There’s little doubt that Valve Software’s Steam Deck is a revolutionary device. Sure, we’ve had several handheld portable 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 I take my Steam Deck with me anytime I leave home. In doing so, I tend to draw some attention, as people are curious about what I’m holding. If Valve advertised the Steam Deck more, I might not be approached (not that I mind) as often as I am.
Granted, you likely know about it, and so does everyone who frequents this site (Thanks for stopping by) 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.
Granted, you probably already know about it, as does anyone who frequents this site (thanks for stopping by!) or other gaming platforms. However, for those who don’t visit gaming websites, Reddit, or even YouTube, the Steam Deck might as well be a Nintendo Switch. I’ve often had people walk up to me and ask why my “Nintendo Switch looks different.” At first, I was annoyed by how often I was approached, but I eventually realized it wasn’t their fault—it was Valve’s.
My most recent “Steam Deck experience” occurred at a local Barnes & Noble. I was hanging out while waiting for a chiropractic appointment. After browsing some books and checking out the LEGO sets, I settled down to game for a bit. I took out my Steam Deck, and before long, I noticed someone at a nearby table watching me. They weren’t glancing occasionally—they were intently trying to figure out what I was holding. To ease their curiosity, I paused my game of TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, held the Steam Deck up, and said, “It’s a Steam Deck!” Then, I asked if they’d like to try it out.
I’m pretty sure everyone within earshot of me saying that also heard me.
Curious, the young man approached, and I handed him the device. His eyes widened as he admitted he’d never heard of a Steam Deck and asked what it was. I introduced myself and explained the device. He told me he owned a Nintendo Switch and an Xbox Series X but had never ventured into PC gaming. When I asked why, he said it was too expensive and that he’d heard negative things about it. As a fan of PC gaming, I did my best to keep my composure.
I asked him about his favorite Xbox games, and he mentioned Gears of War 3, Forza Horizon 5, Elden Ring, and a few others. So, I launched the Xbox Cloud Gaming app on the Steam Deck and handed it back to him, encouraging him to pick a game. He started with Forza Horizon 5. I asked about other racing games he liked and why Forza Horizon 5 was his favorite. While chatting, I noticed he was fully immersed in the game, even turning the Steam Deck as if it were a steering wheel.
He then switched to Elden Ring and admitted he hadn’t progressed far but enjoyed what he’d played. Noticing my character was wearing Malenia’s armor, he asked how long it had taken me to defeat her. I replied that she was a massive pain! Watching him play was entertaining—his groans of frustration over dying were all too familiar.
Finally, I introduced him to LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to compare how it performed on the Steam Deck versus the Switch. I think this game really sold him on the concept of portable PC gaming, as he didn’t want to stop playing. But alas, all good things must come to an end.
After about 30 minutes, I had to pack up and leave. I handed him my business card and encouraged him to reach out with any questions. He asked where he could get one, and I explained the long wait times and the need for a Steam account. His face lit up as if I’d shared the secret of life, so I told him to email me. It was fascinating to see someone unfamiliar with gaming outside of the mainstream get their hands on a Steam Deck—it’s truly an eye-opening experience.
Why don’t more people know about the Steam Deck?
This leads to a broader question: why doesn’t the Steam Deck have more visibility? If Valve better advertised what the Steam Deck is and what it can do, perhaps more people would know about this incredible portable PC. For those not familiar with PC gaming, the Steam Deck might as well be a well-kept secret. Maybe Valve is fine with that for now, as they’re still working on fulfilling pre-orders. However, once those orders are fulfilled, I’d imagine they’d want to reach a broader audience.
To raise awareness, Valve could run ads on TV, YouTube, or Twitch and sell the Steam Deck in popular retail locations like Best Buy or Amazon. These are places frequented by average consumers, who might otherwise never hear about this device. If Valve does this, more gamers could see that the Steam Deck is an affordable and accessible gateway to PC gaming.
Until then, I’ll keep spreading the word about the Steam Deck and PC gaming on my own!
