Steam Deck review: Valve's handheld gaming PC
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
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The whole “small, manicured hands” thing definitely didn’t apply to me, but I think it’s a great detail for the review. Instead of narrowing your audience, I think you expanded it. I’ve watched and read several reviews, and this is the first one to address the ergonomics from a perspective like yours. It was new info that could be very useful.
LTT, which are pretty big, addressed this because Linus and his wife have small hands. So I think a pretty big chunk of the audience was already aware of that
I watched the LTT review before this one. Now that you mention it, Linus did briefly discuss the size of his hands. However, I didn't remember it being a major part of his review, and I don't think he's got a full manicure going on.
I was only addressing this reviewer's concern that she was somehow "narrowing" her audience, when--for me--the perspective she presented was informative and ultimately broadened the audience for Steam Deck reviews.
YMMV, of course.
information I didn't know I needed because my girlfriend always has acrylics so this will affect her immensely. It's good information to know.
I don't have long nails but I do have tiny little baby hands. And I really appreciated this review.
Agreed!
Wow it was really great to get a different perspective on Steam Deck! Smaller hands, manicure, gameplay choices and Steam Deck neck - I've watched basically every Deck video and this is one of the freshest perspectives I've gotten.
Agreed. I would never have thought of the nail pressing the start button when pressing the X button. Pretty interesting.
Thank you for going into all the intricacies of the actual experience using the device and not just things like performance. Great review!
100% This^
Right!? While I do appreciate some info on specs, I want to know about the everyday use and real-world scenarios. I find performance reviews dry.
@@Drstrange3000 exactly, especially with the big draw being the “new” form factor for mainstream PC gaming on the go. (Yes I know there’s others but they’re priced out of the market for many to consider)
Love how the review is more casual than the others I’ve seen so far.
I like that you cover the question "Is it comfortable?" This is indeed the most important aspect for me when it comes to Handhelds.
I mean, the OG Switch / OLED Switch definitely aren't comfortable with the joy cons attached, yet that seems to have done quite well? It's difficult to achieve both portability and good ergonomics at the same time, there will always be some compromise.
@@liamness I will say, any good grip case on the Switch makes it far more comfortable for me, so I assume the Steam Deck will fit me pretty well. And if not, then at least I'll have a very portable computer as an extra for LAN play with family in a pinch.
@@liamness PS Vita slim was the perfect size but it's over 10-years-old. But the size and weight is perfect. Even more comfortable than my PSP phat. Why I've been hesitant getting a Switch Lite. Still too large and heavy.
@@TeamDaemon1980 I don't think such a small screen would work for most PC games, due to text prompts etc being too small.
Maybe this will be a credible option in decade though if the deck is a smash hit this, as more games will presumably design their UIs with small screens in mind.
Her reviews are the best. Detailed and funny review just like the XSX review. Give her a raise rn Engadget
Well, it's certainly better than her take on Half Life Alyx, that's for sure.
Isn't she the chick who called valve anti consumer?
This is such an important review because we haven't really had a reviewer with smaller hands yet until this one, so it's good to get this perspective. I'm excited to get mine! I do think it will eventually be a good device as a console for people new PC gaming, but all of us that have pre-ordered it are going to be the beta testers that they need to get it to that point.
Linus has really damn small hands, so we have gotten that aspect.
Excellent video! Out of the dozens of videos I've seen, you've provided the most unique information. I see two big takeaways here. One, as LTT addressed in the WAN show: "the thing about handheld devices, we've seen this in phones, they're so PERSONAL". When it's a thing you hold, it will naturally be more comfortable for some people than others. Maybe for Jessica, smaller-gripped devices like the AYA devices would be more comfortable.
The second big point is how despite the ergonomic issues you had with it, that you quickly found a space for the Deck in your gaming routine. That speaks volumes to me of the work Valve has done in SteamOS. I hope other manufacturers will consider using SteamOS on their devices as well.
Apart from being a very informative review, this was just fun to watch. Nice one team.
Yeah btw are you interested in gaming laptops benchmarking on different games? ❤️
This review has combined two things I didn't know to be congruent: thoughtful informative reviewing plus ample b-roll of sweet doggos
I appreciate the small hands and lady insights! Super helpful review!
Really good review, seemed very balanced and the reviewer presented it all in a down to earth and relatable way.
Finally Engadget got someone who plays games to review the steam deck. Amazing review and nicely shot. Love that her dogs were in there as well. Cool apartment. Love the colors. So retro.
i appreciate your views, even though they don't apply to me.
man, XL to XXL size hands [depending on glove manufacturer], and often sit in positions where i already have an arm propped, or a leg raised to prop on....and definitely don't have long nails.
but your review is valid and covers something i had not seen yet: the female perspective on the Steam Deck, since most women have smaller hands than men, as well as [commonly] different postures and uses for weight in arm/position of weight in hands.
not to mention an honest take on whether is is "ideal for everyone as an intro to pc gaming", which most reviewers glaze over, if not completely ignore.
thanks, and stay awesome!
Hopefully a later iteration (either by Valve, or some other manufacturer taking Steam OS and running with it) is a bit smaller. I don't need a mobile PC that can play the latest games, I have a desktop at home for that! However a lighter and (hopefully) cheaper model for playing less demanding / retro games would be very tempting.
This is the most console-like PC ever but because of the size and weight, it's not a competitor to the Switch in terms of being kid-friendly. Which is a shame because Steam OS has the potential to be much safer for children than Windows could ever be (in terms of the ability to set up separate profiles with parental controls).
@@liamness I feel like that's not really worth much, imo, as the big hook for this is that it can basically play any Steam game that's supported by Linux natively or through Proton, and having anything dedicated to older/Indie games falls too much in the AYN Odin or similar device category. Though, I kinda see where you're going for having a Deck Lite for younger kids, like the Switch Lite can be useful for kids who maybe don't have the full hand size for even the regular Switch. But still, I think that doesn't have enough draw on it's own. We'll see, of course. Maybe the next iteration will be smaller just because they can shrink a few components and source a different screen and get a smaller bezel out of it. That would be cool, imo.
This is such a GREAT review! I wish tech journalists did talk more about ergonomics.
Love this review (and LOVE the doggies!) You cover the kind of practical, real-world playability and ergonomic issues that I’m actually curious about while waiting for my Deck to arrive. Love this viewpoint! New subscriber here.
Thanks for the review. Some nice insight on who this handheld is for. Keep up the good work
I don't think the 30GB thing is true for SteamOS, it seems absurdly large for a Linux distro (particularly Arch, btw).
The advertised storage of drives is never true in software. A 256GB drive actually gives you around 238GB (or gibibyte).
Call it false advertising, call it quirk, it's an industry wide thing and it's misleading as hell.
You said that you had 227GB free, this would mean that SteamOS is around 10-ish GB big, which is what a slightly "bloated" Arch would be. It's _significantly_ smaller than Windows.
Yeah I think it's closer to like 4gb. I ordered a 64gb and it would take up 50% of the storage if that were true.
The is usually a "Swap" partition in Linux. It gets used when the RAM is full. Perhaps its that?
@@preetham4948 Hm, it would be weird if Steam Deck needed a swap partition with 16GB of RAM.
@@Matruchus it needs one for the fast suspend and resume.
It probably suspends to ram
This review was one of the better ones out there, simply because it was more grounded with focus on real-world usage.
It focused a lot on ~how games were played~ (as opposed to how capable the device is); talking about location, position, strain, and comfort, rather than getting too heavy on other stuff (which while important; unfortunately is getting a bit too much attention in other reviews).
So for example, mentioning how the battery life was less of an issue due to how long your sessions are anyway (due to strain and position), was a great take!
And I mean, what lens/angle you view the deck from greatly impacts if getting one is worth it and whether it will actually be used. And depending on what angle you see it from, it also greatly impacts how reasonable your expectations will be as a potential buyer, and that's where this review helped a lot.
Thanks!
Thank you for pointing out the neck issues. I wish there was a way around it as it is my biggest deterrent from getting one ☹️
Okay, these ergonomic reviews I'm all in for.
This is the most nuanced review I’ve ever seen, you literally covered every detail about this thing lol
Great review, especially the details of use. Makes it the best review of the steam deck for me so thus far. And seeing it on the table makes me realize it's kinda big.
Loved this review - informative enough to make a (snap) decision on whether it's right for you, and chock full of anecdotes that makes you imagine scenarios for daily Steam Deck use.
Thank you so much for this review, I spent so long trying to find a review with small hands and long nails! This doesn’t deter me but now I know what to expect.
thx for the very practical, realistic commentaries (and the great delivery helped)
Kudos to the Engadget team: What a lovely review, how adorable those two little dogs where checking out the steam deck with your reviewer :O)
Also really liked the editing, cozy vibe and music.
I love this review, Jess! Your insights are lovely, and I love your unique take. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Loved your varied perspectives for this review compared to the others out there. Lots of great information :D Thanks!
This review gained you a subscriber. Really appreciate this fresh take and the overall lightheaded delivery
"Vita and wii U come together get drunk on linux and have a big baby" love it
Also thank you engadget for having a FEMALE do this, since after this I don't think I'll be getting this since the size is too big.
Thank you for such a thorough and down to earth review! While I love the jargon as much as the next pc nerd, everyday use and comfort are crazy important. I have more medium sized hands but I do rock some long(ish) nails. Curious to see how that plays out in day to day use!
I’m looking forward to receiving mine soon.
This is one of the best reviews I have seen from Engadget for a while!
This review is great. I feared this would be too big for small hands, but I am still getting one. Thank you for your perspective. Perfect review!
While I agree that it's large and heavy, for me it absolutely will be a daily commute use item for me on the bus or train. I use my Switch that way now with a Satisfye grip and it's great.
On a train with a fold-down table it would be fine.
@@SirRicheybee public embarrassment? Why would I be embarrassed to do something I enjoy that isn't effecting anyone else? Maybe it's because I'm old, but if people on the bus/train are actually laughing at me for playing a game, oh well. I can't hear them anyway with headphones on. I've been playing Switch, Vita, PSP, DS, etc games on the bus/train for the last 20 years and I'll keep doing so.
@@liamness what I normally do is put whatever case I have on my lap and then rest my wrists on that. It's pretty comfortable for an hour at a time.
@@bnr32jason okay, maybe the reviewer just needs to rest the deck on top of her dogs
@@bnr32jason Right? Never understood this "public embarrassment" outlook. Who cares if you are on Facebook via your phone or playing a game on your Switch. People care far too much what total strangers think of them, that's the bigger embarrassment imo
I've been looking for a review from a smaller-handed person for a long time!!
Pretty great review, I appreciate the focus on how you actually use it and how it fits into your day to day. I've watched a ton of reviews on this thing by now so a unique perspective was quite refreshing.
I'm actually really happy to see a review from a female perspective. I have my Steam deck preorder still yet to ship but I was curious as to what my wife could expect her experience to be like with the intent of getting her one when shipping intensifies.
Thank you.
Fantastic review! I've been thinking about getting this for a friend who doesn't know much about PCs or consumer tech and all of the other review outlets focused on things that matter more for someone who wants a second gaming PC. Your review did a great job helping me figure this out for a normal person. Thank you!
Great review with lots of real world experiences. The dogs gave this review a warm and personal touch. Subscribed. Thanks!
This review's perspective is which I wanted to hear. Thank you very much!
I have small manicured hands and you are the first person I have seen address this, thank you so much! great review!
I actually enjoyed this review. Thanks for sharing your Pros and Cons of the Steam Deck. ✌🏾
Solid review. You rock. Thanks!
I appreciate for such a decent and practical review, especially as a person with small hands.
Can't wait to get some of that steam deck neck
I like how this review was really focused on actually using it and not just specs and what it can do. The feel and size in the hand are important
Love this review.
The reviews for hardware and software had me sold forever ago but this is a first review talking about the user experience to such a degree. I do feel most of this will apply to me but I love that this leaves a baseline for others to consider before purchasing.
Well thought out, helpful and entertaining review.
The best review as always, keep it up!
Great review, loved the vibe.
Great review!
I think she is the only person that has complained about the heat. The Steam Deck, as a handheld PC, has been noted to be the coolest where your hands are placed when comparing to the other handheld PC's on the market.
I wonder if this has to do with her hand size? The grip she had and the lap play might cause more heat. I have small hands so I tend to notice heat distribution more than my husband when we play handhelds. Most of the reviews I watched featured people with normal to large hands but they didn’t really specify all the playing locations so it will be interesting to test when I get mine.
Brilliant video. Loved the ergonomic and real world use focus.
I appreciate the review, thanks
Seriously amazing review! And the games you talk about is ehat precisely why I want the steam deck, indies or lighter tittle on SD while big and heavy for PC, but if I suddenly wanna play for say, death standing and wanna grind, i can do that on the SD also! Which whats make it even more appealing
Thanks for posting a steam deck review that is a departure from the super techy stuff. It's easy to get blinded by the hardware bling and getting a perspective on comfort is super valuable.
informative review with the right amount of humor.
This is a great review! Thank you 😊
Also, Steam OS isn't 30gb ... This reviewer doesn't seem to understand how SDD/HDD capacity is advertised.
EXCELLENT REVIEW! Wit appreciated. =D
Hands down, this is the best Deck review on CZcams!
The comparison to 5 bananas is actually quite useful lol, nice vid!
Awesome review
Best review I have seen, and I have seen almost every one. I was a bit hesitant on whether or not watch it but god, it is incredible. I congratulate the whole team involved in doing this video, truly truly great
Nice review so nice hearing from a lady’s perspective. I don’t think I’ll be suffering the same issues that she is since I have large hands and I’m going to be gaming at a different angle where my neck will be supported but time will tell. The Steam Deck has Bluetooth so you can pair it with other controllers that maybe more comfortable when gaming.
Great review, thank you! :) And love your tattoos and voice, by the way! 👍
Absolutely spectacular review, thank you! It's so rare to find reviews for women's experience with tech, and this demonstrates why that can actually be a pretty significant factor. The scale and weight comparisons were helpful, and I love your dogs!
I'd be remiss to not mention that your coverage of all the more standard aspects of the product was also excellent, naturally💜
very cool review. informative and funny. kudos
Ergonomics has been my biggest concern. No one was mentioning it so thanks. I have small hands and was worried about straining my hands. I will probably look at some other options.
I see why you quick drew at the end…..killed it
This is an important review for someone who values ergonomic and with smaller hands. Thx!
Good quick, informative video and I liked her tattoos and her personality as she didn't take herself too seriously. It kind of felt like a friend was talking to you and giving their opinion about the Steam Deck. I enjoyed her humor and she talked about things most people don't(manicured hands, sweating after using it for a bit etc). I look forward to her reviewing other products and services. As far as the Steam Deck goes, as someone who is a casual Nintendo Switch owner/user, I am just wondering if I should buy this or not. Thanks again for the review. 🎮🎮🕹️🕹️
Killer review! Thanks!
Can you upload a CZcams short of the noise coming from the Deck's fan? I've been dying to see a review video of someone trying to show how loud/quiet it actually is
Awesome that Drummer from the Expanse got a review unit! Good job beltalowda
Yeah 😀 btw are you interested in gaming laptops benchmarking on different games? ❤️
Awesome review, great job!
Nice pups and review!
Finally a review that talks about ergonomics. I don't know if my hands are big or small but this thing looks like a tank and I can't imagine it being that comfortable unless you got shaq hands.
Looking forward to my steam deck
GWAR!!! thats a killer shirt and cool to see some Metal Merch in the gaming community!
Loved the info from the review. It makes me miss the Joystiq days a bit though (loved the old podcast).
My only question is: Do you think it can fully replace an old gaming laptop? I have an old asus rog latop that I barely use since I got my main PC but tbh I'm in desperate need for an upgrade to my secondary computer and I was thinking of replacing it with a steam deck.
Excellent review.
One of the best hardware reviews I’ve ever seen! Great job!
Hey even if I don't wear long acrylic nails is still something I asked myself on the beginning of the video watching you using it , Im glad you disclaimed it .💅
I really look forward to having this as a main pc setup ☺️ all I do is watch twitch, CZcams and browse Twitter and answer emails so to have that and then when I feel up to playing my games bam it’s right there! I love that minimal setup kind of stuff 🙂 it’s heavier than an iPad Pro! 😦 oh that’s definitely a bit of a bummer cause I love my iPad Pro but it’s a little heavy to hold
This was a really good review
significantly lighter than most dogs is the best line. Great review
Nice Review. Thanks
She really did a good job with her review
Thanks for this fantastic, thorough, practical review. Love your style and dogs! A firm throw pillow on the lap might help to rest your arms on an not bend your neck quite as far. I do that whenever I read game (mostly with an Xbox controller). Anyone know if Stardew Valley works well on it?
Thank you
Onexplayer with 2tb AMD 5700U is my go to but still waiting on my steam deck.
As one of the 6 that care, thank you
That was the best analogy I’ve ever heard in my life 0:14
great review
Great video! But can you play fifa 22 on steam deck?
That shirt is metal af