The default graphics configuration of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart appears to perform well on the Steam Deck, according to a screenshot captured by Sean Hollister of The Verge. This is surprising considering that Rift Apart was initially announced as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. The game’s minimum PC system requirements, which were revealed two weeks ago, indicated that players would need at least a desktop Radeon RX 470 or better for 720p resolution at 30 frames per second. However, these desktop graphics cards are not directly comparable to the Steam Deck’s integrated GPU.
Benchmark charts suggest that the desktop graphics cards would offer superior raw performance compared to the Steam Deck’s GPU. Despite this, the Steam Deck seems to handle Rift Apart quite well. It is possible that the game has been optimized specifically for the Steam Deck’s custom AMD “Aerith” chip. Additionally, it could rely heavily on AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, which allows for intelligent static upscaling even if the game runs below 720p resolution.
Valve, the company behind the Steam Deck, has introduced a Steam Deck Verified badge, which indicates that the game has been spot-checked by Valve to ensure that it launches and runs relatively smoothly at the developer’s default settings. However, this does not guarantee optimal performance or customization options for individual players.
The Steam Deck has garnered a lot of attention since its announcement. The handheld gaming device offers the power of a gaming PC in a portable form factor. It features a custom AMD APU with RDNA 2 architecture, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and a built-in gamepad layout similar to traditional gaming controllers. The Steam Deck also includes a USB-C port for external display and accessory support, as well as a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Many gamers are excited about the potential of playing their favorite PC games on the go with the Steam Deck. However, there are concerns about the device’s performance, particularly with graphically demanding titles. The fact that Rift Apart, a visually stunning and technically impressive game, runs well on the Steam Deck’s default graphics configuration is encouraging news for potential buyers.
It is worth noting that the Steam Deck’s integrated GPU is not as powerful as dedicated desktop graphics cards. While it may not offer the same level of performance as a high-end gaming PC, the Steam Deck aims to provide a satisfactory gaming experience for most players. Valve has implemented several optimizations and technologies to ensure that games run smoothly on the device, including a new suspend/resume feature that allows players to pick up where they left off instantly.
The Steam Deck Verified badge is a step towards providing users with a curated selection of games that have been tested and deemed compatible with the device. However, it is important to recognize that individual game performance may vary based on factors such as graphical settings, resolution, and optimization efforts by developers.
Overall, the performance of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on the Steam Deck is a positive sign for the device’s gaming capabilities. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about the Steam Deck’s performance across a wide range of games, this particular case demonstrates that the device can handle graphically demanding titles reasonably well. As more games are tested and optimized for the Steam Deck, it is likely that the device will become an attractive option for gamers who want to enjoy PC gaming on the go.
