A recent client update for theSteam Decknow makes it easier for users to implement their own custom start-up screens. It’s been quite the success story for this portable PC since it released back in February. It’s so popular, in fact, thatValve has shipped more than one million Steam Decksalready, with the developer still working through a list of orders. As well as being suitable for playing Steam and other games on the go, one of the system’s big appeals is its customization.
For example, one thing that a number of people have done is create their own boot-up screen. Recently, one user made theirSteam Deck show the opening crawl sequence fromStar Wars, complete with John Williams' iconic score. Others have managed to make start-up screens to honor things likeFuturamaandThe Secret of Monkey Island. Such customization seems to be becoming ever more popular, to such an extent that Valve has acknowledged what the community is doing and made it easier to achieve.
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In a recent post, the company outlined a number of changes and improvements that have been made to theSteam Deckwith the latest client update. Along with improving docking functionality, one of the key points of the update relates to the ability to add a custom boot-up sequence. Now, when it’s powered up, the device will look for a custom animation in “~/.steam/root/config/uioverrides/movies/,” and the update play boot-ups will play in full screen. Users will need to create this folder themselves, but the gist is that it will make adding a custom boot-up “a bit easier.”
While some may have been apprehensive about how well the Deck would be received, especially given Valve’s past reputation when it comes to hardware, it’s safe to say the device is making an impact on the portable gaming market. In fact, there are alreadycompanies announcing their own Steam Deck competitors, with Razer and OneXPlayer looking to get in on the act.
WithValve sending out Steam Deck Q4 emails recently, it looks as though most people who are waiting to get hold of one of the portable PCs will hopefully be able to do so before the year is out. The developer has already expressed interest in a follow-up device, so this initial success, combined with some alternatives on the horizon, could be the start of a new era for mobile gaming.
