fi 5 offers maximum speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps, which is still faster than many wired connections.
- Multi-device support: Wi-Fi 5 supports up to 20 devices on a single network, making it suitable for households with multiple devices.
- Improved range: Wi-Fi 5 has a longer range than its predecessors, making it suitable for larger homes or offices.
Comparison Table:
| WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 9.6 Gbps | 1.9 Gbps |
| Multi-Device Support | Up to 256 devices | Up to 20 devices |
| Latency | As low as 10 ms | As low as 20 ms |
| Range | Up to 4 walls | Up to 3 walls |
Conclusion
While the Steam Deck doesn’t have WiFi 6, its Wi-Fi 5 capabilities are still impressive. However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in WiFi technology, you may want to consider a different device. The good news is that Wi-Fi 5 is still a significant improvement over its predecessors, and the Steam Deck’s Wi-Fi 5 capabilities should provide a reliable and fast gaming experience.
Additional Tips
- Range extender: If you have a large home or office, consider using a range extender to improve the Steam Deck’s WiFi range.
- Wireless router: Make sure to use a high-quality wireless router that supports Wi-Fi 5 to get the most out of the Steam Deck’s WiFi capabilities.
- Firmware updates: Keep your Steam Deck and router’s firmware up to date to ensure you’re getting the latest performance improvements and security patches.
In conclusion, while the Steam Deck may not have WiFi 6, its Wi-Fi 5 capabilities are still impressive and should provide a reliable and fast gaming experience. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in WiFi technology, you may want to consider a different device.