Is getting a Steam Deck worth getting?

[Lavaimp]

I'm wondering if I should save for a Steam Deck. I do have a lot of games i'd love to play from my library on the go, but I don't know if it's worth the price or if a reservation is guaranteed to get one.

 

[Chary]

At this point, all reservations are going to get their Deck. Valve is super ahead of schedule, at least.

I find I actually play my Steam backlog on the Deck way more than I do on my PC. But it depends on how much you like portability. And if you're on the go a lot and hefting around the Deck would be a problem; the carrying case helps a lot, but man, that thing is bulky.

 

[SG854]

I wish I could answer this question

 

[The Minecrafter]

I recommend getting one (I have one). It's really nice being able to play games in different positions, like lying down in bed, on a recliner,...

 

[Lavaimp]

I recommend getting one (I have one). It's really nice being able to play games in different positions, like lying down in bed, on a recliner,...

Yeah!! that does sound super fun, thouugh i wonder
for games that are more mouse oriented, what does it do?

 

[khuong]

I have 2, and I would say.. yes it's worth getting.. for the price.. and what it is.. nothing really beats it.

 

[Taleweaver]

Is it worth it? Yes!
Long answer: YYYYEEEEEEESSSSS!!!

More serious: you're saying it... If you already have a library of games to try, it's a great product. Compatibility is generally better than valve's own findings, though it might be a bit finicky to get it to work. But even then we're talking of at most 40% of their library (check steam or protondb for compatibility).

The interesting part is that I don't use it so much for on the go (though i did play dead cells on the train yesterday) but for constant on/off switching. Joys of being a parent, i guess. But really: it's like a smartphone or tablet in that you just pause and resume whenever.

It's also worth noting that it's already competing with just about any pre-hacked console in ease of use. Emulation up to wiiu without issues(okay: i found a few minor slowdowns with super mario galaxy) and some switch games behave well.
But really: just about any pc game works fine. I've put a couple dozens of games from itch.io on an sd card and they pretty much all work. Again: a bit finicky to set up (i recommend at least a usb-c - > female usb converter), but it works fine after that.

Other quality of life things: key bindings you just change any game to whatever the fuck you want (okay: wii is a bit an edge case). Epic games and gog have working launchers, so if you've got games there, you can install these as well.
Lastly: yes, Xbox-controlled games are the easiest, but simple mouse driven games or"mobile games"in the steam store work surprisingly good. It can't compare to an actual mouse, but those pads are a solid alternative.
Oh, and it comes with a great carrying case and adapter.

As to disadvantages... It's too bulky for your pockets. It's not exactly cheap(not talking of price/quality), and the smallest version is just a placeholder (what was it? 64 gigs? That's a fucking joke).
As mentioned: the queue goes so fast you might have it this year if you sign up now. Yeah... Still not pick up and get it. They really deserve credit for their way of handling imho, but i can't deny its still a disadvantage in the end.

 

[KiiWii]

Yes. Just yes!

 

[Taleweaver]

... or if a reservation is guaranteed to get one.

Erm... Not sure where you are in the world but it worked fine for me (Belgium).
As far as I've heard, valve just honors their system. I mean... Why wouldn't they?

Edit: hmm... Just read that the queue seems to be gone as of today:
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/you-can-now-buy-a-steam-deck-and-its-dock-without-a-reservation

 

[Hayato213]

Still cheaper than other Portable PC Console like Aya Neo and Onexplayer, ultimately you should decide if you want the 64/256 Model screen or the 512GB model screen.

 

[The Minecrafter]

Yeah!! that does sound super fun, thouugh i wonder
for games that are more mouse oriented, what does it do?

There's two touchpads underneath the joysticks that allow for mouse movement, and you can customize the sensitivity of the touch pads easily. I've played some mouse heavy games, and I haven't felt like I was fighting against the controls at any time.