Yes.
Gamers and journalists have been crazy about it since launch for good reason. It is relatively cheaper than other handheld gaming computers and games on it will be much cheaper than the Switch. The updated Deck is a huge improvement for the same price. It doesn’t have the fastest performance or longest battery life, but the whole package is easily the best gaming experience out there (mostly made possible by their excellent software). It can even be used as a full desktop PC if you want.
You’ve still got to consider your own use case. But if you’re on the market for a handheld gaming console, then the Deck is the best choice.
I think it depends on what you’re looking to do with it. I don’t think it is going to replace a full gaming PC for most people, for instance.
I like mine, but it is mostly the “hang out on the sofa” device while my partner is watching TV. I only bring it out of my flat on long trips, with the expectation I will use it in my hotel room. It is too big (and drains battery too fast) to be used on my regular commute. I don’t really play games on commutes though.
For that use case, it is fantastic. It does make using anything like a Switch afterwards feel like a child’s toy.
It also is fun to tinker with, it is basically just a PC running Linux so there are plenty of other things you can get working on it outside of Steam.
Yes, but make sure you have large storage if you plan on playing a lot of games.
I think it’s totally worth it as long as you don’t expect heavy duty games to run unreasonably smoothly:
- the performance is great for its form factor.
- the device is not locked down at all. SteamOS itself it a full featured desktop distribution. The default interface (called game mode) is designed to be accessible to controller users. But you can boot into desktop mode if you want which is a complete KDE plasma interface.
- sleep mode is very convenient. Since developers are too cool to implement pausing, being able to put the device in sleep mode is very comvenient. When the device resumes the game resumes as well.
- since it is not locked down prospects of piracy are great. It just takes some time to get used to lutris and understand the process. Knowing how wine and wine prefixes work is helpful.
It just takes some time to get used to lutris and understand the process. Knowing how wine and wine prefixes work is helpful.
This is not necessary at all. Installing a cracked game on a PC and copying the files over is all you need to do. Then you just add the exe to steam and force it to run with proton.
I was aware that steam can accept random executable but for some reason I just defaulted to lutris since I was used to that. Thanks.
I absolutely love mine. Aside from what others have been saying, one of my favorite uses for the Steam Deck has been as a portable media PC. I just carry a USB-C dock along with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (you could also just use a controller). It’s my new favorite way to play Minecraft - plug the Steam Deck into the TV, connect the wireless keyboard+mouse, and play from the couch. Then, when it’s time to go, I can keep playing in the car. It’s completely changed the way I game.
