Derin

Was building a PC years ago, while in college, and forgot to get a Windows license (eventually got one through my university). After finishing the build I was so hyped to use it I just installed Linux (had played around in it in a VM in the past, so I knew my way around).

Got used to using Linux as my main OS after that, and stuck with it. Paying for a $100 OS is silly when the free alternative is just as good (though, I admit I do still use Windows for work).

Note: I used to game in Windows as well, I don’t do that anymore. Thanks, Steam!

This is because certain features (like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers) work by exposing them as an audio device to the host system, which isn’t functional over Bluetooth (the reason I heard is that Bluetooth just doesn’t have the latency for that, if there are third party projects that have found a way around that then great!).

All normal controller features work fine, you just can’t use some of the PS5 exclusive stuff. I don’t know of any games, including PS5 games ported to PC, that absolutely require the wired gestures.

Note this applies to all PCs, regardless of OS.

I got the “you didn’t get in the queue” mail. C’est la vie.

Eh, I don’t mind running the settings slightly lower for better performance. It really isn’t possible on the steam deck. E.g. Can’t even play a game like blue prince at 1080p without massive frame drops.

As far as hooking my proper pc up goes, I don’t have cables long enough for that, and wheeling the damn thing over with a cart (which I actually do sometimes) has gotten pretty old.

Also, the reviews showed some good performance at 1440p. As I don’t think I’ll go above 1080p with upscaling, I’m excited.

I signed up to get one the moment I heard about the price. I like gaming on my PC, but I much prefer playing certain games on the big screen in the living room. Likewise, my partner has gotten used to the Steam Deck’s UI so it’ll be great to get her more into gaming.

The Steam Deck + Dock is what I currently use, but playing everything in 720p upscaled to 1080 (or just playing indie games) is pretty frustrating.

And I’ve used moonlight/steam streaming/even Nvidia gamestream (I have an Nvidia shield) - while they’re fine solutions, I don’t like the compression artifacts of streaming. Also annoys me that the game physically renders on my computer.

So, yeah, TL;DR I want a Steam Machine. I’m also excited to use desktop mode on occasion. And when the machine finally runs its course, it’ll be a nice looking server for the closet!

That’s unfortunately in place to stop scalpers. Realistically, once demand dies down, you’ll be able to order anonymously/with a new account like most pre-existing steam Hardware.

They do.

Edit: To be clear, they offer downloads in multiple formats - including a lossless FLAC option, and the ability to stream from your phone/browser. So, it’s a pretty good replacement for Spotify if you want to actually pay the people whose music you listen to.

Bonus points if you make purchases on Bandcamp Fridays: a unique event wherein 100% of proceeds go directly to the artist (bypassing Bandcamp’s usual cut).