For the windows .msi version, you might try installing it on a windows computer and then copy the install directory over to the deck. Then you can add the executable to steam as a non-steam game, and force proton through the "force compatibility tool" menu.
I believe the libXrandr.so.2 library can normally be installed on Arch by installing the libxrandr package, but I'm not sure how to install that on SteamOS without unlocking the filesystem.
Don't worry about the deck's cooling, the built in fan is fine. It will work fine with a case as well as long as the case doesn't cover the vents.
It's possible to get by with a 64gb deck and microSD cards, but it can be difficult. Even if you don't install any games to the internal storage, things like shader cache will still be saved to the internal storage and can fill it up. A faster, larger SSD is really nice. Opening the deck isn't very hard (just make sure you use a proper size screwdriver, make sure it's fully inserted in the screws before turning them, and don't overtighten when you put them back).
Did some searching, and you're right.
In addition to Naughty Dog announcing it would be steam deck compatible, Valve started using it in promos for the Steam Deck. Some game news sites took this as proof that the port had Valve's approval, and that the game would launch as verified. This was repeated by people on reddit, and had me thinking it launched as verified.
The Last of Us Part 1 was also steam deck verified on launch, and had it's verified status revoked after it came out and ran terribly.
I would recommend waiting until it comes out and see what the reported performance is before buying.
edit: turns out I was remembering wrong, see below comments.
Good guide, thanks for sharing.
I have an Ivoler dock, and haven't noticed this issue. If restarting your deck doesn't help you might consider returning it.
By itself, no not really. It can probably be paired with a Jsaux backplate to effectively cool though.
The Jsaux backplate by itself improves temps, but only for 15-20min. After that the heatsink plate has reached max temps and can't shed the heat fast enough to make a noticeable difference to the thermals. Pairing it with a cooling fan though would probably keep it effective in reducing temps after that initial warm up period.
I use my Pixel Buds A-series and they work fine, but I haven't played any games that require low latency.
AptX got open sourced in March this year, I'm hoping to see it come to the deck to help with latency.
It is for me. I buy a lot of bundles, and have a very large library. Sometimes it's really hard to find newly added games.
If I were you, I'd look into setting one of the back buttons to trigger the screen magnifier. Not a perfect solution, but it might help enough if you want to play on the go.
Yeah, but with steamOS being immutable you can't install stuff from pacman without unlocking it first.