Every PC I’ve ever used automatically detects and adjusts resolution to the display you connect to it. Even Nintendo Switch will detect when it’s docked and automatically adjust the display resolution. But on Steam Deck you literally have to adjust the display resolution for every game, every time you switch displays.

Since getting the SD I have shoved my PC into another room to displace the heat (until I get a mini-split) and I just stream from it to the Deck, whether docked at my desk or on the couch or on the big screen. But this really complicates that process unnecessarily.

This has also not been fixed in Nobara or Chimera.

What’s the limitation there?

  • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
    417·
    9 months ago

    That’s dumb. What if I’m playing a 2D game like Hollow Knight? It can easily run this game at 4k/60. Or what if I’m streaming from the desktop? Or cloud gaming?

    They could at least have it as an option…

    E: If anyone wants to actually answer the question instead of downvoting and disappearing, I’d be grateful.

    • garrett@lemm.eeEnglish
      101·
      9 months ago

      This actually is an option!

      I’ve used it to play games from the Deck at native 1080p on my TV.

      I’m not at my Steam Deck right now, but I remember it’s in the settings. I think if you go to the game’s settings, look for something like “native” display. You have to go into the settings for each game you want at a larger resolution on an external monitor in game mode and select “native”.

      I don’t remember if it needs to first be enabled on the system settings in the display area. (I think it does the right thing for system settings by default in most cases.)

      IIRC, desktop mode also automatically supports the native resolution, but game mode is nice and console-like. Desktop mode might be a bit clunkier than what you’d want for couch gaming. Setting the option in game mode for the game is likely your best option.

      • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
        44·
        9 months ago

        Yes I mentioned that in my OP. The problem is I have to do that for each game individually, instead of just a global setting…

        • garrett@lemm.eeEnglish
          2·
          9 months ago

          Oh, sorry. I missed that detail. ☹️ Apologies.

          Yeah, I agree that it’s a bother to do it with every game. You’re absolutely right.

          This should be some global setting, especially as they even officially sell a dock.

        • Sethayy@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          113·
          9 months ago

          Its linux. Then either get in the config yourself and change the value or quit bitching.

          Can’t always expect everyone to hand solve all of your problems for you, no matter how hard you complain

          • WorseDoughnut 🍩@lemdro.idEnglish
            62·
            9 months ago

            The SteamDeck is intended to be a normal, non-Linux expert, platform first and foremost. Also please don’t be a shithead for no reason.

          • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
            78·
            9 months ago

            Hey fuckass. I’m not a software engineer and I don’t have time to learn a library of fucking Linux commands. I already have a job.

            I absolutely can expect someone else to solve problems for me when I pay them to do so. The Steam Deck was invented and sold to solve problems.

            No one asked you for anything. If you don’t have anything helpful to contribute to the conversation then just fuck off.

            • vinnymac@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
              51·
              9 months ago

              Just wanted to say, I am a software engineer, and your concerns are valid.

              The user experience is surely something Steam wants to improve, and I expect they will iterate both on the current software and future hardware revisions.

              I don’t think anyone other than Valve will know why they don’t have the desired functionality. The answers are usually long and boring for this type of problem.

    • phx@lemmy.caEnglish
      7·
      9 months ago

      Because if it defaults to the highest level on some games it might lock up the hardware, whereas if you start low you can bump it up until you find the optimal setting

      • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
        12·
        9 months ago

        You can change the display settings in Steam before you launch the game, or in the game menu, before you launch the game.

    • Nawor3565@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      61·
      9 months ago

      I mean, what’s the point in rendering a game in 4K if the display is only 1080p? It seems like it would mostly be a waste of computing resources.

      • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
        35·
        9 months ago

        What’s the point in rendering a game in 4K if the display is only 1080p?

        That would be stupid and I never suggested anything of the sort.

        • bananaw@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          41·
          9 months ago

          So based on arbitrary categorization of specific games it should know when to display in max resolution when plugged in to an external monitor?

          That’s tough to manage and not worth the headache

          • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
            14·
            9 months ago

            So it should be left up to the user, like every other graphics settings on every other device…

              • helenslunch@feddit.nlOPEnglish
                13·
                9 months ago

                I detailed my suggestion clearly several times at this point. The Deck should operate like every other piece of hardware that automatically detects and switches to the resolution of whatever display you connect to it, unless and until you specify otherwise.