this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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I bought a Steam Deck so I can play games while on the go. I just kind of forgot I'm never actually on the go, so 90% of the time it's just gathering dust on my nightstand, because I'd rather play on my proper gaming PC when I'm at home.
This is the same reason I've never bought one. I love the concept, they are so cool. I use Linux on my desktop at home and at work. The thought of a powerful handheld Linux gaming PC for gaming on the go is so enticing, and I want to support Valve and the development of proton and gaming on Linux. But in reality I'm rarely "on the go". I read articles on my phone when I'm on the train on my way to work. I watch videos on my android tablet when I'm flying on a plane for work. I have a Nintendo 3DS and an ODroid Go Ultra ARM emulation handheld gathering dust on my nightstand. I'd hate the thought of adding a steamdeck to the pile.
I think you're making the right call. I bought a used Steam Deck and I love it and don't regret it at all, but I think I'm more of the target demographic than you are. I built a PC 15 years ago when Windows 7 was launching and then upgraded it a few years later, and then replaced that with a gaming laptop that's now very outdated. I'm sorta kinda tech savvy; a fucking doofus compared to somebody like you but a goddamn genius compared to most people I meet.
The Steam Deck proved to me that if/when I build a desktop, (and I want that to be soon but I keep getting surprise expenses lol,) then I'm ready to jump over to Linux as my OS. I was thinking Chimera for something that could effectively be a powerful modern Steam Machine with UI similar to Steam Deck, but Nobara looks more versatile for being a full PC instead of being a console that has PC capability. I have more faith in Nobara to be able to run a big project in a DAW like Reaper, plus I want the ability to stream on Twitch or do some basic video editing too, and it seems to be pretty accessible to a long-time medium-level Windows user like me.
Right now, most of my Steam Deck use is on the couch. My wife never really tried Skyrim, so she's playing a file on the PS5 and I lay my head in her lap on the couch and play a different Skyrim file on the Deck. But I also play it on a train or take it with me when I go somewhere overnight. It can't keep up with a modern PC or PS5, but it blows me away that it's a handheld PC that's about as powerful as a PS4. People bitch about the battery, but tweaking a few simple sliders can double or even triple battery life with relatively little compromise. It's amazing but it's a waste of your time and money lol.
I had the opposite happen. I thought a steam deck may help me be more on the go as well, however it just helped me be even lazier in bed...
I just got one and deciding to get one is very situational. I'll sit outside with my dog for hours and I can't bring my desktop outside. For me it's been great. I wouldn't recommend one to someone unless they know when they'll use it.
I thought I'd use it commuting too, but I don't. It's just a little too awkward to bring on my commute.
I purchased it purely as an all-in-one indie game player for the television, that had a nice form factor. Was easy to connect with controllers, and relatively high-end.
I don't really like playing on it's joysticks and buttons, but that doesn't matter when I only really use it docked.
It's nice with a relatively high-end console when on the go. I usually bring a controller along for this, though.
It was expensive, but performs exactly as advertised.
I use my steam deck because I want to play on the couch or in bed or something and I can just instantly start playing when I pick it up. I'll leave it suspended in a game, so I hit the power button and 2 seconds later I'm back to playing.
I got a switch to play games in bed but it pisses off my girlfriend.
I almost never use mine on the go, but I love it for playing on the couch or in a hammock.
Same thing here, but I bought it when winter was coming. I'm nomadic during the warm season so the true test for me will be when that happens.