Is it safe to play while charging?

[Jericho]

I'm looking to buy a Steam Deck, mainly for playing Monster hunter world and usually I have long gaming sessions, about 4 hours.
I mainly play at home lying on my bed, it is not a problem for me to keep the console connected to the charger while playing, and I would like to know is it safe for the battery life?

[Mahjik]

Yes.

[[KAMI] RedWyvern]

It is.
After charging the Deck disconnects the battery when it's full, to reduce wear on it.
The icon will get a checkmark when this happens, then the Deck is exclusively running on adapter power.

[Punkovich]

Using the system on the charger is probably actually better for battery longevity as it isn't being cycled through draining and recharging.

[Jake Sully]

Originally posted by Punkovich:

Using the system on the charger is probably actually better for battery longevity as it isn't being cycled through draining and recharging.

Problem is thought that lithium ion battery or w.e steam has got probably won't like being 100% charged most of times since that would wear it out as well.

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by Jake Sully:

Originally posted by Punkovich:

Using the system on the charger is probably actually better for battery longevity as it isn't being cycled through draining and recharging.

Problem is thought that lithium ion battery or w.e steam has got probably won't like being 100% charged most of times since that would wear it out as well.

At the risk of starting up this very controversial discussion again, Valve accounts for this:

If your device has been left on the charger for long periods of time, it may report less than 100% charge. This is normal. We allow the battery to slowly discharge after long periods of time under charge to optimize long-term battery health.

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/69E3-14AF-9764-4C28

If you stay plugged in, it doesn't keep it at 100%. Docks would have this problem already if it did.

[invision2212]

ive been using my deck for the last 5 months and its plugged in 90% of the time and the battery health is 99%

[[KAMI] RedWyvern]

Originally posted by invision2212:

ive been using my deck for the last 5 months and its plugged in 90% of the time and the battery health is 99%

The Deck has been out for a while and I have not seen reports of rapidly degrading battery health at all.
Of course you will find cases if you look for it, but if it is an issue, others who use their Deck more than you will run into it before you and report this, you will know before it affects you.

The Deck is designed as a gaming handheld, use it as such as buying it would otherwise be pointless.
The worst that could happen is that you wear out the battery sooner.
At which point the cooling system needs a repaste and cleaning anyway, along with the sticks and triggers possibly being worn.
As Valve committed to providing repairs and as local repair shops and you yourself can order parts too, just either get it repaired if it needs it after years of usage, or sell it to someone who will repair it.

TL;DR:
Steam Deck is meant to be enjoyed.
Don't let still unproven concerns over longevity detract from that.
If this is an issue, you will know in time and will be able to get it repaired, if it ever comes to that.

[Punkovich]

Originally posted by KAMI RedWyvern:

TL;DR:
Steam Deck is meant to be enjoyed.
Don't let still unproven concerns over longevity detract from that.

Don't worry, be Happy?
The limitations of current battery tech are well documented and not 'unproven concerns'

Originally posted by KAMI RedWyvern:

If this is an issue, you will know in time and will be able to get it repaired, if it ever comes to that.

If something breaks, just fix it... Only a fool would attempt to be proactive and care for the longterm functioning of their machines. I'm sure GabeN will cover us with lifetime replacements regardless of the 1year stated in the terms...

[FandangoChristmas]

I would say so, I always have mine plugged in with a long cable because the battery drains so fast, and it has worked fine that way for the past 6 months. Most other times I have it plugged in and docked.

[[?]legit]

Originally posted by invision2212:

ive been using my deck for the last 5 months and its plugged in 90% of the time and the battery health is 99%

The question is how accurate this stat is, because 99% is kinda sus after 5 months.

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by legit deck | w11:

Originally posted by invision2212:

ive been using my deck for the last 5 months and its plugged in 90% of the time and the battery health is 99%

The question is how accurate this stat is, because 99% is kinda sus after 5 months.

By what data? What data do you have support that is incorrect?

[[KAMI] RedWyvern]

Originally posted by Punkovich:

Originally posted by KAMI RedWyvern:

TL;DR:
Steam Deck is meant to be enjoyed.
Don't let still unproven concerns over longevity detract from that.

Don't worry, be Happy?
The limitations of current battery tech are well documented and not 'unproven concerns'

Indeed, Lithium Ion batteries are known to last approximately 3 years, depending on usage.
It is unproven whether keeping the Deck connected to the charger degrades this more than running it from the battery and wear by cycling it in this way.

Originally posted by Punkovich:

Originally posted by KAMI RedWyvern:

If this is an issue, you will know in time and will be able to get it repaired, if it ever comes to that.

If something breaks, just fix it... Only a fool would attempt to be proactive and care for the longterm functioning of their machines. I'm sure GabeN will cover us with lifetime replacements regardless of the 1year stated in the terms...

Don't generalise, this is about Steam Deck, which as I said before protects it's battery when kept connected to a charger.
Besides this built-in protection, how else will you save the battery life?

Of course out of warranty replacements are not free, Valve committed to not making them overpriced either.
A new battery + tools for replacing it is €94,95, another €28,90 for fresh stick modules, for a €134.85 DIY repair to make it good as new.
This is excluding labour if you can't do it yourself, but still, half the price of the base model to double the device's life, I consider this fair given how the Deck pricing works.

Originally posted by Mahjik:

Originally posted by legit deck | w11:

The question is how accurate this stat is, because 99% is kinda sus after 5 months.

By what data? What data do you have support that is incorrect?

The percentage listed in the Desktop Mode panel?
Either way, this is only an estimate, known to swing up or down and be inaccurate.

Well, it looks like the battery life discussion took off again.

[golephish]

good question! I was wondering the same thing so turned on the on screen. looks like the battery stays at about 96 and everything functions as normal.