Dynamic synchronization with the cloud will facilitate the continuity of games between a traditional PC and a Steam Deck. This feature makes it possible to alternate between the Steam Deck and PC versions of the same game without interruption and without having to leave the game on Steam Deck, explains Valve.
“We expect many people to put their Steam Deck to sleep without closing the game, as is the case with other portable gaming machines. Thanks to dynamic cloud synchronization, progress is saved when switching to another device, whether it’s a computer or another copy of Steam Deck.“
“When this feature is enabled, before the device is paused, Steam will automatically upload all edited game saves to the cloud. It is then possible to resume the game on any PC or other device. Then, when returning to Steam Deck and waking it from standby, Steam automatically downloads any changes to the game save.“
Valve adds that support for this feature is not a requirement for a game to run properly on Steam Deck, but it is a free convenience option that it would be a shame to miss out on. Note, however, that you will have to activate it manually for your games on Steamworks and use the new APIs, as explained here. Remember that the first Steam Decks are expected at the end of February among lucky buyers.