Valve has decreed that it's bringing the Nintendo Switch experience to PC via its Steam Deck, which is essentially a very chunky handheld computer for PC gamers. It's packing serious specs: Powerful AMD processors, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage... depending on what model you get. If you go for the cheapest option (which is still an eye-watering $400), you'll only get 64GB of eMMC internal storage. That is roughly enough storage to store one-fourth of a Call of Duty: Warzone.
Here's the question: Do you plan on pre-ordering a Steam Deck? The promise of having access to your Steam library anywhere via a Switch-like system is alluring. However, the Deck's actual form factor looks a bit closer to a chunky Wii U tablet than a Switch, and the pricing model is steep. What's your stance?
Don't forget Valve's history. Steam Machines, the limited love for Steam controllers, and similar attempts at slam-dunking the hardware market haven't quite panned out, and Valve doesn't always bother playing the long game with supporting its experiments. Are you ready for the risk of investing in a Steam device, at a minimum buy-in of $400 (not counting your local sales tax, if applicable), just for it to potentially become a really high-tech paperweight if Valve decides the product isn't panning out adequately?
In terms of positives going for the device, though, make no mistake: It's impressive. You can use Windows 11 on it or the Linux-based OS it comes with out of the box. Conceivably, you can run just about anything if you want to badly enough, including games from Epic's launcher, EA's Origin, or Ubisoft's Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay).
This handheld gaming PC could either be a total flop or revolutionize mobile PC gaming, taking Nintendo's idea and bringing it to everyone who doesn't care exclusively about Mario.
Whatever your thoughts on the device are, be sure to vote in the poll and drop some comments.
