Hi dear readers. I just wanted to ask opinions about whether handheld gaming is worth it or not. Specifically I'm talking about windows handheld. I personally really enjoyed playing PSP in good old days, but I haven't tried anything else since then. If you think handheld is worth it, you can choose the console you would prefer. Also pay attention to the price I listed in poll variants - it's the prices of consoles available to buy in US dollars in my city (they are quite scary, I know). Personally I would love to get Steam Deck, but it is quite pricy in my city. Giving that, something like AYANEO pops out with price almost three times lower than steam deck. From the other side steam deck has better graphical unit, so in most games steam deck has 60 fps while aya neo has only 30. Maybe I should add that I have a gaming pc, but I think I'll really enjoy playing handheld while lying on the bed, while moving in transport or being somewhere else (work or uni). Thanks again

2 years ago

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Console you would prefer with price in mind

View Results
Steam Deck 256G - 1500$
AYANEO AIR R5-5560U+16G+512G - 600$
GPD WIN 3 i7-1195G7 - 1500$
OneXPlayer Mini R7-5800U+16G+512G - 1150$
Wait for smth like AYANEO 2: R7-6800U - ???
Another variant (please state it below in comments)
Windows handheld gaming isn't worth it (maybe it's uncomfortable to play, etc.)
Windows handheld gaming is maybe fine, but not worth this prices

Sorry, but why windows? Do you plan on doing anything else other than gaming on it? I own steamdeck since april, and besides not-so-great battery life, it has been great

Also, why do you say it costs 1500$ when the most powerful version costs 679€ right now? (about 681$)
If you mean the reseller price, I would advise against buying something like that from resellers (which oficially steam has none as far as I'm aware)
What city are you from? alright, checked the profile, understand why the price is so high.

Honestly, if I were you, I would wait until steamdeck becomes available for a normal price (it was the same with videocards in the last couple of years). There are also fairly good chances that something else might come out in that time. I waited for 3 years to buy a nintendo switch 2, which never came out, and while I waited steam deck appeared out of nowhere :)

p.s. LinusTechTips youtube channel has fairly many different videos which compare devices you mentioned in your poll and some more. If you still haven't, I recommend checking it out

2 years ago*
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First of all, really appreciate your answer. I would love to have freedom on windows to play a variety of games. Despite having reasonably big steam library, I would love to play some old games, maybe RPG Maker ones that never got steam release, or play some emulated games.

Yup, the prices are mainly because of resellers. Steam deck prices will definitely lower, and that is an option though I haven't thought of it, thank you. Talking about new gaming consoles releases, I think steam deck is a number one right one. Having that in mind, I don't think Valve will anounce anything new even in years taking in consideration their vr index kit. I think they make really high quality goods, but rarely (not that it's bad). It seems waiting now is for me is a really right and rational action

I'll definitely check LinusTechTips vids, haven't seen them, thanks again

2 years ago
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If you buy them for that price or any, you are crazy and you only keep these resller businesses in practice.
Why not go for a steamdeck the regular way and just wait those few months?

2 years ago
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Sure, it seems waiting is the only reasonable thing, thanks

2 years ago
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My past four months using a Steam Deck with Steam OS taught me that you really don't need Windows to have access to the vast majority of a Steam library.

Otherwise, it's difficult to make a recommendation for your individual case. We can't tell how much $1500 is to you. For some it's an absurd price, others easily can afford it. I'd probably wait till it becomes available in your country or cheaper.

Anyways, I'd recommend a Steam Deck by all means.

2 years ago
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Recomendation and feedback of Steam Deck usage itself is very useful for me, thank you!

2 years ago
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https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-is-already-planning-a-steam-deck-2/

I don't know if that's really something or only to get more attention, but here's that.

2 years ago
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My goal with my steam deck is that I have a mobile device for my less hardware-needy games to play. The first steam deck is perfect for it. And Deck 2 is way into the future. New PS is coming in every 7-8 years, nintendo 5-6 years, xbox is 7. So my estimate is 5-6 years.

2 years ago
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Yup, they should plan it really beforehand if they want to create high quality product again

2 years ago
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maybe RPG Maker ones that never got steam release, or play some emulated games.

Windows isn't required for playing non-Steam or emulated games on the Deck (most emulators have Linux versions). I would recommend checking whether they work on SteamOS first, because when it does its user experience is leagues ahead of any desktop OS (Windows or even SteamOS's own desktop mode).

However a few old RPG Maker games can need some tweaking to render properly. Those that render as a black screen can be fixed by creating a file named dxvk.conf in the same directory as the Game.exe with this content:

dxgi.deferSurfaceCreation = True
d3d9.deferSurfaceCreation = True
d3d11.maxFeatureLevel = 9_3
2 years ago
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Thank you so much for the info!

2 years ago
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Steam deck is a steal at $399. I bought the $529 model, and I am getting it in a few days. Putting the resale price is a bit weird. The wait isn't even that long anymore, if you order one now, you'd actually get it between October and December. I think we're about to be at the point where it's readily available to anyone that wants one. Personally, I am getting it for casual gaming in bed when I don't feel like sitting at my desk.

2 years ago
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Yeah, I can relate to you pretty well, would like to sit less and play in bed

2 years ago
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idk about $1500 for a steam deck....
I got the 64gb and love it, maybe that is cheaper?

2 years ago
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It's cheaper for sure, but I don't know about low amount of memory - can you install an additional m2 drive (or are you satisfied with 64gb)? I heard that even if you can, it's not advised by Valve themselves as it ruins temperature or something? Could be wrong though

2 years ago
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You can't add anything additional but you can replace the original one, but that most likely will void your warranty.

2 years ago
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I see

2 years ago
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Ive seen lots of people do it, but I haven't felt the need. I am using mine for mostly smaller games, and when I finish them I uninstall. I do not plan to play AAA games on it, mostly indie games, and I am not even using half the available memory.

If you're looking to use the steam deck more like a gaming computer for that price just buy a gaming computer.

2 years ago
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You have to replace it with the right kind of drive to avoid temperature issues. I don't know which kind are okay so you'd have to research that.

The 64gb would not be recommended to get unless you're going to replace the drive. This is because Steam will download precompiled shaders for every Steam game you install (basically, this helps avoid micro stutters while playing). I've seen people talk about how on a 64gb model the shadercaches really do add up fast towards filling the drive.

Plus, for some reason shaders don't get deleted when you uninstall a game. And there's not even an option given to delete the shaders when uninstalling a game either (I really don't know why, it doesn't make sense to me that there wouldn't be an easy option at least). Shadercaches will pile up on a 64gb drive to the point that the 64gb drive becomes not enough, unless you only have/want to play a small amount of Steam games on your Steam Deck.

A lot of people who buy the 64gb model find that out as an unpleasant surprise.

2 years ago*
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That's a really valuable info, thank you!

2 years ago
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How is the Steam Deck so expensive in your place - that's almost 3x the regular price?
Is Valve somehow charging that much when you order through the Steam Store or is it because you are forced to use third party resellers (I'm not even aware those existed for the Deck)?
At those prices would it be possible for someone else to buy it for you and ship it to you somehow instead? Or you could consider just buying one off a private seller or something. Otherwise it definitely does not sound worth it since you could get a decent complete gaming PC at that price (unless those prices are also crazy in your city)

2 years ago
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The prices I stated are from private resellers who make money on it. I kinda have a nice pc, so I'm not interested in it, but I wholeheartedly agree that these prices are really high and steam deck isn't worth so much as 1.5k. Thanks!

2 years ago
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Damn, $1500 for a Steam deck.
Hell no, not for that price, just wait it out.
fucking scummy resellers

2 years ago
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Yep, they are really making money (if anyone buying for this price xd)

2 years ago
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Get a nintendo switch and several of the best exclusives for it.

2 years ago
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I understand why nintendo switch is an option, but I kinda have a huge backlog of games in steam, so there are a lot of games I would love to play

2 years ago
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Cant you wait a little for the Steam Deck? If you reserve now you will definitely get yours before the end of the year.

2 years ago
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Thanks, I'll check it

2 years ago
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Steam Deck. Your existing Library makes it an instant win vs any other system other then a windows one running steam. But I'd say it wins there as well. I've had mine for 2 weeks now. I had intended to put windows on it after a bit but I don't know if I will. Everything I've tried just works right out of the box.

Its not a computer replacement for your games. But its so nice to sit, watch TV and pick up and resume playing on the deck instantly. On my computer I'd play for a couple hours every few days. But I find myself paying more on the deck as I'm constantly paying 30min sessions, doing something else and resuming near instantly back in the game at the exact point I put it to sleep.

Steam input for the win. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I've played with radial menus a bit. Very nice to use but basic compared to what can be done.

Steam Deck Action Layers
5 tips to help Steam Input make your Steam Deck even better
Mouse Regions are KEY to with playing RTS games on Deck

There are other channels that go way more in depth and show how some very advanced things can be done. This is more of an overview for when I start digging into it more.

I have not done much in the desktop but its nice to know its there. I'm just enjoying it as a gaming system for now. :)

But no, nothing is worth scalper prices.

I'd wait till the Steam Deck is in your area and then purchase from Valve.

2 years ago
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Thank you for your in depth answer! Steam Deck seems more and more like a real killer when it comes to handheld gaming. I'll wait, thanks again

2 years ago
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I can't recommend Steam Deck enough, but not for Windows gaming, not as of yet. Valve and Microsoft are working to create a reliable and pleasant experience when it comes to running on the Steam Deck Windows. I'd consider buying it though as you can play a lot of your games already from Steam, Epic, GOG and other platforms. There's already an XBOX integration for those who love the game pass.

I'd recommend using Proton GE as part of testing some unsupported or untested games and verifying if there's a a tweak or a fix on this website.

Why do I recommend Steam Deck? It has a great comfort being held handheld. It's probably one of the cheapest and most powerful handheld devices. It's being updated frequently and monthly over 500 games get verified or placed as playable on it. It has a better future coming forward in comparison with any of the other handheld devices. Valve wants to win the market and they will make sure they will deliver on an excellent handheld experience that I'd recommend taking part of.

Whatever may be the case, I hope you make the right call.

PS: Don't buy it for $1500. Just consider making a reservation for it and get it for the right place.

2 years ago
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Thank you for your comment! For sure, when Valve releases something, they do anything to make it top tier, so I'm really glad that they released handheld device. I'm suprised that it's comfortable to use, despite being quite big, that's a good info to hear. Thanks again!

2 years ago
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I've got a Nintendo Switch. It's although lighter in my hand by 300g I can tell you that the Switch gives me some weird cramps. I prefer using it decked or using a controller. That doesn't happen with the Steam Deck. It's heavier, but you won't feel it as the Switch because the grips provide support and the button layout is actually a lot more comfortable to use.

I had to go back and see for myself and noticed what big of a difference it makes.

2 years ago
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Wow, even comparing to light Nintendo Switch you say so. That's a really great news

2 years ago
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Don't get a Deck from a reseller. Consoles can be blocked by the user who purchased it... Also that price is crazy, i don't know if it's still up, but Valve said that all preorders were going to be processed on this year.

2 years ago
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Yep, price is absolutely crazy from resellers. Didn't know about console block, thank you for the info!

2 years ago
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I recently reseller Steam Deck 64GB I bought it from Valve for 1899 PLN + upgrade SSD to Kioxia BG4 512GB 150PLN =
2050 PLN sold it for 3200PLN *(in USD $675) - 50PLN auction site sale tax for a profit 1150PLN (in USD $242)

I simply astonish that someone will even consider $1500 256GB Steam Deck

I probably go with second or third iteration of steam deck for my personal use, compatibility issues with curent gen are annoying.
Also curent steam deck is on 7nm APU I probably wait for 3 nm APU for over 2x more performance at this same power level.

2 years ago*
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Well, talking about price, despite it being quite huge, I'm still quite convinced that it's okayish cause it doesn't have analogues for less price within my reach. Though I didn't know about compatibility issues, thank you for the reply

2 years ago
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How about Xbox Controller + Clip to hold phone and remote play via steam link app ?
But requires you main PC running.

2 years ago
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Yeah, I thought about it, that's fine solution if I'm at home, but as far as I'm concerned remote play won't work if I'm too far away

2 years ago
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If you are in 5G range this can work because this app stream via internet connection.

2 years ago
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Oh, I see, so the internet connection speed matters most

2 years ago
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just dont buy from scalper, other than that try get those with ryzen 6000 if possible
like this one AOKZOE: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U

2 years ago
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Wow, haven't even heard about it, thank you

2 years ago
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I just received my Steam Deck, it's great but definitely not worth 1500$, the screen could be bigger and better and even if it was it wouldn't be worth 1500$

2 years ago
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Well, it's just I think about it like "Uh, I worked last month and to trade this month (salary) to steam deck doesn't sound so bad". In money perspective that's a lot but when I think about it as a time spent (month), it doesn't seem so scary

2 years ago
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80$ 2ds that my friend jail broke for me. best 80$ ive ever spent +20$ for the sd card to hold all the games

2 years ago
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Yeah, I quite understand you well, I've myself bought old 3ds for like 100$ a year ago - that's a really neat console for it's price

2 years ago
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I'd say get on the Steam Deck waiting list and wait until your turn comes up, and in the meantime think about maybe passing the time with a retro gaming system, something near the 100 dollar range. It's up to you whether you go with something cartridge based or something that is all emulators, but there are plenty of quality retro systems of both types for less than a hundred bucks that have good build quality and could serve as a great way to scratch your handheld gaming itch until your Steam Deck is available (to Hell with resellers who want to exploit current availability) and a good one would also be a great backup to your Steam Deck once you do have it and could give you something to do when it's time to recharge the Deck or during times when you don't wanna lug the massive Deck around with you and something actual pocket size is more practical.

Edit: For me personally, I suffered a pretty bad accident that put me out of work and had to cancel my Steam Deck order when it came up, but on days when all I can do is lay down and be in pain I'd be happy if I had anything that had the power to play NeoGeo level of graphics or older/below.

2 years ago*
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Oh, I hope everything besides Steam Deck is alright despite suffering an accident. Thank you for your reply!

2 years ago
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Uh? Steam Deck doesn't cost 1500 $. Around 500 $.

2 years ago
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Man, i, like, know about it. As I said in post, it's the price from scalpers. I can't order it from Steam directly in my country

2 years ago
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Ok, sorry to hear. I probably won't order one myself, altho i have no problem buying from Steam. It seems like a nice console overall but for handheld i already have some decent games on my phone so.

2 years ago
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Here is a quite frequently updated list of handhelds, you could check other devices that might be more easy to get for you: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1irg60f9qsZOkhp0cwOU7Cy4rJQeyusEUzTNQzhoTYTU/edit#gid=0

1 year ago
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Wow, great list, thank you for the info!
Though, I've bought steam deck for like 1200USD and, even though I don't have a job, I still am really satisfied with deck - it's a great handheld, even for this price

1 year ago
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