The new Bond game, 007 First Light, arrives with notable differences between platforms. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions offer 2160p at 60 FPS in performance mode, while the Steam Deck settles for 800p at 40 FPS and low graphics. For the player seeking smoothness and detail, the scales clearly tip towards home consoles.
Technical analysis: resolution and performance on consoles and handhelds 🎮
On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the performance mode of 007 First Light achieves native 4K resolution with a stable 60 frames per second rate. The Steam Deck version, on the other hand, drops to 800p and sacrifices visual quality, with reduced textures and simplified shadows to maintain 40 FPS. The difference is evident: high-end consoles leverage dedicated hardware, while Valve's handheld shows its limits in demanding titles.
Valve's handheld: a Bond with bottleneck glasses 🕶️
Seeing James Bond on Steam Deck is like seeing him on a low-budget mission: the tie crooked, the suit wrinkled, and the martini served in a plastic cup. With 40 FPS and 800p, the spy seems to have run out of budget for the casino. While on PS5 the villain escapes in an Aston Martin, on the handheld he flees on a scooter. At least the battery lasts as long as a chase.