Can you play Steam Deck on a plane?

Can You Play Steam Deck on a Plane?

If you’re a gamer and a frequent flyer, you might be wondering if the Steam Deck is compatible with in-flight entertainment. Well, we’re here to give you the lowdown on whether you can play Steam Deck on a plane.

Battery Life on a Plane

Before we dive into the specifics of playing Steam Deck on a plane, it’s important to consider the battery life of the device. As a handheld PC, the Steam Deck has a battery that can last for around 4-6 hours. However, this can be extended with the use of a portable charger or power bank. On a flight, you can expect to get around 2-3 hours of gaming in before needing to recharge. This might not be long enough to complete a whole game, but it should be enough to get you some decent gaming in during a short to medium-length flight.

Wi-Fi Requirements

To play Steam games on the Steam Deck, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Unfortunately, most commercial airliners’ in-flight Wi-Fi can be quite slow and inconsistent. This means that your gaming experience might be slow and laggy, especially if you’re playing high-demand games like Fortnite or Overwatch. If you have a lot of data-intensive games in your library, you might want to avoid playing them on a flight.

Steam Deck Capabilities

The Steam Deck is a powerful device capable of playing a wide range of games, from 2D platformers to 3D open-world adventures. However, as a handheld PC, it’s not designed for complex gaming experiences. If you’re looking for a premium gaming experience with high-framerate graphics and smooth animations, you might want to consider playing on a high-end gaming laptop or a console.

In-Flight Entertainment Options

Some airlines offer in-flight entertainment options that include games and movies. If you have a compatible device, such as a tablet or phone, you can access their in-flight entertainment system via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, this might be limited to pre-installed games and content, so you won’t be able to access your Steam game library.

Airbus and Boeing: Different Proprietary Systems

Interestingly, different aircraft manufacturers use different proprietary systems for their in-flight entertainment. Airbus uses Thales Avionics, while Boeing uses Rockwell Collins. This can affect the compatibility of certain devices with in-flight systems. For example, devices that use Wi-Fi connectivity might not be compatible with Airbus’s proprietary system. It’s worth noting that some airlines are starting to adopt more universal standards, such as USB-C or HDMI, to make compatibility easier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to play Steam Deck on a plane, there are some caveats to consider. With a battery life of 2-3 hours and slow in-flight Wi-Fi, you might not have the best gaming experience. Additionally, the Steam Deck is not designed for high-end gaming experiences, so you might not be getting the most out of your device. However, for casual gaming and entertainment purposes, the Steam Deck might be a great option on a short to medium-length flight.

Additional Tips:

• Consider purchasing a portable charger or power bank to extend the battery life of your Steam Deck on a flight.
• Make sure to download any relevant games or content before you fly, as in-flight Wi-Fi might be limited.
• Research your airline’s in-flight entertainment system and compatibility options before purchasing a Steam Deck.
• Consider purchasing a Steam subscription or downloading a few compatible games to get the most out of your Steam Deck on a flight.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and compatibility options might vary by airline and flight. We recommend researching your specific aircraft and airline before making a purchase.