Valve Details Steam Deck’s Quick Resume-Like Dynamic Cloud Sync

Steam Deck creator Valve has revealed that the console will include a quick-resume like Dynamic Cloud Sync system, which will make it easier for players to switch between devices as they wish.

As detailed in a blog post on the developer’s website, Valve says that the Steam Deck’s Dynamic Cloud Sync will allow players to “seamlessly move between Deck and PC instances of the game without needing to worry about exiting the game on the Steam Deck.”

The developer says that it has included the feature on the console as it anticipates that users will want to frequently suspend their gameplay sessions without exiting the game. The closest comparison to this in terms of a handheld perhaps comes with the Nintendo Switch, which allows players to put their console to sleep and then pick up exactly where they left off in-game without closing the software.

Unlike the Switch, however, the Steam Deck’s dynamic system adds greater functionality to the feature by allowing players to pick up their session on PC as well.

“With Dynamic Cloud Sync, Steam will automatically upload all modified save game data to the cloud prior to the device entering sleep mode,” explains the developer. “Users can then resume their game on any PC, laptop or other device. Steam will also automatically download any save game changes when users return to their Steam Deck and wake up the device.”

“Without Dynamic Cloud Sync enabled, Steam will still track when save game data is changed on the Steam Deck. However, any user who suspends their Deck while your game is running and then tries to resume that game on a different device, will be prompted to first return to their Deck to close the running process or continue without their most recent save game progress.”

While the feature will be completely free to use, it might not be included for every game that you play. According to Valve, Dynamic Cloud Sync won’t be automatic, and will instead require game developers to manually enable it on their games in Steamworks in order for their fanbases to be able to take advantage of the feature.

In other recent Steam Deck news, Valve recently confirmed that it is still on track to meet the console’s February release date. The portable PC was originally intended for launch late last year but was eventually pushed back due to material shortages.

Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.