So I’m not really sure where to put this piece of tech. Do I compare it to an Xbox or Playstation? Do I compare it to my PC? Do I compare it to a Nintendo Switch? The problem I have is that initial from my gut I don’t know if either one of these items can be compared to this item. This leads me to my first real conclusion or point. I don’t believe the Steam Deck has an accurate label or category for it. Sure you could wrap this up as a computer handheld and call it a day. But once you do this you first need to find another item in the past that has been this powerful and yet so openly ready for modification that still places it against some of the more universally bought PCs of its time, and you can’t do this.
You see, Valve for the first time, in my opinion, has created something that is truly revolutionary. No handheld device has ever possessed the sure power, design, and all out playability as the Steam Deck and yet remained open for modification without some kind of illegal hack. Valve has done what most thought would be impossible to do in a handheld device. And that was not just to make something powerful but to make something that practical, comfortable to hold and use without cramps, and yet remain something large enough on the screen to be considered useful.
Everything down to the button design and how they feel and operate was taken into consideration unlike 99% of all other handheld devices out there with cramped buttons layout and or unuseful analogs or direction pads. No, Valve made sure to create the perfect size and use for anyone with normal hands to operate this handheld so comfortably that they feel no need for a different controller to add to it and yet you can still connect a controller to it or a mouse or keyboard if you want after you dock it to a tv or monitor display. Bottom line …this device doesn’t limit you on how to use it or what to do with it. It literally gives you the ability to create your own perfect gaming device and use it just like you need to at the moment. They even had enough forethought to make sure your unit has a Bluetooth and or 3.5 jack for audio (something a lot of devices these days have gone away from). Oh, and did I mention the programmable buttons under the unit and the replacement analog sticks?
Look, I’m not saying this thing is perfect because nothing is. But as far as gaming devices, Valve may have just come up with possibly the one of the greatest achevement in Gaming History. Playing PC games, console games, and Indy titles in a handheld with a screen big enough to enjoy them and a frame rate 60% or more computers out there can’t duplicate is something of a flat out flex and Valve should be very proud of themselves. Yes, I will need more time with the unit. I’m seriously deep into the Eve Online, Spellslingers, Fifa, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and many other titles I didn’t ever think would be possible on a handheld. So when I can pull myself away from them and get back to my console gaming ( if I can do this) then I should have a final review soon. But until then, I’m seriously shook up by all this. 60fps, amazing, sound quality, customizable, comfortable, high-quality build, and finally high-level graphics settings that in some cases beat even my consoles and PC is just not fair to anyone.
Tech-N-Things 