Valor Mortis on Steam Machine vs Steam Deck: Performance & Controls
This article compares how Valor Mortis runs on a Steam Machine versus a Steam Deck, focusing on performance (frame rate, resolution, load times) and controls (gamepad, keyboard/mouse, touchscreen). The short answer: the Steam Deck generally offers smoother, more consistent performance and better integrated controls for this game, while Steam Machines vary widely depending on their hardware and are more suited to keyboard/mouse play.
Background: What Are Steam Machines and the Steam Deck?
Steam Machines were a 2015-2018 initiative by Valve to bring PC gaming to the living room. They were pre-built PCs running SteamOS (a Linux-based operating system) or Windows, designed to be used with a controller. The hardware was not standardized—manufacturers like Alienware, Zotac, and Syber built models with different CPUs, GPUs, and RAM. The Steam Deck, released in 2022, is Valve’s own handheld PC with a custom AMD APU (a CPU and GPU on one chip), a 7-inch touchscreen, and built-in gamepad controls. It runs SteamOS 3.0, which is also Linux-based but uses a compatibility layer called Proton to run Windows games.
Performance: Frame Rate, Resolution, and Load Times
Valor Mortis is a 2D action-platformer with pixel art and light particle effects, so it is not graphically demanding. On the Steam Deck, the game runs at a near-flawless 60 frames per second at the native 1280×800 resolution, with the APU’s GPU rarely exceeding 50% utilization. Load times are under 5 seconds from the SSD. On a Steam Machine, performance depends entirely on the hardware. A high-end model with a desktop GTX 1060 or better will also hit 60 FPS at 1080p or higher, but a low-end model with an integrated GPU might struggle to maintain 30 FPS at 720p. The Steam Deck’s fixed hardware means you get a predictable experience; Steam Machines are a lottery.
Controls: Gamepad vs Keyboard/Mouse vs Touchscreen
The Steam Deck’s controls are the clear winner for this genre. Valor Mortis uses a typical 2D action layout: left stick for movement, face buttons for jump and dash, shoulder buttons for attacks, and a trigger for a special ability. The Deck’s gamepad is comfortable and responsive, with a low-latency wireless connection to the built-in screen. It also has two trackpads that can be configured for mouse input, which is useful for menu navigation. Steam Machines, on the other hand, were often bundled with the Steam Controller, which had a divisive trackpad-based design. While you can use any USB or Bluetooth gamepad, the experience is not as seamless. Keyboard and mouse work well on both, but on a Steam Machine you are more likely to be at a desk, which suits that setup.
How to Choose: Which One Is Right for You?
Your choice depends on your use case:
- Portability: The Steam Deck is a handheld, so you can play anywhere. Steam Machines are stationary.
- Performance ceiling: A high-end Steam Machine can outperform the Deck, but you pay more and get inconsistent results.
- Control preference: If you prefer keyboard/mouse, a Steam Machine with a desk setup is better. If you want gamepad play, the Deck is superior.
- Price: A used Steam Machine can be cheaper than a Steam Deck, but you may need to upgrade parts or deal with aging hardware.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Steam Machines and the Steam Deck run the same games because both use SteamOS. In reality, Steam Machines were often sold with Windows, and the Linux-based SteamOS on the Deck uses Proton to translate Windows API calls. Valor Mortis is a native Linux game, so it runs without Proton on both, but many other games do not. Another issue is that Steam Machines are no longer manufactured, so finding one with a warranty is hard. The Deck is actively supported with driver updates. If you encounter performance issues on a Steam Machine, check the GPU drivers and ensure the game is using the discrete GPU if one is present.
Cost and Availability
Steam Machines are discontinued, so you can only buy them used. Prices vary wildly: a low-end model might be $150, while a high-end one could be $400 or more. The Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 64GB model, with higher storage tiers costing more. There is no ongoing subscription cost for either. If you already own a gaming PC, you can stream Valor Mortis to a Steam Machine or Deck via Steam Remote Play, but that adds latency.
Alternatives: What Else to Consider
If you want the Steam Deck’s portability but a larger screen, consider a gaming laptop. If you want a living-room experience without a Steam Machine, you can build a small form-factor PC with a controller. For pure value, a standard desktop PC with a budget GPU will run Valor Mortis at 60 FPS on any modern hardware. The Steam Deck is also not the only handheld—other Windows-based handhelds exist, but they lack the Deck’s tight integration with SteamOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard and mouse with the Steam Deck?
Yes, you can connect a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth or a USB-C dock. The Deck will treat them as standard input devices, and you can remap controls in Steam if needed. However, the built-in gamepad is more convenient for on-the-go play.
Will Valor Mortis run on a low-end Steam Machine?
It depends on the GPU. The game’s minimum requirements are modest—a dual-core CPU and a GPU with 1GB VRAM should be enough for 720p at 30 FPS. If your Steam Machine has an integrated Intel HD 4000 or newer, it should work, but expect lower frame rates.
Does the Steam Deck have a touchscreen for Valor Mortis?
Yes, the Steam Deck has a 7-inch touchscreen, but Valor Mortis does not support touch controls. The touchscreen is mainly for navigating SteamOS and the keyboard. You will use the gamepad for gameplay.
Is the Steam Deck more powerful than a Steam Machine?
Not necessarily. The Steam Deck’s APU is comparable to a GTX 1050 or a PS4 in raw power. A high-end Steam Machine with a desktop GTX 1060 or better will outperform it. But the Deck’s advantage is efficiency and portability, not raw power.
Can I install Windows on a Steam Machine to improve performance?
Yes, many Steam Machines came with Windows, and you can install it on the Deck too. Windows may improve compatibility with some games, but for Valor Mortis, which is native Linux, it makes no difference. Windows also adds overhead, so you might lose a few FPS.
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