Wow… so let me set the scene a little. I’m a 40yr old dad of two who always was into PC gaming when he was a kid and even as a teenager, having build numerous PCs through my life.

However as with every dad, life gets in the way and this part of my life disappeared a bit until recently when my boys starting to show interest in gaming. So I’ve set them up with a second hand xbox series s and a 3 year gamepass ultimate subscription (bought cheap). So basically I don’t have to worry for the next 3 years buying games for them.

I was never that into console gaming myself do so last week I splurged on SD OLED 512Gb (wanted the glossy and I’ll probably upgrade the internal SSD to a 2/4Tb at some point so I didn’t see a point “waisting” 100€ on the 1Tb).

And wow… what a beautiful well crafted device! I only played an hour or so and I am a total sucker for Valve so I immediately went and install the original Half-Life (this game, including DM/CS shaped me as a gamer) and the experience was very overwhelming and very nostalgic for myself, bringing back 25year old memories. Playing a shooter with controller is a bit tricky, being used to keyboard and mouse, but I’m sure I get better.

I’m very glad I choose experience (steamos) over performance (rog/legion - which for sure is way to big for me now I experienced the SD).

It’s the first time in a couple decades I see myself finishing a game because I can play 30-60min in bed or in the sofa effortlessly!

Just wow…! Thought I’d share for all the dads out there!

(Actually now I’m doubting I maybe should start over HL but play Black Messa instead, seems very true to the original but looking better - happy to hear your thought!)

  • h0wlingfantodz@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Happy for you, as a fellow Deck Dad! Got mine in July and the hour before bed or random moments I can snag on the couch are how I got to play Midnight Suns. It was off to the races from there for me.

  • Anarkst@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    100%. Dad of 3 kids. Deck allowed me to play games more often and actually finish them in a reasonable timeframe. On the toilet in the bath, an hour before bed lol. Just finished KCD. Hoping Starfield will play on deck. Started on PC. Will have to try on the deck. I also travel for work occasionally. And i bring my SD with me all the time.

    • Seeforceart@alien.topB
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      10 months ago

      I’m in a similar situation and really hoping I can deal with Starfield performance on deck

  • whiteknight521@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    You could always play a shooter designed around controller like Halo. Controller players are generally better in Halo than KBM head to head because of how ridiculous the auto aim is. Infinite runs great on the deck in multiplayer too.

    • HedgeHog2k@alien.topOPB
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      10 months ago

      I need to look into that… I never understood the appeal for competitive FPS gaming on controller. They don’t stand a chance vs KBM.

  • MattM3SVT@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Deck Dads Unite!! Stopped gaming for a while since I just never had the time to play. The deck completely changed the way I play, allowing me to play in short bursts here and there. The pause function of the Steam deck is still a primary reason I choose the deck over something like a ROG Ally.