Portal Gets A UI Update For The Steam Deck
Half-Life 2 isn't the only Valve classic to get a facelift in anticipation of the Steam Deck. Portal has joined in on the fun with an updated UI that's a little more modern.
As spotted by Twitter user VIA C7-M, who added, "Who are you people? Hi, I do Linux and retro-tech stuff - and trans rights!" when the tweet blew up, the new Portal UI can be accessed via an opt-in beta. If you use the '-gamepadui' flag, booting up Portal will give you the new interface.
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It's the same flag that updates Half-Life 2 and its episodes, so if you want to try out the new UI before they're live, all you have to do is opt into the beta and toggle the flag. It's no doubt part of Valve's initiative to get its own library optimised for the Deck. Being handheld, there's a lot more work in making sure games are optimal like ensuring text is readable on a smaller screen. The UI pictured below is noticeably larger than the original, for instance.
It looks the same as Half-Life 2's, only the orange colour has been swapped out for blue. If you load a game, your saves will now be displayed in a vertical list with larger text and more visible images, clearly showing where you last left off. It's not only better for the handheld but makes these older games more accessible. The font is clearer and more legible with a contrasting background that's slightly transparent.
The 'New Game' menu has also been overhauled. Now the levels take up nearly the entire screen with larger images and names, making it much clearer. You can see it in action in the embedded video below which takes that flag and applies it to Half-Life 2, although it's also applicable for Episodes 1 and 2.
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