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> The only real surprise is that Dead Space doesn't run on it, I have a hutch they'll get it sorted out (sorta like they did working with FromSoftware on Eldin Ring).

And you're right because the 31st Jan Proton update fixed Dead Space and now it runs on Deck as Verified :)

My opinion is the same as yours, plus recently I've installed some Flash games becasue I'm nostalgic, one way to do it and play games in deck mode is this link [1], but you can also just run "flashplayer.exe --some-options game.swf" with Proton and it'll work too. I love good flash games like Sonny 2 and I know Flash has security issues and had to be killed, but I'll never let it go, I'll always have to run it somewhere for retrogaming.

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/ytgisk/guide_fla...

Just so you know, there's a Linux-native Flash emulator named Ruffle you might want to try. It's worked pretty well with the things I've tried so far, and it's one less layer of emulation.

https://ruffle.rs/#downloads

Ruffle is legit, but there are some later era flash games that don't play because they claim to / actually use later versions of the Adobe 'action script'; I'm hopeful that they'll eventually be supported and the archived versions of flashplayer (standalone) will not be necessary for anyone.

Flashpoint is a preservation project for Flash games (and many more: Java, Silverlight, etc). It's honestly mind-blowing: https://unstable.life/flashpoint-database/search/

Note, in AUR there's a Flash Player standalone package - flashplayer-standalone I believe. You can use it very similarly, just without a need for proton.

I'm the exact opposite. I got the deck, had a honeymoon period of maybe five days, then I went back to the PS5.

The deck is heavier than the Switch, louder than the Switch (which makes no sound at all), gets hotter than the Switch (which doesn't get hot at all), has a screen that is inferior to the new one on the OLED Switch, and has the buttons in such an awkward position that I get cramps in my hand after half an hour of playing.

BUT YOU CAN PLAY ELDEN RING, you would say now. Yeah nah. All those AAA titles run like ass and/or look like ass on the deck. It's just not a feasible device for anything. For high-end titles, the PS5 wins out always. For indie titles, the Switch wins out, always.

I guess it's a really cool device for hackers who just want to mess around, though.

> and has the buttons in such an awkward position that I get cramps in my hand after half an hour of playing.

Seconding the ergonomics point - between the weight of the thing and the awkwardness of the buttons/trackpads, it’s easily the most uncomfortable system I’ve ever used. I get hand cramps every time I use mine for any significant amount of time - when I’m playing it in bed, I’ve even got to the point of using an external controller with it to reduce the level of discomfort involved.

I hope that the next major version of the hardware will aim for a lighter/sleeker design. The current model feels like gripping a brick for hours at a time.

I wonder if that's just personal hand shape / size? I have horrible hand cramps playing the switch portable (always have to remove the joycons) but not so much with the deck

> buttons in such an awkward position that I get cramps in my hand after half an hour of playing

That is a downside of every console/controller, though, because people have different hands. For me, the Switch is painful to hold for more than a half-hour or so because the joycons are so small. So personally I enjoy the Deck, even though it's heavy, but I recognize that it was clearly made for someone with my body type.

> All those AAA titles run like ass and/or look like ass on the deck.

Second this, though. I thought I'd finally finish Sekiro on the train when I got the deck, but the screen is too small for my old man eyes; it was not a good experience.

This is exactly it. As someone who also has a PS5, I've just stopped playing it. Now that Sony is doing their games on PC too, I'm totally fine waiting for their release so I can play on the Deck and on my PC too. I also get to catch up on all the old Steam games that I bought and could never properly get into because of the logistics of being at a PC. On top of that, when the new PS6 comes out eventually, I won't have to be pissed off, yet again, that my old games don't work on it and I have to re-buy them.

Same here. My gaming PC has not seen any use whatsoever (for gaming) since I got the Deck.

The form factor is actually perfect for pre-HD games that were built for small CRT TVs.

I am now rediscovering kid-friendly platformers with my little daughter. It's truly wonderful! (And we were even able to extricate our Stardew Valley save game from the Switch, to continue our journey on the Deck).

It is a wonderful little device!

I don't own a Steam Deck. I sold my PS4 and I own a Switch.

The one thing that makes me want to get a PS5 is I really do like the PS exclusives[1] like Uncharted, The Last of Us (part 1 now coming to windows though), Horizon Zero Dawn, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian, etc etc.. And it gets enough of the cross-platform AAA games as well that I feel like I have enough of a selection to make it worth it.

I am super interested in the Steam Deck as well though. I know you can hook it up to a TV and play with a controller, I wonder if anyone here uses it that way. While I like the ability to hold and play anywhere, my ultimate preference is sitting on a couch and playing on a TV (most comfortable) and I would most likely try to use it that way

1. https://store.playstation.com/en-us/category/5bb9a9b4-f9f4-4...

Uncharted is on Steam and Deck verified: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1659420/UNCHARTED_Legacy_...

HZD is on Steam and Deck Verified: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1151640/Horizon_Zero_Dawn...

You can emulate Shadow of the Colossus on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFxnGZ3suV0

It really is the ultimate gaming machine :D

My friend has been playing Dead Space on it for the last few days and has been quite happy. I think they released a patch recently. Give it another go if you’re interested!

Oh nice! And thank you, I actually meant to take a look every week at the Steam page, and you're right, they have added the Steam Deck compatible box, and it's been tested / verified now. Amazing.

Agree with your comment, but this is not accurate:

> Lastly, the other major advantage for me is the ability to return games. This is an unheralded Steam feature that's a really great. I buy games I wouldn't even consider on PS-whatever/Xbox because you're screwed if you don't like it

You can return games on Xbox, had better outcomes with Xbox returns than with Steam returns.

My PS5 is now just a Blu-ray player since I got my SteamDeck.

One word: Bayonetta

What about it? That you can play it on there via emulator or that you can't because it's not officially available?

I’ve played it recently for the first time on the deck and have been blown away! That’s pretty much it ;)

Bayonetta 1 is available for the PC, and is steamdeck verified.

Bayo 2 and 3 require an emulator. 2 runs well. 3 runs like ass.

Same! Just finished Bayonetta recently as well

> PS: Anyone want to buy a PS5?

I might actually! E-mail me.