(Above this article is a special video feature that includes an unboxing of the Steam Deck, you do not need to watch it to read the article)
Handheld gaming is no longer just restricted to 8-bit consoles that can only play very simple games. Starting with the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, it seems that people have expected handhelds to perform at the same level as home consoles like the Xbox or Playstation.
However, Valve took this concept to a whole new level with their Steam Deck, arguably the first mainstream console that sought to reliably play computer (PC) games, which are often the most graphically and technically intense to run. The Steam Deck also functions as a fully-functional computer, which I will get to later.
I opted for the most expensive Steam Deck, which is the 1 Terabyte Steam Deck OLED, which along with the impressive storage has a 1280×800 display, comes with a carrying case and liner, and more. It is priced at $649, with the two other models coming in at $399 and $549.
It is worth noting that these prices come directly from Valve’s website. It is highly recommended to buy straight from Valve, as third-party retailers will often charge more.
Since receiving my Steam Deck, I have put around 22 hours into playing on it. And to be frank, it has changed gaming for me, and I mean that in the best way possible. Coming from a Nintendo Switch to the Steam Deck OLED was a huge transition in graphical and technical capability.
As for ergonomics, the Steam Deck is very comfortable and I love playing it in bed after a long day. It’s a bit big for my tastes, but I am very petite and most will find it to be just fine.
Games my Switch would struggle with, my Steam Deck would handle flawlessly. Additionally, the Steam Deck is much more customizable and versatile. When you open the console, it appears to be a typical console, with the only difference being that your games library is your library from the games distributor website Steam. The progress from your Steam games on the Deck will sync with your PC, and unless they are very graphically advanced, they will generally run well.
But, with the click of a few buttons, you can switch to “desktop mode”, which opens an entire computer that runs on Linux. This mode unlocks an entire new world for gamers, emulation. Emulation is when you play a game intended for one console on another. If one uses legally obtained ROMS (digital copies of video-game data), they can use software downloaded from the internet to play them on the Steam Deck. This is most efficiently done using the software EmuDeck, which will automatically download every emulator you would need to play games from the 1980s to the 2020s.
From my Steam Library, games like the Ninja Gaiden Σ Trilogy and RimWorld ran very well, and even games like Team Fortress 2 were pretty good on the Deck. While emulated games like Punch-Out!! (Wii) ran decently but with some issues that had less to do with graphics and more to do with the fundamental differences between the Steam Deck and a Wii.
In general, the Steam Deck runs games meant for computers and other consoles very well. However, with new handheld consoles like the Steam Deck like the ROG Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go, is the Steam Deck still worth it?
Yes. Here’s why I believe so. The ROG Ally X can handle the graphics of newer games better, but with that comes with a much higher price tag, an arguably worse battery life, and all the headaches that come with a Windows-device. The Lenovo Legion Go also has these same flaws. Both are respectable consoles, but the Steam Deck is arguably a better console when you consider the pricing.
All in all, the Steam Deck is still worth it in 2025, for its variety of games, graphical capabilities, and as a bonus, Valve’s amazing customer support. If you’re still in doubt, what device do you think I’m writing this article from?
