Valve’s PC/handheld hybrid just got even better.
Let’s tackle the disappointment first and that’s the addition of variable rate shading.
At a basic level, VRS reduces the internal resolution of objects, but keeps their silhouettes crisp.
It’s a neat trick but very niche in its use case.
Far more interesting is the addition of arbitrary screen refresh rates between 40Hz and 60Hz.
And because the game is updating more quickly, input lag improves considerably too.
This is by far the most impressive new feature in the beta firmware.
If it’s possible for you to’t sustain your new frame-rate target, stutter is more pronounced.
However, moving from 30fps/60Hz to 40fps/40Hz means more GPU load and less gaming time.
In Crysis Remastered on my optimised parameters, 150 minutes of play at 30fps drops to 115 minutes instead.
Fan noise on downloads though?
That’s still there.
So, are there negatives to reducing fan noise?
Previously, the Deck couldn’t run that video portion at 60fps - and now it can.
Heat is the enemy of silicon and long-term longevity of the chip is reduced the hotter the machine gets.
Valve clearly gets that, and we’ll be looking forward to seeing where the firm goes next.
