Is it OK to leave Steam Deck on charge?
The answer to this question is yes, but with some caveats: while it is generally safe to leave your Steam Deck plugged in, doing so for extended periods can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the battery, potentially shortening its overall lifespan. To minimize this risk, it’s recommended to unplug your Steam Deck when not in use for extended periods, such as when you’re not planning to use it for 2-3 days.
Understanding Steam Deck Battery Health
The Steam Deck‘s battery health is a critical aspect of its overall performance and longevity. To address concerns about leaving the Steam Deck on charge, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that provide valuable insights into the device’s battery management and charging habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it bad to leave my Steam Deck plugged in?
Leaving your Steam Deck plugged in for long stretches can cause short-span charging and depletion, leading to unnecessary wear and tear on the battery.
2. Can I leave my Steam Deck on charge overnight?
Yes, you can charge your Steam Deck to 100%, but be aware that Valve says the console might report less than 100% when left plugged in for extended periods.
3. Is it better to leave Steam Deck plugged in or unplugged?
If you’re gaming, downloading, or browsing, it’s fine to leave your Steam Deck plugged in, but if you’re not using it for 2-3 days, it’s recommended to unplug it.
4. Is it OK to leave a battery charger plugged in all the time?
There’s no danger in leaving a charger plugged in, but it may get warm over time, and newer devices have built-in technology to prevent overcharging and damage to the charging port.
5. Can you use the Steam Deck while charging?
Yes, you can use your Steam Deck while it’s charging, and it’s designed to handle this scenario without any issues.
6. Is it bad to leave a charger overnight?
Leaving a charger plugged in overnight can cause the battery to degrade over time, as most modern devices take only 1-2 hours to fully charge.
7. Should you charge Steam Deck to 100%?
Yes, you can charge your Steam Deck to 100%, but be aware that Valve says the console might report less than 100% when left plugged in for extended periods.
8. Is Steam Deck more powerful when docked?
The Steam Deck is optimized for 720p resolution, and while it can output 4K video, its performance may vary when using an external display.
9. Is Steam Deck battery better than Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has a longer battery life than the Steam Deck, with some models lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.
10. How long should I charge my new Steam Deck?
You’ll need to charge your Steam Deck for at least 15 minutes before turning it on again.
11. How often should I charge my Steam Deck?
The battery life of your Steam Deck can last anywhere from 2-8 hours, depending on usage and game settings.
12. Is it OK to leave a lithium-ion battery on the charger?
It’s fine to fully charge a lithium-ion battery and leave it on the charger for days, but storing it at 100% charge for several months can cause slight deterioration.
13. How long can Steam Deck last?
The Steam Deck‘s battery life can last between 2-8 hours, depending on the game and usage, and using an external power bank can extend its longevity.
14. Is a Steam Deck worth it in 2023?
The Steam Deck is a great option for those who want to play triple-A games and indie games on the go, offering a unique gaming experience.
15. Do games run better on Steam Deck or Switch?
The Steam Deck has a significant advantage in terms of gaming performance, with custom AMD processors and RDNA2-based graphics allowing for smoother and more detailed gameplay.