For my age, 35 years old, and with 2 daughters, the best console game is that one I can play... so... handhelds is the best consoles for me. My TV is able only to play Peppa Pig now.
The Steam Deck has changed my life to say the least. As a dad, it's been a lifesaver. But also, what started out as the backlog killer has turned into more reason to buy games 🤦🏻♂
Exactly my problem. Picked it up as I thought it would be a convenient way to play some of the games I never got around to but find myself browsing the steam store more than actually playing anything.
Three things help the Deck rise above its competitors: 1. The ubiquity of the Deck. It's already surpassed well over a million units sold, something not even the Aya Neo line can claim. 2. Its ability to standardize hardware and graphics settings for games makes it easy for console gamers, and non-techie people to get into PC gaming, which makes its appeal in the marketplace much wider than any other similarly priced device. 3. Vavle's staunch and unrivaled support. No other PC gaming handheld will get the same amount of attention, updates and software enhancements that the Deck will. When it comes to handheld gaming, you must consider many more factors than simply hardware horsepower alone.
I'm a father and understand. Combining with nreal air allows you to enjoy quick experiences and also shelter your kids from triple aaa title content that is adult oriented.
One device to rule them all. Honestly, the mantra of PC gaming has always been flexibility and customizabilty, and the steam deck embodies that perfectly. It's got the "soul" of PC gaming in a portable and affordable package. Truly well done by Valve.
the mantra of console gaming has always been plug and play this isn't exactly the steam deck feature. for this reason I think that deck will absolutely not affect that market segment, it is and will remain a niche product intended for a very low percentage of PC gamers, even defining it portable seems ironic to me and gigantic, it will weigh a quintal
@@Kabullo76 you seriously think it weighs a ton? That deck is a fraction of my laptop and super comfy in the hands. Every switch or PSP or Gameboy I've owned or used made my hands cramp up. Not my steam deck
Steam Deck is the perfect complimentary device... I don't think it nails the landing completely but Valve definitely supports it exceptionally well and they most definitely got the price point right... the price/value proposition is amazing.
For a first gen device, I think Valve did a better job than most traditional hardware manufactures are able to do with their expertise and experience. With that being said, it still has a long way to go before I can even think of even buying one. Probably by the 3rd and 4th generation I think it would be fine tuned and the technology mature enough for me to could pick one. But for now, I am more than happy to let others beta test it for Valve to see what works and what doesn't.
@@MarquezDaniel Nah they will probably release the next gen by the end of 2023 or the first few months of 2024, I am probably guessing by 2027 or 2029, Steam Deck would be in a stable state
@@ownzuall It's not impossible to get one even if it's not available although it does take extra cost. Either by through a service that delivers to your country or a scalper but even those prices have started to become more fair.
Love the way this guy reviews things, the topics he touches on in this video are relatable to me as a dad of 2. Being able to play handheld, on the go and approach gaming like "reading a book" is spot on. Keep honing your craft, your reviewing is top draw
I'm impressed with how well the Steam Deck has taken off. I know I've totally finished games that I never would have because of it. And playing old DOS games I grew up with as a kid on a handheld still blows my mind. Games like Commander Keen feel like they were made for a handheld.
Great! I played a lot of commander Keen as a kid. Does it work playing Sierra's Quest games? Point and click like King's Quest 5, 6... and how about the older ones where you have to type, 4, 3, 2 and 1?
I'm a truck driver so I'm on the road a lot. I have a nice 32" tv on board and I have some down time to play games. I don't have a PS5 or X and planned on buying either to keep me company. After watching this I think I now have my choice. Being able to play games from either console is a dream come true. That brings up another big idea from Valve or maybe alienware. A powerful console that's basically a PC that will compete with consoles. The advantage with this console is somewhat bridging the gap between PS and X. Xbox games are on PC and PS following the same trend would mean this console plays both!
Its the best gaming device i have bought in 2 decades.. (Not counting my Gaming PC). Being able to play AAA games, AA games, and Indie games on the go, plus with mods, and then emulators is amazing. Having a PS4 Pro in the palm of my hands is incredible. Been playing Wolfenstein New Order recently on the Deck at 60fps is awesome.
The steam decks sleep feature is amazing I'll be knee deep in a game and have to step away, just press the power button and the system goes to sleep Then whenever I come back I turn it back on and it jumps right back to where I left off It really adds that grab-n-go feel to PC games
Really cool stuff! I would highly recommend learning about the "Golden 40" that leverages the 40Hz capabilities of the Deck's display, similar to what Sony does with 120Hz VRR-capable TVs with some PS5 games. Inevitably, you'll often end up worrying if a recent release can run at 60FPS on there. The Golden 40 does massively help here: Due to the fact you can lower the panel's refresh rate to 40Hz through the Quick Action Menu, you are able to go for 40FPS instead of 30. Why you may ask? Despite a 10FPS additional payload to the Deck's graphics APU, 40 FPS is right in the middle between 30 and 60 FPS in terms of frame pacing - meaning a nearly 60 FPS experience. Try it out! If you want to see this in action, feel free to give an older video of mine a shot, where I tried to explain this comprehensively. Cheers!
Just found you through Cryobytes earlier today. Great content from both of you. Pretty much been doing the Golden 40 thing since I got the Deck a few months back. Its very smooth and easy to implement the idea on Days Gone.
I can attest to 1/3rd vsync. It works very well. I use it sometimes for games that don’t work with gsync very well on my 165hz monitor, which is 55fps w 1/3rd vsync on.
More video like this GS please. I long stopped checking in daily like I did 10 years ago, getting excited of new videos like The Point, Feedbackular and so on. Well done Kurt on the video, really hope we get more industry breakdown videos like this in the near future.
This is such a cool video and didn’t expect this quality of humor, editing, and personality when I opened it. I’ve been looking to replace my stadia set up and now looking to maybe branch out to the steam deck. Thanks for this cool and very interesting video. Beautiful house also.
I have an Xbox X and S. I am shocked how much I love my Steam Deck. I use it as a console to play PS exclusives on my TV really well and when out and about. Like you said. I play PC games like books. With the Save State I have come to love on Xbox, Steam Deck does this really well. I get interrupted and I just pressed the power button. 10 minutes later I pressed the power button and start up right where I left off.
@@presidentialkingdom2201 X in the living room and an S in the bedroom for media and gaming when I can't sleep at night. Also I earned the Series S for free with reward points.
One detail that may seem irrelevant... but... I can charge the SteamDeck with my Lenovo Laptop charger perfectly, it has many of this small benefits as any PC. It has touchscreen and mini mouse controls for games that were not designed for controllers only. "Custom online controller setups" is one of the best features that few people mention and improves experience drastically.
Sometimes I’ll find myself playing on my steam deck when my PC is literally a few feet away. It’s just so convenient and pretty powerful for its size and cost. Such a versatile device, it’s worth every penny to me. Also got the 64 gig version and just threw a 500 gig microSD card in there, and it’s amazing how well games can run off of that. Truly impressive.
The SteamDeck is more than a Switch Pro, It is a paradigm shift in the concept of how to game. Honestly, its an open ecosystem unlike any other because of its open source OS. its breaking down barriers to entry. For the cost of a PS5, you can get a Steam Deck+Dock and since Valve has included Flatpak software repos (AKA a totally free app store), you can get a device that exceeds the functionality of any console, and any gaming laptop. It made me a Linux user, and yes this comment was written on a Steam Deck
And Valve is now paying for Linux development to support the Deck. Lots of tools have improved besides just Proton coming from Wine. They are making Linux in general better.
Believe me, once you get to know its full potential, you feel like you made an steal compared to what Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Gamers are getting (even combined)
This was actually a really well put together Gamespot video. Steam Deck has been a life changer for an adult with children. The best feature so far is easily it's sleep feature.
It's not the Steam Deck that's changing Console Gaming... It's SteamOS that will change both PC and Console gaming. The Deck is just the first outing. Valve need to get this OS out in the wild.
Gamespot is just soooo much better than IGN videos like these are why.... I feel im listening to a fellow gamer venting their actual personal thoughts and experiences...i used to like gametrailers back in the day for this reason too but they are now acquired by ign too...😑 Never become like ign Gamespot....stay on this path
I have to echo many other comments here...this video was so engaging to watch! The way the presenter well...presented the video and editing is spot on! Loved it!
Well said. I totally agree. I too consider myself a console gamer for all the reasons mentioned in this video but after years of having a Steam account and taking advantage of many Humble Bundle and Flash sales I have amassed a large number of Steam games and with the Steam Deck I have an instant library if games ready to go. Not to mention all those free games from the Epic game store and with Steam Deck I can play those too. Steam came out with a pretty incredible device. When all is said and done, it is a good time to be a video gamer. Keep this guy!
I appreciate you mentioning the fact that it's just easier to just boot up a console and play. It's one of the main reasons why I've been ignoring playing games on Steam. I love being able to just turn on my PS5, pick a game, and play. That's why I'm interested in getting a Steam Deck, I love that you can do the same: Just boot up and play, whether on the deck itself or with the dock connected to my TV. I have plenty of Steam games that I have yet to play and 'collecting dust'. I've literally rebought some games that I got on Steam, on the PlayStation Store, just to be able to boot up and play easily. Hoping to get one in 2023!
@@DM-rc4yu still too many steps imo. It's easier for me to just turn on my PS5 and go straight to the game. Gotta boot up the laptop, wait for everything to load up, sign into Steam, hook up to my TV, controller, etc. I just feel like console is easier.
This is all well and good but can we take a moment to appreciate just how many fancy camera angles and editing techniques that went into this video about what is essentially the PC version of the Nintendo Switch. Also how impeccably spotless your house is, some might argue all you'd need for a video like this would simply be a clean table, but you go the extra mile and turn your whole place into a display home.
Even if I just wanted to do this video at a clean table, I would still end up shooting it weird just to make sure I was entertained while making it. Really appreciate you giving it a watch and taking note on how much I put into it
I'm sure they wouldn't like the idea, they would be crushed by Nintendo as has already happened to many . Sega tried it in the past and Sony tried it 2 times more recently and it didn't go very well
Can we just stop for a moment to appreciate the creative cinematography and masterful storytelling of this video? It's watches like a Casey Neistat vlog but with maximum production value. Possibly the best shot video of 2022, right here. Give this guy an Emmy.
I just had a realisation the other day: Between having "only" a Steam Deck with dock, a Macbook with Windows installed (via Parallels) and a monitor that has hub functionality (so you can connect a mouse, keyboard and external harddives to the monitor itself), you essentially have access to - A Linux computer (Steam Deck) - A Mac OS computer - A Windows computer - A stationary computer (by hooking up the Macbook to the screen) - A laptop - A portable gaming console - A stationary gaming console (Steam Deck docked) Some compromises and concessions, sure, but a pretty sweet minimalist setup all the same, especially considering the diminutive size of a Steam Deck and Macbook.
I literally have the entire libraries of Ps1,PS2,Xbox,Nintendo Wii, 3Ds, GameCube and many more consoles on my Steam Deck through Batocera. Steam Deck is the greatest console of all time👌🏾❤💯
Steam deck has removed several barriers for me as I have always typically leaned more towards PC gaming and now it gives me the option to play my steam library comfortably on the couch or away from home. I love my 17 inch Omen gaming laptop but it’s heavy and often a bit cumbersome to hoist up and have open to game on when I really want to be more relaxed. My Wife also has a deck and allows us to easily be next to each other to share exciting moments in our games or help out. The quality of gaming with eye candy turned up that you get is amazing and makes me not even miss being on my gaming laptop much. I had an Aya Neo 2021 but am now a happy Deck Head
I just got my Steam Deck a little over a week ago. It was perfect timing since I got stuck at a hospital out of state just days after it was delivered, so I had plenty of time to play games on it. Finally played the 1998 PC classic Half Life. Pretty dang good game, especially considering its age. Now I'm having a blast with the Pixel Remaster of Final Fantasy. I've had a Steam Account for 14 years, but barely used it. I had a few games from college because I took some video game design classes and needed the assets for my homework; which is why I made the Steam Account in the first place. Then the account went nearly untouched for a decade until I got VR and used Steam VR for a handful of titles. I had 3 friends in Steam. On the flip side, I own 52 game consoles with thousands of legally owned games across the collection. And it is the Steam Deck that is at last getting me into the PC gaming ecosystem. Handheld, docked to my TV, huge gaming library. For now, I'm only playing games not currently available on my other consoles, but I can see that changing over time thanks to the versatility of this Deck.
I'm compelled to mention the Witcher 3 with its recent update; I go from my PS5 on the couch to the Steam Deck in bed thanks to an *automatic* cloud-based cross-save system. It's seamless, & that's just so pleasant I'm replaying a massive RPG I never finished in the first place. Loved this video, by the way.
I have a gaming rig at home with a high-end Vr setup and nvidia card. I’ve also had a ps4 pro in the past (sold it). But the only thing I would use now honestly is a steam deck. I’m gone easily 20 days a month for work (I work for an airline) so the steam deck just rides around in my flight back and can do 90% of my gaming on the go. It’s great, the battery is pretty good, and it’s a tremendous value. Home run for valve.
Far more genuine video than I expected from GameSpot, but you can still tell its corporate b/c you didn't mention emulation at all (a major, major use case that bridges the gap between the steam deck and its competitors dramatically). I've played we love Katamari (ps2), ape escape (psx), link's awakening (switch), god of war (ps2), rayman 3 (gc), super mario galaxy (wii), pikmin 3 (switch), super mario odyssey (switch), and those are just off the top of my head. It doesn't even scratch the surface of how big this use case is.
I was primarily a console gamers too. Steam deck killed the switch for me and is making me consider building a PC. I love my steam deck. Have all current gen consoles, however my steam deck gets the most of my time. I’m a busy guy, between being married with a kid, it’s hard to make time for gaming. Steam deck makes it possible, where I can play anytime anywhere. I’m also able to play my Xbox, PS5, classic retro games that are not available on consoles anymore. I’m excited to see how Valve makes it even better.
I've come to realize that I really value the flexibility of a (handheld) console, too. I own a gaming PC, a PS5, a nice TV, hooked up to a nerd dad sound system, and a Switch... and I've probably spent the most time on the Switch, handheld, playing Picross and Clubhouse Games. A console being portable and simple to get in and out of are such big pluses.
Combining this steamdeck with the NrealAir glasses allows you to have both the visual fidelity enjoyment as well as the flexibility of a handheld. It's an amazing game changer to have a 130in screen oled to play with the deck anywhere.
What truly makes this thing special is what potential is open to power users of these devices. You can play Nintendo games on the steam deck, you just have to be willing to set it up and be okay with modding your devices to dump your games to run on the Steam Deck. It's a bit of work, but having one device that has everything at your finger tips is definitely worth it. The Switch in particular is easy as long as you have the V1 model that you can use tin foil on a joycon to unlock the system to dump your games and firmware. Older game systems are fairly straight forward as well for anyone who is comfortable flashing custom firmwares etc.
this is funny, because PC gamers are usually talking about how much better PC's are than consoles but now you're saying the steam deck is making PC gaming better by making it more like console gaming.
@@ScottJPowers What is great about PC is the openness with the hardware. You can use any controller, run any software, and do what you want with the device. You are given "options" that aren't available on consoles. The Steam Deck is bringing the console interface and experience WITHOUT locking it down like you would see with Xbox/Playstation/Nintendo. It is true that a hybrid of console/traditional PC gaming is the pinnacle of greatness.
@@ScottJPowers PCs are better than consoles, simplifying the setup process for the ability to get playing immediately is just a bonus. Everything that isn't Steam needs to be downloaded and installed first like with any other PC, but it's not hard and worth doing.
@@ScottJPowers the PC community never denied that consoles have some pros over PC gaming. The point is that the steam deck is bringing some of those pros to the PC world, and that is a big win in my book (for every gamer).
Someone should start adopting the 'MicroPC' formfactor from the mid 2000s like Sony was doing in those day, perhaps they could bring it back for a PlayStation console, they sort of did it with the PSP Go but more gaming PC handhelds should adopt that!
Great video! Steam Deck has been a game changer for me for all the reasons you listed! Not only that, but I had the exact same experience with Death Stranding. I lined up to buy it on release but got too bored with the gameplay. When I got my Deck that was one if the first games that I thought, “Y’know, I bet I’d love this game if I wasn’t tethered to my tv!” And what great timing to publish this video - Death Stranding was the holiday daily free game on the Epic store 2 days ago! I’d been debating buying it a second time for a while now! It’s worth mentioning that PixelDeck is out there testing popular games to give us the optimal performance settings for a massive list of games - less tweaking required by us, the players! They do incredible work! Would love more Steam Deck content. This was great!
You can play Nintendo exclusive games on the Deck if you're willing to tinker with the firmware. Playing all console games on one handheld device is a game changer.
I got one for Christmas. I'm tricking it out with a bunch of cool accessories. It actually runs certain games better than the consoles do. Great piece of kit. Exciting times in gaming. 👍
Seeing a lot of dads commenting so thought I'd chime in too lol before kids I would just hop on the couch and boot up my console but now after 2 kids I just don't do that anymore in fact I actually sold my PS5 because it was just sitting there collecting dust but just after a few days of owning a Steam Deck I've already found myself playing here and there throughout the day when I'm at home. It's definitely an awesome device and can't wait for future updates from Steam.
The PSP and the Vita didn't do that. Not to mention the Steam Deck is a PC. When has any of the 3 console companies been pushed far by PC to put power in their systems?
Nintendo stopped chasing power after GameCube. They aren’t thinking about Valve or the Steam Deck. I know you power (read: graphics) monkeys don’t want to accept this reality, but value > specs to Nintendo. Maybe more people should have bought the GameCube.
Another great expose, Kurt. The irony is you can also play Nintendo games on the Steam Deck via emulation. I know you probably can't talk about that, legally, but it is another option for gamers. So, the SD can literally play Sony, Xbox and Nintendo games all on one device, technically speaking. Valve has already announced plans for a SD 2.0, so it's going to be interesting to see how they improve on what is already a great piece of gaming hardware (hint: they emphasized longer battery life). Happy Holidays, and I hope 2023, brings you continued success!
I think the reason they didn’t mention that is that he is thinking of the deck as a console first and foremost and as simplified as the guys at EmuDeck made the setup, it ain’t plug and play like the PS or Xbox exclusives. Emulating isn’t illegal, downloading games instead of ripping them from your own switch is.
@@gondorianslayer4250 Hope Nintendo has its security in proper order on the Switch 2, so that the ppl pirating Switch game snow wont have that ability for the new Switchs from now on.
Five years ago the Switch literally changed gaming, like Nintendo did so many times before. Steam Deck, awesome as it is, is basically nothing more but a refinement of that concept, except without the magic of a seamless transfer to a TV when docked. It’s a laptop crammed in a handheld, with a gaming frontend and a PC backend. What it does change is it’s created an entry-level PC-gaming gateway, that both console gamers and PC purists alike can enjoy. But in the end it’s just a fine bait to hook you to Steam😊
The 'games as books' mentality is so perfect for this. The Steamdeck is also an emulation powerhouse, meaning when Nintendo & Sony neglect their back catalogue you can still enjoy it on modern tech via the deck.
Nintendo have any worthwhile NES, SNES & N64 games on a subscription service that comes out at around $4 a month. How is that neglecting? I'm not too sure about how Sony are dealing with theirs though
@@Galo994 They do offer a subscription service, but it's not as a good as the virtual console. Offering a very select number of classics is still neglecting their legacy IMO.
I have to say I haven't watched anything from Gamespot in yearsbut you are doing an amazing job which is why I'm subscribing. This was a good review. If I didn't already have my old phone set up with a Razer Kishi streaming from all my systems I might be interested in this.
Considering even the PS5 and XSX can't always hit that minimum 60fps mark this feels like a tall order. Here's the deal though: it's a PC. Every game I play on it _can_ hit 60fps. I usually don't mind going down to 40 or 50 depending on the game though. Agreed on OLED, but 1080 isn't the right resolution. It needs to be 1440. That way you can still play more demanding games at 720p and not have them look blurry. Looking forward to you finally buying a Steam Deck in 2028 when it has these upgrades ❤️
There are whole communities out there to help you with tinkering. Like ProtonDB. I looked up Cold Fear and the fix is apparently just switching to an older Proton version, which is a simple toggle in the game select screen.
@@peterjazii6925 Currently PC and Switch. What blows my mind lately is that the Dual sense controller not only works on PC but the special features even work on some games. Sony is usually more stingy than that I like where things are going.
