It’s been about six months since I bought the Valve Steam Deck, and wow—I’m blown away. These days, I play all my video games exclusively on the Steam Deck, leaving my other consoles and platforms gathering dust. What makes the Steam Deck so good that I’ve abandoned the rest? Here are five reasons that convinced me.

1. Time-Saving Convenience

To be honest, I can pick up the this device and be in a game within seconds. Compare that to my Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or any other console, where I often have to wait for updates. Plus, I don’t need to turn on the TV, adjust my sound system, or settle into my couch. The Steam Deck offers incredible flexibility, and when I’m done playing, I can simply turn it off with a single button press. Hours or even days later, I can resume exactly where I left off. Perfect!

2. Emulation Heaven

The pirate in me has installed several emulators on the Steam Deck, allowing me to play everything up to PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube titles. Amazing! Thanks to EmuDeck, everything is neatly integrated into my Steam library. So for retro console games—especially obscure ones—the Steam Deck is the ultimate way to enjoy them. This makes my old consoles practically obsolete. What a dream!

3. Steam Compatibility and Third-Party Support

Steam compatibility with the Steam Deck isn’t perfect, but with Proton, a whole new world opens up. About half of the games in my Steam library are playable by default, but with Proton tools, I rarely encounter a game that doesn’t work. Additionally, games from the Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox Game Pass, and Prime Gaming can also be played through workarounds, making the library even bigger—wow!

4. Budget-Friendly Gaming

As a retro gaming enthusiast, I’m not that interested in new releases—I prefer classic titles. Luckily, these games are often dirt cheap on Steam or through third-party sites that sell Steam keys. This means I can legally enjoy older Prince of Persia or Tomb Raider games without breaking the bank. Fantastic!

5. Endless Accessory Support

Another huge advantage is that almost any Bluetooth or USB accessory can be connected to the Steam Deck. I own a Steam Deck Dock, which allows me to play on a TV or projector with any (USB) controller I want. This makes gaming possibilities nearly endless. Power to the people!

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