Hey all, sorry in advance if this kind of post isn't welcome in this community. I wasn't really sure where to post this question and I didn't see anything in the rules against text posts or questions. If there's a more appropriate place to post I'll take this down and repost somewhere else.
With the recent price hikes of game pass, Microsoft's general inability to publish good games, and a deep loathing for AAA studios obsession with milking me for every dollar I have while delivering uninspired, broken slop, I've cancelled my game pass subscription and started considering PC gaming. I'm still on the Xbox one and haven't bothered to get the one X due to these issues. I'm due for am upgrade and don't feel particularly thrilled at the idea of spending that much money on a console that has little to offer.
I don't have a lot of money, but I do have enough to afford a modest build (600-700 USD.). But with all the praise and broad support that the steam deck has been getting, I'm wondering if my money may not be better spent on getting one and using the extra for a dock, some peripherals, and a start to building my library. The steam deck would be living most of its life docked and plugged into a monitor. The fact that it's a capable portable gaming machine is, for the most part, a bonus to me.
I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this. Is a steam deck a viable alternative to a budget gaming PC?
What do you mean by "better autonomy?" And how is Windows 11 a plus for what is going to be a gaming handheld? Linux in general is more convenient than Win11, plus you don't have Microsoft spying on you the entire time.
The Steam Deck OLED has better battery life from what I've seen, a better screen, works out of the box, and has better controls due to trackpads for more games.
OLED screens consume more power than an IPS screen, unless you display only black pixels on the screen. Explain to me by what miracle the autonomy would be greater?
I find the desktop useful, more software means more possibilities and more drivers for external devices. In any case, it covers my needs better.
Privacy is not a strong argument. And I am very concerned about this issue. You can disable the telemetry with a little bit of tuning in Windows and you can block the traffic with an FW. Privacy is systemic and not just Windows. Look at your phone, bank, connected objects, TV, insurance companies, ... Do you think steam is not spying you ? Have you read their subscriber agreement ?
OLED can consume more battery, but the screen is a small factor in overall consumption in a gaming handheld.
Secondly, Linux has better privacy, more useful software features for gaming (like gaming mode on SteamOS), and more.
Repeating something wrong doesn't make a valid argument.
Linux privacy is better yes, until you use Steam on it to rent your games.
And your solution is to use Windows with Steam? Repeating something wrong doesn't make a valid argument.
I avoid to use steam as much as I can. I prefer GOG or to buy my games instead to rent it. But as steam got 80% of the market share sometimes there is no choice. People should understand that a monopole is not good.
You can run GOG games on the Steam Deck. Again, why use Windows when Microsoft is worse?
I know you can run gog on it.
I am not either a pro Microsoft. I just prefer the ROG for the reason I previously gave.
Now if you prefer to go full steam it is your choice.