There’s little doubt that Valve Software’s Steam Deck is a revolutionary device. Sure, we’ve had several handheld portal PCs out there, but they’re also mighty expensive. This is where the Steam Deck comes in. It’s affordable (depending on which model you get) and does a great job running games.

I’ve gotten so attached to mine that anytime I leave my home; I take my Steam Deck with me. In doing so, I typically tend to draw some attraction, as people are curious about what I’m holding. If Valve advertised the Steam Deck, I would likely not be bothered (not that I mind) as much as I do.

Granted, you likely know about it, and likely so does every other people who frequent this site (thanks for stopping by, btw) or other gaming sites. However, when it comes to those who don’t check out gaming websites, Reddit, or even YouTube, the Steam Deck might as well be a Nintendo Switch. In many situations, I have had people walk up to me and ask me why my “Nintendo Switch looks different.” At first, I got annoyed at how many people approached me, but after a while, I realized it wasn’t the person who asked me fault. It was Valve’s fault.

My most recent “Steam Deck experience” was when I was hanging out at the local Barnes and Nobles. I wanted to chill for a bit while I waited for my chiropractic appointment, so I browsed a few books, checked out the LEGOS, and then sat down for some gaming. I busted out my Steam Deck, and after a while, I noticed this person sitting a few tables from me, watching me. It wasn’t just like every so often. No, the person was trying to figure out what exactly I was holding in my hand. So, instead of having them stare at me, I paused my game of TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge hoisted the Steam Deck above my head, and said, “It’s a Steam Deck!” Then asked them if they wanted to see it.

I’m pretty sure everyone within earshot of me saying that also heard me. 

Curious, the young man made his way over to me, and I handed him the Steam Deck. His eyes widened as he mentioned he’s never heard of a Steam Deck and asked what exactly he was holding. I introduced myself and explained what the Steam Deck was. He told me he owned a Nintendo Switch and an Xbox Series X, but he never bothered with PC gaming. I asked him why and he ended up telling me because it’s expensive, and he heard all sorts of bad stuff about it. I did my best to keep my composure, as I love PC gaming. I then asked him what some of his favorite Xbox games were, to which he blurted out a few, including Gears of War 3, Forza Horizon 5, Elden Ring, and a few others. So, I fired up the Xbox Cloud Gaming app that I added to the Steam Deck. 

I handed it back to him and told him to pick any game he wanted.  The first game he played was Forza Horizon 5. I asked him what other racing games he played and why Forza Horizon was one of his favorites. While grilling him, I could see he was really getting into the game and enjoying himself, and even turned the device like it was a steering wheel at times.

After a bit, he swapped over to Elden Ring and remarked he didn’t get very far in his game, but he enjoyed what he played. He also noticed my character was wearing Maleina’s armor and asked just long it took to beat her. I simply replied that said she was a massive pain in my rear. I continued to watch him, complete with cries of frustration of dying more than he wanted to.

Finally, I let him play LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, as I wanted him to see that game in action as well. It was also a good comparison of how it performed on the Steam Deck compared to the Switch. I think this game was what really made the idea of portable PC gaming pop, as he simply didn’t want to stop playing. However, all good things must come to an end.

After about 30 minutes or so, I had to pack up and get ready to leave. I tossed him my business card and told him to contact me if he had any questions. He asked right then and there, where could he get one? I told him it was a long wait, unfortunately, and he needed to have a Steam account. I could see his face changing as if I was telling him the secret of life, so I just said to email me It was an interesting experience, as I got to see how it was for someone who didn’t follow gaming outside of the mainstream. For a person who doesn’t know what the Steam Deck is, then getting their hands on one – it’s an eye-opening experience.

You have to wonder about this all. If Valve had done a better job advertising what the Steam Deck is and what it’s capable of, perhaps more people would know of the PC portable that can. If you aren’t familiar with PC gaming, then you likely have no idea what the Steam Deck is, and perhaps Valve is ok with that. Or least for now. As the company is still working on getting the pre-ordered units produced and delivered, maybe that’s for the best. Yet, once the orders are fulfilled, I’d imagine they’d want to get the word out to everyone who enjoys gaming, not just the PC gaming crowd.

Toss some commercials on TV, YouTube, or Twitch. Maybe start selling the Steam Deck in other locations, such as Best Buy or Amazon. Places that average consumers frequent. The word needs to get out, and this is easily one of the best ways to get someone who wants to make the jump to PC gaming but is afraid of the cost or the unexpected. Until then, I suppose I’ll keep spreading the gossip that is the Steam Deck on my own.

Keith is a passionate lover of video games after his 9-5 grind. Loves playing the Dark Souls series and has been gaming since he was 6 years old. Yes, I am a black gaming journalist. Follow my antics on Twitter @Shadowhaxor.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Us The Team Contact Us Work with Us Freelancing Rates Advertise with Us Ethics Policy Fact-Checking & Corrections Policy Review Policy Privacy Policy

News Reviews Features Podcasts Guides Gaming Anime Books Films & TV

Follow Us Twitter YouTube Facebook RSS

Find our Game Reviews On