Recording summary · July 2021
5 reasons NOT TO BUY the Steam Deck
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Overview
Daniel anticipates the upcoming Valve Steam Deck will flop despite its appealing concept, deeming it impractical due to heavy weight, thumbstick and trackpad aiming limitations, small screen size when paired with peripherals, fan noise, heat, and poor battery life.
Daniel prefers using a Switch Lite for portable casual games and a desktop setup with keyboard and mouse for competitive games like Rainbow Six, having previously ceased traveling with gaming laptops because of back pain and bulk.
Themes
Comparison between the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch Lite regarding ergonomics, weight, and casual gaming functionality.
Input mechanics and usability issues with playing complex or competitive PC titles like Rainbow Six using handheld thumbsticks or trackpads.
Ergonomic difficulties and travel inconveniences of attaching external keyboards, mice, and monitors to the Steam Deck compared to laptops or desktops.
Hardware expectations concerning heat generation, fan noise, and rapid battery depletion during demanding gameplay.
Developments
Daniel stopped using gaming laptops while traveling due to back pain and excessive weight and bulk in bags.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether the Steam Deck battery will deplete within one to two hours under decent gaming settings.
Whether the Steam Deck will become extremely hot and produce loud fan noise during PC gaming sessions.