Steam Deck's New Standby Mode: Download Games with Screen Off (2025)

Imagine never having to worry about a massive game download interrupting your online gaming session again. Valve is rolling out a game-changer for Steam Deck users: a standby mode that lets you download content even when the screen is off. This feature, dubbed the 'display-off low-power mode,' is a welcome addition for anyone who’s ever been frustrated by bandwidth hogs during crucial gameplay moments. But here's where it gets interesting: while this mode is enabled by default when the Steam Deck is plugged in, it can also run on battery power—though it’ll automatically switch to full sleep mode if the battery dips below 20%. And this is the part most people miss: if you accidentally hit the power button mid-download, a prompt will ask if you want to keep the download going with the screen off. Even if your Steam Deck goes idle, it’ll seamlessly transition into this low-power mode, much like the rest mode on modern consoles. This isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a practical solution for gamers juggling limited bandwidth or multitasking between games. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) But here’s the controversial part: is this feature enough to make the Steam Deck a must-have for all gamers, or is it just catching up to what consoles have offered for years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you see this as a game-changer, or just a long-overdue update?

Steam Deck's New Standby Mode: Download Games with Screen Off (2025)
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