Valve is testing an exciting new feature for Steam users: the ability to transfer a game from a PC to a Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck is a terrific and amazing portable console that just keeps getting better with time. Valve is constantly adding features to this platform that allows access to all or part of its Steam library anywhere, anytime. As proof, the company has just added the possibility of recovering games from a PC, as pointed out The Verge in an article published on February 19.
At the moment this feature is still in beta, but it is already possible to use it by activating it in the console settings (System > Beta programs > System updates channel). This means that the final version, therefore stable, is expected for the coming weeks – unless the transfer causes too many technical problems.
Transfer your games to your Steam Deck from your PC to save time
Many owners will ask: why transfer a game from my PC, when my Steam Deck can download it directly from Valve’s servers? The first answer is simple: save time. ” This helps reduce internet traffic and can increase the speed of game installation and updates “, says the company. If your bandwidth is insufficient or temporarily constraining, this feature could be a godsend. In this descriptionValve speaks of a transfer speed reaching 100 MB per second.
To work, the transfer must obviously be launched between a PC and a Steam Deck connected to the same internet network – and the game must be installed on the source PC. Note that it also works from a PC to another PC (if both devices are configured in beta mode) – but not from a Steam Deck to a PC. ” A common use case revolves around a home setup with multiple PCs and/or Steam Decks on the same network “Explains Valve to convince the few skeptics.
Some important points to note :
- If the transfer is interrupted, the Steam Deck or PC will upload the rest of the files to Steam’s servers;
- You can only transfer games that have been released (no pre-downloading);
- Games must be updated to the latest version;
- You cannot transfer a game that is currently playing;
- No progress data is transferred (there’s the cloud for that).
In short, if you need to relieve your bandwidth, this feature is for you.
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