CloudDeck, a cloud gaming solution developed by the creators of airgpu, aims to deliver a Steam Deck-like experience across a variety of devices. Using Moonlight for streaming, CloudDeck offers a setup based on the Steam Deck specifications and employs a customized version of SteamOS. This ensures that games compatible with Proton, especially those verified for the Steam Deck, will run smoothly. While some games might encounter issues, most of the tested titles performed as expected.
Performance and Compatibility
One of the standout features of CloudDeck is its impressive performance in terms of download speeds. For instance, downloading and starting to play a game like Elden Ring takes only a few minutes, which is a significant advantage for users looking to jump into gaming sessions quickly. The integration with Moonlight ensures a visually appealing and responsive streaming experience, maintaining the high standards expected from modern cloud gaming solutions.
In addition to gaming, CloudDeck offers a desktop mode, allowing users to utilize a mouse and keyboard for various applications and services, including web browsers and other game launchers. However, it is important to note that only compatible games and software will function correctly in this environment. Even more significant is to keep in mind that performance won’t be as impressive as the latest gen consoles or computers, as the Steam Deck wasn’t designed with that in mind. Still, games are enjoyable, especially on handheld devices such as smartphones.
Performance Improvements
When comparing CloudDeck to the Steam Deck, there are several key differences and slight performance improvements to consider. CloudDeck uses a setup similar to the Steam Deck but is powered by cloud servers featuring an AMD Radeon RX 6600, or a similar GPU. This configuration offers a slight edge in raw processing power and graphics performance over the Steam Deck’s APU. Additionally, while both use CPUs with 4 cores and 8 threads, CloudDeck’s CPUs run at up to 3.7 GHz, whereas the Steam Deck’s Zen 2 CPU runs between 2.4-3.5 GHz.
The use of a discrete GPU in CloudDeck, like the AMD Radeon RX 6600, provides superior graphical capabilities compared to the integrated GPU in the Steam Deck. This results in smoother performance and higher graphical fidelity for more demanding games. Furthermore, since CloudDeck is a cloud service, battery life and power consumption are not an issue for the consumer, providing a consistently high-performance experience.
Conclusion
CloudDeck in its early access phase demonstrates significant promise as a cloud gaming solution that effectively emulates the Steam Deck experience across various devices. Its reliance on Moonlight for streaming ensures high-quality performance, and the compatibility with Proton allows for a wide range of games to be played with minimal issues. The desktop mode adds versatility, enabling the use of various applications beyond gaming.
However, the cost of the hardware may deter some users, especially those accustomed to the pay-per-hour model of airgpu. For gamers, though, the flat-rate pricing of CloudDeck might offer better long-term value. As the service continues to evolve, it has the potential to become a major player in the cloud gaming market, appealing to those seeking a seamless and versatile gaming experience.
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