Valve is rolling out a long-requested feature that lets Steam Deck users download games with the screen off. The company's beta update introduces a "display-off low-power mode" that addresses battery drain concerns while maintaining active downloads - a feature users have been asking for since the handheld's 2022 launch.
Valve just delivered on a feature Steam Deck owners have been requesting for years. The company's latest beta update finally lets users download games and updates with the screen turned off, solving a major battery drain issue that's plagued the handheld since launch. The new "display-off low-power mode" is now live on the Steam Deck's Beta and Preview channels, allowing downloads to continue while the device enters a power-saving state. When you press the power button during an active download, you'll see a dialog asking whether to keep downloading with the screen off. Choose "Continue" and your Deck drops into the new low-power mode while maintaining network connectivity. This addresses a fundamental design limitation that forced users to keep their screens on during lengthy game installations. "We burn a substantial amount of power when you're downloading," Valve hardware engineer Yazan Aldehayyat told The Verge two years ago when the Steam Deck OLED launched. The company worried users might accidentally leave hot devices in bags, thinking they were fully asleep. The new implementation solves those thermal concerns with smart safeguards. The system works differently depending on your power source. When plugged in, the feature activates by default - no configuration needed. Running on battery? You can enable it manually in settings, but there's a catch: if your Steam Deck drops below 20% charge, it automatically switches to full sleep mode to prevent unexpected shutdowns. User interaction remains intuitive throughout the process. Press any button or move your Steam Deck while in low-power download mode, and you'll see a status screen showing download progress. From there, you can fully wake the device or let it continue downloading in the background. The feature represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for Steam Deck users who regularly download large games. Modern titles often exceed 50GB, making overnight downloads common. Previously, this meant leaving the bright OLED screen burning power for hours - not ideal for battery longevity or energy efficiency. Valve's solution mirrors similar implementations on gaming laptops and desktop PCs, where background downloads have been standard for years. The Steam Deck's portable nature made this more challenging, requiring careful balance between download performance and thermal management. Early beta testers report the feature works as advertised, with downloads completing reliably while maintaining significantly lower power consumption. The update also preserves download speeds, suggesting found the right balance between performance and efficiency. This development comes as handheld gaming PCs face increased competition from devices like the and upcoming Steam Deck competitors. Power management features like this help maintain edge in user experience refinement.
