Steam Deck Adds Download Mode While Screen Is Off

Valve has introduced a new Steam Deck feature — Display-Off Downloads — which lets the system finish downloads in a low-power state with the screen turned off. The console can now continue downloading games and updates after the display is switched off, before it enters sleep.

By default this option is enabled while the device is plugged in, but you can also enable it on battery power via Settings > Power.

During a download, pressing the power button opens a prompt offering to either continue downloading with the display off or put the device into standard sleep. If you don’t interact with the console, it will automatically enter that mode after a period of inactivity.

Tapping the device brings up a new status screen that shows download progress. From there you can wake the Steam Deck or turn the display off and let the download continue.

If the feature is enabled on battery, the device will enter full sleep when the charge level drops below 20%.

The feature is currently available to Steam Deck users in the beta and preview branches.

Source: iXBT.games