I will be upfront from the get-go here and say that I’m obviously penning this column because I’ve fallen in love with my new Steam Deck. With all that said it does not change the premise of this article one bit. In fact, my experience might be extremely similar to yours and could help you move off the fence you’ve been sitting on while you debate taking the plunge into PC gaming. That is exactly where I was before I was offered a killer deal by a friend to trade a tablet I never used for a Steam Deck they’d never used. So, let’s get into the magic of the Steam Deck.
If you have no idea what the Steam Deck is I am happy to explain. The Steam Deck is a handheld console released by Valve in 2022 with the idea of breaking down the barriers between people and PC gaming as well as Linux. Most people ask if it’s similar to the Nintendo Switch, and probably with good reason. In some aspects it is, but it’s completely different in others. As for the basic, the two systems operate on the same idea.
Though the Steam Deck uses Linux as its primary operating system (OS), it’s the Proton Compatibility Layer that really bridges the PC gap for consumers. The PCL is a mini-OS that simplifies the Deck’s primary OS into an easy-to-use interface. The interface allows users to use the controls or the touch screen to operate it and truly makes the entire process of gaming on PC that much easier. All you have to do is touch the screen to download your games and any mods you might want, launch the thing, and enjoy some of your favorite games on the go, with modern graphics instead of the Switch’s limited output.
I won’t get into the technical specifications beyond saying that there are three models and each of them offers a different value. The base model is 64G of space and a normal hard drive is installed instead of an SSD. The other two models offer more storage (256G and 512G), but also come equipped with an SSD and include a carrying case for the buyer to store their system when not in use. All of the consoles can also have their storage expanded by up to 2TB using MicroSD cards. Valve recently launched a refurbished program allowing people to buy all three models at a reduced rate because they’re refurbished. All consoles must pass Valve’s certification process and this includes over 100 tests on various parts, reassuring the buyer that they are getting a fully functioning system with a certification guarantee.
With all of that out of the way, let’s talk about why you should buy a Steam Deck in 2023. The biggest reason right now is that Valve is no longer asking people to sign up for reservations. Now people can go straight to the Valve website and buy a new or refurbished Steam Deck and be assured that they will receive their product within 1-2 weeks. Even the refurbished systems are promised to arrive in a similar window. It’s never been easier to obtain a Steam Deck.
The number of games on the Steam Deck has never been better and it’s only going to grow. At first, developers didn’t care about ensuring their games were able to be played on the system, now they actively strive for Deck verification and that has only benefitted gamers in the sense that they can now take an extensive library of games with them on the go and be assured that they will work. It’s a tremendous boon for gamers and is one of the main reasons I bought the device.
Now I want to address some of the arguments one might give as to why purchasing one of these might be overkill. If you’re on the fence because you already have a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, maybe the fact that you can play those games on your Steam Deck with some adjustments might help you decide. The Steam Deck can also be plugged in at home like the Switch if you want to turn your Steam Deck into a console. This means you can now play your PC games on your TV with little effort.
Valve routinely has sales that allow gamers to stock up on great titles for an affordable rate. Gamers can check right there on their Deck if the game they’re buying is compatible with the Steam Deck. Valve has an integrated check system that allows users to not only provide feedback on what problems users may encounter if the game isn’t Deck verified, but it also includes the fixes for those problems right there on the menu. No other gaming system in the world allows for that kind of user input and feedback.
Valve also has the industry’s best return policy. If you buy a game on your Steam Deck, you find you don’t like it for ANY reason, and you have played it for less than two hours, Valve will return your money with no questions asked. It doesn’t matter if you’ve beaten the game and collected every possible trophy for the title inside those two hours, Valve will return your money. This has actually been tested by a major streamer, Valve knew what they were doing, and they were happy to return the money anyhow. That’s how cool this company is and that’s how amazing their customer service is, also providing yet another reason why buying a Steam Deck in 2023 is the way to go.
We’ve talked about the specs, we’ve talked about the games, we’ve talked about the hangups, and we’ve covered the customer service, so what is there left to discuss? How about Valve’s innovation and dedication to the platform. Not only is Valve committed to Steam Deck, they’re also working on and could be launching a Steam Deck console that will be integrated with their upcoming VR headset. That’s right, anything that you can find for a console system can also be found on a Valve product or will be found on one in the very near future. You’re not just buying some piece of tech by a company that will no longer be around in a few years, you’re buying a product from an industry leader with a profound commitment to seeing it succeed on every level possible.
So there you have it. If this hasn’t at least given you a reason to buy the system, hopefully, it has at least given you a reason to take a look at Valve and what they’re doing as a company. I have to admit, I had no idea they were this kickass before I got my Steam Deck and now that I know what I know, I can honestly see myself investing in them going forward as much as I have Sony in the past, and that’s quite a bit of money and time. I absolutely love my Valve Steam Deck and I think you will too.
