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Steam deck battery limit set to 80%: what we know

Steam Deck Battery Indicator | Users Report Confusion Over 80% Lock

By

Maximilian Schubert

May 30, 2025, 12:37 AM

Edited By

David Brown

2 minutes of duration

A close-up view of a Steam Deck showing the battery icon at 80% charge, indicating the new charging limit from a recent update.
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A wave of frustration is rising among Steam Deck owners after reports confirm the device's battery indicator only shows up to 80% charge. The issue has sparked debates within user forums, with many detailing malfunctions that further complicate battery management.

Users Demand Clarity

Many users are seeking a solution for the faulty battery display. One user stated, "I just want them to fix the battery indicator that they broke on my Deck. I never know what my battery life is nowโ€ฆ it just says it's always plugged in and fully charged." Others expressed similar grievances, noting strange readings. For instance, another commenter reported their device dropped from 12% to 0% after plugging it in.

Known Issues and Potential Fixes

Among the grievances, one user pointed out a significant bug. According to feedback, the latest beta patch notes mention that the issue seems to be fixed. This highlights an ongoing conflict between users and system updates.

Another key point revolves around the tool PowerTools. A capable user explained, "You need to uninstall PowerTools, or just use PowerTools charge limit instead of the built-in limit because PowerTools overrides the built-in setting." This advice points to the software being a common cause of the 80% limit confusion among users, shedding light on why some struggle to see their battery charged beyond that threshold.

User Sentiment: A Mixed Bag

The sentiment across the comments appears largely negative regarding the battery indicator, with users calling for better fixes.

"80% is 80%. If you have a limit of 80% set, you will only see a maximum of 80% charge," one user explained.

Key Insights

  • โ—พ Many users reported a problematic battery life indicator, leading to confusion about actual battery levels.

  • โš ๏ธ Recent beta updates suggest a fix, but not all users are satisfied yet.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง PowerTools appears to interfere with the usage of native battery limits for some devices.

As users continue to voice their concerns, will future updates address these battery issues adequately? The community remains in suspense as they look for clarity and solutions.

What's Next for Steam Deck Owners?

As the Steam Deck community pushes for solutions, future updates are likely to incorporate more transparent battery management features. There's a strong chance that the developers will prioritize these complaints, especially given the widespread user sentiment. Experts estimate around an 80% probability that, with upcoming software patches, users will see clearer battery indications and improved functionalities. If feedback from this community remains vocal, it may lead to accelerated fixes and features to enhance user experience with battery life.

A Lesson from the Early Days of Smartphones

In many ways, this situation echoes the early days of smartphones, particularly with battery management challenges. Just as users once found themselves frustrated with unclear battery indicators and voltage management, the tech community responded with innovative solutions over time. A similar trajectory could unfold for Steam Deck, where initial frustrations morph into leading-edge enhancements. This historical context highlights that while issues may frustrate in the moment, they often pave the way for significant advancements that redefine user experience.