Latest news with #SteamDeckOLED
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I just found the perfect Switch 2 screen protector — and it's the first time I've ever installed one without issues
I am legendary at being bad at installing screen protectors, like Olympic-level awful. When adding a protector to my Steam Deck OLED, I had to purchase a second set after fumbling three times in a row. When my partner (foolishly) asked me to sort one for her new iPhone, it took me four attempts, and there were still a few air bubbles and trapped dust underneath. Even before obtaining my Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, I was already dreading how many screen protectors I'd have to purchase just to have its display protected from the almost inevitable scratches that come with a portable device. Remarkably, I managed to install the protector for the first time. It's not because I improved my installation skills, but rather because I discovered a screen protector that is truly 'idiot-proof.' I'm talking about the Prism 2.0 from dbrand. If you're looking to protect your Switch 2, I can save you some time and hassle. Go pick up a Prism 2.0 screen protector from dbrand right now. I promise, it's worth the relatively high cost. Prism 2.0 is the ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 screen protector. It comes with an "idiot proof" installation process, and is made from scratch-proof tempered glass. While it's comparatively pricey at $34, you do get two in the pack, and it's a worthwhile investment to ensure you Switch 2 remains protected when taking it on the go. What makes the Prism 2.0 so effortless to install is a combination of two things: The installation tray and the fact that you don't place the protector onto the screen yourself. In my experience, no matter how carefully I proceed, those brief seconds between cleaning the display and then placing down the screen protector, dust and dirt always materialize from seemingly nowhere. However, with the Prism 2.0, you snap the installation tray to the Switch 2 display, and then yank a plastic pull tab, next firmly swipe along a printed dotted line, and the protector is instantly glued to the screen. Any air bubbles? Use the included squeegee to smooth them out. The process takes barely 30 seconds, and if I can do it, then anybody can. Even better, dbrand includes two Prism 2.0 protectors in every package, but for the first time ever, I didn't even need another. I installed the screen protector on my Switch 2 flawlessly the very first time. Of course, an easy-breezy installation process would be almost worthless if the protector itself wasn't up to snuff, but dbrand hasn't dropped the ball here either. The memey accessories manufacturer claims it's built from 'premium tempered glass' with a 7 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. I don't really know what that means, but it seems good enough for me. Once installed, the protector is virtually impossible to detect, and hasn't robbed the Switch 2's stunning display of its vibrancy. Prism 2.0 really is the perfect protector for the $449 hybrid console. Yes it comes at a relatively high price compared to some of the other options out there (you can pick up a Switch 2 screen protector from $5 on Amazon), but when you're spending hundreds of dollars on a gaming handheld sometimes it's worth spending the extra to get a screen protector that can be installed without any fuss. I know in the future, if I'm ever looking to add a screen protector to a new device, dbrand will be the only place I go. The (in)famous company claims the Prism 2.0 is 'idiot proof,' and, as a complete idiot when it comes to installing screen protectors, I'm the living proof that this claim is indeed accurate.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Legion GO S vs Steam Deck OLED : Battle of the Handhelds
Is the handheld gaming market witnessing a new rivalry that could redefine portable play? With the rise of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S and Valve's Steam Deck OLED, gamers are faced with a tantalizing choice between innovative performance and refined efficiency. The Legion Go S, Lenovo's bold entry into the scene, promises a powerhouse experience with customizable configurations and advanced display technology. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED builds on its predecessor's legacy, offering a sleek, energy-efficient design paired with the vibrant visuals of an OLED screen. Both devices cater to distinct gaming priorities, but which one truly delivers the ultimate handheld experience? In this thorough comparison, ETA Prime explores the key differences that set these two contenders apart, from their performance benchmarks to battery life trade-offs and design philosophies. Whether you're drawn to the Legion Go S's premium features or intrigued by the Steam Deck OLED's balance of affordability and efficiency, this overview will help you uncover which device aligns with your gaming style. As we delve into their specs, pricing, and real-world performance, you might just find that the choice isn't as straightforward as it seems. Legion Go S vs Steam Deck Device Overview The Legion Go S represents Lenovo's ambitious entry into the handheld gaming sector. It offers two APU configurations: the AMD Z1 Extreme and the Z2 Go, providing flexibility for users seeking different levels of performance. Notably, it is the first third-party handheld device to ship with Steam OS, making sure seamless integration with Valve's gaming ecosystem. On the other hand, the Steam Deck OLED is an upgraded version of Valve's original Steam Deck. The inclusion of an OLED display enhances the visual experience while improving energy efficiency. This device builds on the success of its predecessor by offering a refined balance of performance and affordability, making it an appealing option for gamers seeking value. Specifications Comparison A detailed examination of the hardware reveals significant differences between the two devices, particularly in processing power, display technology, and refresh rates. Steam Deck OLED: Powered by an AMD Zen 2 APU with 4 cores and 8 threads clocked at 3.5 GHz, it features an RDNA 2 iGPU with 8 compute units running at 1600 MHz. The device includes 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (6400 MT/s) and a 7.4-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Priced at $549 for the 512 GB model, it offers a compelling mix of performance and affordability. Powered by an AMD Zen 2 APU with 4 cores and 8 threads clocked at 3.5 GHz, it features an RDNA 2 iGPU with 8 compute units running at 1600 MHz. The device includes 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (6400 MT/s) and a 7.4-inch OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Priced at $549 for the 512 GB model, it offers a compelling mix of performance and affordability. Legion Go S (Z2 Go version): Equipped with an AMD Zen 3+ APU offering 4 cores and 8 threads at 4.3 GHz, it features an RDNA 2 iGPU with 12 compute units clocked at 2200 MHz. It also includes 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (6400 MT/s) and an 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support. The Z2 Go version is priced at $599 for the 512 GB model, reflecting its focus on premium performance. The Legion Go S stands out with its higher clock speeds and advanced display features, while the Steam Deck OLED prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Which Handheld Console is Better? Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Lenovo Legion Go S that you may find helpful. Performance Performance is a critical factor for any gaming device, and the Legion Go S and Steam Deck OLED excel in different scenarios based on their TDP (Thermal Design Power) settings. Low TDP (15W): The Steam Deck OLED demonstrates superior efficiency in low-power scenarios. For example, in Forza Horizon 5 , it achieves 65 FPS, slightly outperforming the Legion Go S's 63 FPS. The Steam Deck OLED demonstrates superior efficiency in low-power scenarios. For example, in , it achieves 65 FPS, slightly outperforming the Legion Go S's 63 FPS. High TDP (20W): The Legion Go S takes the lead at higher power levels, delivering 72 FPS in Forza Horizon 5 and 56 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 , compared to the Steam Deck OLED's 47 FPS in the latter. These results highlight the Steam Deck OLED's strength in efficiency at lower power settings, while the Legion Go S excels in delivering higher performance when pushed to its limits. Battery Life Battery life is a crucial consideration for handheld gaming, and the two devices exhibit notable differences depending on their power consumption levels. Low TDP (6W): The Steam Deck OLED offers 5–7 hours of gameplay, compared to the Legion Go S's 4–6 hours. The Steam Deck OLED offers 5–7 hours of gameplay, compared to the Legion Go S's 4–6 hours. Moderate TDP (15W): Both devices achieve similar battery life, lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Both devices achieve similar battery life, lasting approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. High TDP (20W): The Legion Go S's battery life drops to around 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the Steam Deck OLED maintains a slight edge in efficiency. For gamers prioritizing extended playtime, the Steam Deck OLED's optimization for lower TDP settings makes it a more reliable choice. Design and Features Both devices incorporate thoughtful design elements to enhance the gaming experience, but their approaches reflect different priorities. Legion Go S: Features hall-based triggers and analog sticks for improved precision, along with a larger 55.5Wh battery. Its 8-inch IPS display with VRR ensures smooth visuals, particularly in fast-paced games. Features hall-based triggers and analog sticks for improved precision, along with a larger 55.5Wh battery. Its 8-inch IPS display with VRR ensures smooth visuals, particularly in fast-paced games. Steam Deck OLED: Offers a more compact design, an energy-efficient OLED display, and versatile storage options, including microSD and M.2 compatibility. The Legion Go S leans toward delivering a premium gaming experience with advanced features, while the Steam Deck OLED focuses on practicality and portability. Pricing and Value Pricing plays a significant role in the decision-making process. The Steam Deck OLED is priced at $549 for the 512 GB version, making it $50 cheaper than the Legion Go S (Z2 Go version) with the same storage capacity. For users seeking even higher performance, the Legion Go S's Z1 Extreme version is available, though it comes at a higher cost. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depends on your gaming priorities. The Steam Deck OLED is ideal for those who value efficiency, affordability, and strong performance at lower TDP settings. Conversely, the Legion Go S appeals to gamers willing to trade battery life for higher performance and advanced features, particularly in its Z1 Extreme configuration. Both devices offer unique strengths, making sure a suitable option for every type of gamer. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Newsweek
Steam Users Hit with Huge Data Leak, But Your Account is Probably Safe
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors A strange leak of PC gaming storefront Steam users' data has resulted in the phone numbers and text messages of millions of PC gamers seemingly being sold online. Valve, the company that owns and operates Steam, has confirmed the leak, but say users probably don't have to worry about their accounts being compromised. The leak was originally reported by LinkedIn user Underdark, who reported that over 89 million records of Steam user data was being sold on "a well-known dark web forum." The account selling the data was asking for $5000, and offered a link to sample data to prove its authenticity. According to Underdark, the bulk of the data was seemingly made up of SMS logs, obtained via a third-party vendor that operated two-factor authentication for the storefront. A white special edition Steam Deck OLED, made available for sale in November 2024. A white special edition Steam Deck OLED, made available for sale in November 2024. Valve The reveal prompted Steam users across the globe to become worried about the security of their accounts, but now Valve has officially responded to the leak, confirming it to be real but saying that Steam users didn't need to worry. In a post on the official Steam blog, Valve said that it had examined the leak sample provided by the account and determined that it was not the result of a breach of Steam systems. The company says it does not know where the leak originated, but that it was "compounded by the fact that any SMS messages are unencrypted in transit, and routed through multiple providers on the way to your phone." Valve says that the leak was entirely made up of older one-time codes, which were only valid for 15 minutes, and the phone numbers they were sent to. It stressed that the leak did not contain associated information for the phone numbers – meaning they can't be linked to specific accounts – and that password information, payment information, and other personal or account data was not included in the leak. Should I Change My Steam Password? The good news is that you don't have to change your Steam password as a result of the leak. Nobody can use any of the information contained in the leak to access or attempt to access your Steam account, and no passwords or login details were leaked. Here's what Valve says about it:
Tom's Guide
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
The Last of Us 2 is one of the best video games ever made — but season 2 of the HBO show is getting it all wrong
I love The Last of Us Part 2. I loved it in June 2020 when I played it for the first time at launch. I loved it more when I replayed it in 2021. And returning to its harrowing world via The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, on PS5 in 2024 and Steam Deck OLED this year, has only served to solidify it as one of my favorite video games of all time. It might even rank in the top spot. I also really enjoyed 'The Last of Us' on HBO, and named the first season (which covered the events of the first The Last of Us video game) the best video game adaptation ever. I should also adore 'The Last of Us' season 2, considering it's adapting what I believe to be even stronger source material. And yet, four episodes into the popular HBO show's much-anticipated return, I'm becoming increasingly frustrated. It's not that 'The Last of Us' season 2 is bad per se. In isolation, it's prestige television at its most … prestigious. But as somebody who holds the game series close to their heart, I'm becoming ever more annoyed at the sheer number of changes. I understand it's an adaptation for an entirely different medium, some things will be different, as they were in season 1, but the fundamental issue this time around is almost none of the changes (and some are substantial) are serving to tell the story in a more interesting, or more engaging, way. Instead, they're taking a story I love and making it much worse. 'The Last of Us' season 2's premiere kept the same high standard up from the first season, yes, there were changes to the way things play out in the video game, but they were minior, and for me, made sense within the context of TV and video games being different animals. It was episode 2, 'Through the Valley,' where my alarm bells started ringing, and that harsh noise has only gotten louder ever since. Let's address the bloater in the room first: The showpiece siege of Jackson was a highlight moment for many viewers, including some of the Tom's Guide staff members. But I couldn't help but feel it added little beyond spectacle. In the video game, Jackson remains an unbreached safe haven, whereas in the show, we see it overrun by rabid infected, with the town suffering significant casualties. The cynic in me feels like this blockbuster siege was added merely as an oversteer to address the complaints of 'not enough zombies' that plagued the show's first season. From my perspective, it served little narrative purpose, and the subsequent episodes, which include a three-month time skip, have made the fallout basically a non-event. Now that the action has shifted to Part 2's central setting of Seattle, the entire siege sequence basically amounts to little more than some cool shots for the trailer and some flattering comparison to "Game of Thrones'" iconic Hardhome battle scene. Oh, and I guess it swelled the budget. Away from Jackson, the show also butchered the game's most (in)famous moment: the brutal death of Joel. Even putting to one side the bizarre decision to stage it in a brightly lit and very airy room, rather than the dank and claustrophobic basement setting of the game, episode writer Craig Mazin (also a co-showrunner) made some truly baffling decisions. By having newcomer Abby (an excellent Kaitlyn Dever) spell out her backstory and motivations before proceeding to beat Joel to death with a golf club, viewers have been robbed of any mystery surrounding the character. In the game, finding out why Abby killed Joel feels like just as much motivation for Ellie's revenge mission as settling the score. In the world of the show, there is no mystery; we know who Abby is, and we know why she obsessively pursued and brutalized Joel. There is nothing to discover anymore. It's all just a countdown to the inevitable confrontation between Abby and Ellie. The whole thrust of Part 2's first half has been lost in an apparent effort to spell things out immediately to viewers. Plus, reworking Joel's most memorable line from the game ('Why don't you say whatever speech you got rehearsed, and get this over with.') to something comparatively weaker ('shut the f**k up and do it already') is a small sin, but one that I'm frankly still salty about. Episode 2 is currently the show's highest-rated episode on IMDb, so I was willing to accept that I was making a mountain out of a molehill with my grumbles over the changes and just roll with things, but the alterations have only become more head-scratching ever since. The relationship timeline of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) has been shifted to have them profess their mutual attraction after they arrive in Seattle to hunt Abby and her co-conspirators, which has only served to blunt Ellie's fantastic character arc in the game. For example, in the game, when Dina reveals she's pregnant, Ellie reacts with hostility; she's furious that Dina will be a 'burden' to her mission to avenge Joel. In the show, it becomes a moment of celebration as she quips, 'I'm gonna be a dad,' and the two consummate their romance. It cheapens what is supposed to be Ellie's spiral into a very dark place. In the show, the decision to travel to Seattle feels less like the rash call made by somebody blinded by fury and hatred, and instead, a fun excursion for two young lovers. That's not to say the show can't make changes, but these changes should be for the better or in service of the larger story being told, and so far, precious few of them appear to be doing that. There's also a litany of other changes that haven't quite sat well with me, from the fact Ellie has seemingly revealed to Jesse (Young Mazion) that she made up with Joel the evening before this death — which will rob the show of the game's ultimate moment of catharsis — and the inclusion of new character Gail (Catherine O'Hara) whose appearance has done little more than spell out character motivations that are blindingly obvious in the first place. My increasingly negative takes on 'The Last of Us' season 2 have sparked something of a debate with the Tom's Guide team. Exactly how faithful an adaptation should be has become a fiercely debated question, and I'm a little surprised how wide-ranging the answers have been. While I acknowledge that a TV take on a video game will by necessity rework parts of the source material, and I appreciate the broad strokes are being kept in tact (fortunately, the rumors that Joel's death would be removed or significantly delayed were indeed false), I believe that any changes need to justify themselves. Not just be changes for the sake of it. Take 'The Last of Us' season 1's most celebrated episode, 'Long, Long Time,' This was a ground-up reworking of the character of Bill (Nick Offerman), more significant than any changes made so far in season 2 to The Last of Us Part 2's story. And I loved it. Why? Because it was a change for the better that added so much emotional depth to a bit part player in the original game. It was a prime case of a change that made the world of "The Last of Us" that much richer. If the tweaks to the story seen so far in 'The Last of Us' season 2 had a similarly positive impact, I'd be onboard with them. But at present, I feel like we're being presented with a significantly weaker version of Part 2's story, which is hardly a compelling reason to keep watching. If I wanted to consume a worse version of Part 2's story, I could just read the awful fan fiction already online from fans who were so bitter about Joel's death that they tried to rewrite the game to suit their own preference. The show can still make positive changes. Episode 4, 'Day One,' giving us more time with WLF leader Isaac (Jeffrey Wright, reprising his role from the game), is one such example. But when so many of the additions, both big and small, feel like subtractions, it's getting increasingly hard for me to see the positives in a show I was previously super excited about. In all this consternation about storyline alterations, I've not even touched upon some of season 2's larger issues, like the very wonky pacing. Spending three episodes (almost half the season) in Jackson appears increasingly ill-judged. While I can appreciate the need for setup, taking so long to get Ellie (and Dina) to Seattle has resulted in a season now beyond the halfway point, but only just leaving the starting grid. At the current pace Part 2's story is being adapted, we're going to need about four seasons to get through to the game's climax. Before concluding this increasingly lengthy ramble, I feel it's important to acknowledge two key potential rebuttals to my complaints. Firstly, I am absolutely aware that I'm extremely close to The Last of Us Part 2. The game took on a special significance in my life when it launched during a particularly difficult period for lots of people (I'm sure you don't need reminding why 2020 was a rough year for many). I'm very protective of it. When you have such a fondness for a source material, you're going to be more critical in general, and there is likely an element of me merely wrinkling my nose at any changes. To non-gamers, these "issues" might not even register. Secondly, 'The Last of Us' season 2 is four episodes into a seven-episode run, with this adaptation of the Part 2 game already confirmed to span more than a single season. There is, of course, still time for things to come together, and for the additions like the attack on Jackson and newcomers like Gail to become relevant and play a major (and satisfying) part in the show's end game. I'm not going to write off HBO's 'The Last of Us' just because its second season has had a rocky start, and even with all my issues, there's still an awful lot to like about the show including it's phenomenal set design and the remarkable cast bringing characters I love to life. Special shout-out to Isabela Merced, who completely carried episode 4 on her back. Right now, I'm pretty worried about where 'The Last of Us' will go next, but even if it continues down a path that I don't personally care for, I can always comfort myself with yet another playthrough of The Last of Us Part 2. It's not going anywhere after all.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
One mad modder has massacred the Steam Deck, folding it into a 'Steam Brick' with 'no screen, no controller, and absolutely no sense'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Gaming handhelds are probably getting too big—the massive lad that is the Acer Nitro Blaze 2 being a perfect example—but how far would you be willing to go to make one fit in your backpack? DIYer crastinator-pro created the Steam Brick, a Steam Deck that has no mouth and it must scream, but I'm weirdly into it. "The Steam Deck has been a game changer for travel," crastinator-pro wrote in a GitHub post documenting the project. "But I found myself leaving it behind more often than not, as it wouldn't fit in my backpack, took up a huge amount of carry-on space, and was a hassle to bring down from the overhead compartment when I wanted to use it." Image 1 of 4 Image 2 of 4 Image 3 of 4 Image 4 of 4 Crastinator-pro also has the most niche use-case I've heard for Valve's handheld: Mostly keeping it plugged into a TV or a pair of AR glasses, the kind that can project a large screen in your field of view. "So I got to thinking," crastinator-pro wrote. "It could be so much smaller and lighter without the built-in controller and screen, but that would be ridiculous, right? …right?" Ridiculous it may be, but by god, it works. The Steam Brick will still boot and connect to external peripherals with its screen and all controls save the power button removed. Tragically, crastinator-pro notes that the newer revision Steam Deck OLED is preferable for the mod—RIP to that beautiful screen us Steam Deck early adopters would kill for. Crastinator-pro kept the motherboard, battery, WiFi antenna, storage, USB-C out, power button, and cooling fan only—say goodbye to the volume buttons and headphone jack in the final build in addition to the controls and the screen. Crastinator-pro trimmed down the Deck's internal aluminum frame and seated it in a simple 3D-printed enclosure, resulting in the final Steam Brick. Crastinator-pro cautions that this is really taking the life of the machine in your own hands, and there's no guarantee it won't cook itself or experience some other unforeseen failure down the line. But for the creator's very specific use case? It seems more or less perfect. I love how crastinator-pro essentially reversed at 60 miles per hour into creating a Steam Machine, Valve's abortive first attempt at making its own console in the early 2010s, though being able to run off a battery certainly helps the Steam Brick run laps around its housebound predecessor. The process of making the Steam Brick also ironically shares a lot in common with console "portablizing" projects like those documented by GingerOfOz on YouTube. For years, enthusiasts have been finding ways to trim console motherboards to the minimum size where they'll still function, allowing them to slot into handheld enclosures and run games off a battery and internal storage, but still on original hardware. Best laptop games: Low-spec lifeBest Steam Deck games: Handheld must-havesBest browser games: No install neededBest indie games: Independent excellenceBest co-op games: Better together
