A few hours ago Valve updated the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive beta. Notable features of the update include Dust2 now being the default map for matchmaking and the addition of popular maps Inferno, Nuke and Train to the custom match map selection. In addition to other numerous small changes and bugfixes, three new weapons – the Nova shotgun and the PP-Bizon and MP7 SMGs – have been added as well. In addition to the large update, Valve updated the official CS:GO website over at Counter-Strike.net with a blog post detailing their plans for expansion of the beta, which begins now!
Valve gave a user Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for free as compensation for the long wait during their Steam Deck repair.
I had a similar experience when I initially pre-ordered my Deck. There was an issue during shipping and they offered me a customer service perk for the hassle and let me pick any game on Steam. It was super nice of them. I got a copy of Rime.
There have been plenty of comparisons online between the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2, but does Valve really need to compete?
Steamdeck plays Switch games better than the switch hardware.
I see no reason why this won't continue with the successors. Switch will sell more, sure. But those who game on PC always come out ahead both in enjoyment and value for their money.
Considering that other companies have shat out multiple PC handhelds already while Valve hasn't even mentioned a successor tells me they aren't looking to compete with anyone. They went for a console experience and that includes holding off on new hardware til there's a generational leap.
What many people don't get is that most of Steam Deck users have a high-end or at least a good enough PC alongside the Steam Deck. Yes, we like better graphics and higher refresh rates and we get them in our PC, we are not relying on the Steam Deck for them. We use the Deck for other reasons and in other eventualities, where we are willing to compromise on all these things, because we still get to enjoy them when we can/feel like it in the PC. Thus, a direct comparison with a sole device like the Switch is misplaced. Of course you need the Switch 2 to be strong if there is no stronger alternative to play your games in. By the way I got a Switch on day 1 and I loved it, it's just that I'm not really playing it anymore.
CS2 has brought new graphics, mechanics, and has become the new standard for esports competition. Learn about updates, pro strategies, and the future of Counter-Strike 2.
BEFORE YOU REPORT - THIS IS *NOT* A DUPLICATE. Earlier story used only a tweet from this afternoon as a source - this post references the official Steam News update to CS:GO as well as a recently posted blog entry on the official CS:GO website that details plans for beta expansion. Neither of those sources were yet available when the earlier story was posted. Repeat - this IS NOT a duplicate post!
I wish I had a beta key :(