The Steam Deck: A Failed Attempt at Capturing Interest in PC Gaming
Valve's handheld gaming device, the Steam-deck">Steam Deck, failed to captivate me as a PC gamer. Despite my initial excitement and extensive research, this portable machine fell short of my expectations in the long run. I viewed it as a more powerful version of the Nintendo Switch, capable of playing both new and old games. However, once the initial excitement wore off, it remained untouched on my desk.
Encouraged by friends and colleagues, I decided to order the Steam Deck. As someone who enjoys PC Gaming but has limited desk space, I hoped this device would allow me to disconnect from my work-oriented gaming PC and enjoy gaming on the go.
Unfortunately, getting older games to run on the Steam Deck proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. Although I was willing to put in extra effort during the initial stages, concerns about potentially damaging the device and the inferior screen quality compared to the Switch OLED diminished my enjoyment of PC gaming. Eventually, I realized that I preferred playing games on consoles, where I could comfortably relax on a sofa instead of being confined to a desk.
So, what was the underlying cause of my dissatisfaction with the Steam Deck? While I cannot pinpoint a definitive answer, I suspect that my gaming style played a significant role. As an adult with ADHD/OCD, it can be difficult for me to fully immerse myself in a task. Furthermore, since my gaming PC is primarily used for work, it is challenging to separate it from that association.
Additionally, I do not have the same level of investment in the Steam platform as some others might. While I do have a Steam account for downloading games, I lack a community of friends who use the platform as a means of sharing tips, tricks, and strategies.
Despite my frustrations, I wondered if my ADHD/OCD brain was the primary obstacle in configuring the Steam Deck to suit my playstyle. Perhaps a less neurodivergent individual could successfully set up the portable device to run older games, considering that Valve has made efforts to simplify PC gaming with this device. However, I have come to the conclusion that PC gaming inherently poses more challenges for casual players.
In the end, I sold my Steam Deck and claimed the purchase as a tax write-off. PC gaming may not be the right fit for me at this time, but I recognize the potential and evolution of the Steam Deck. With future upgrades and improved usability, I may reconsider delving back into PC gaming. For now, I am content with the game library available on my gaming console.
