Turns out you can download more battery as Valve’s latest update for Steam Frame adds up to 12%
Valve has released a new 0.4.3 beta update for SteamOS on the Steam Deck that delivers notable power efficiency improvements. The update promises battery life gains of up to 12% during both streaming and local gameplay, though the company notes that results vary depending on framerate and content type. This represents a meaningful improvement for portable handheld gaming, where battery life is a critical factor in the overall user experience.
Beyond the headline power efficiency gains, the update introduces new accessibility features designed to accommodate different user needs. The most significant addition is an option to limit eye tracking functionality to a single eye, accessible through VR Settings under General, with an advanced settings toggle required to enable this option. This addresses users who may prefer more streamlined eye tracking or have specific accessibility requirements.
The update also includes a bug fix for controller issues. Collectively, these improvements represent Valve’s ongoing commitment to optimizing the Steam Deck platform and expanding its capabilities. The power efficiency gains are particularly important as they directly impact how long users can play before needing to charge—a key consideration for a portable device designed for gaming on the go.