How the Steam Deck Reignited My Passion for Gaming

As a lifelong lover of gaming and retro tech, I've always been a PC gamer at heart. But when you're a parent, life has a funny way of taking over, and suddenly the days of sitting at your desk with a headset and flashes of RGB hitting the walls, while you're getting frags for hours at a time become a distant memory.

Parenting and work now consume most of my time, and when I'm not busy planning features for my devs, or changing nappies and doing school runs - I try to squeeze in some quality time with my wife every chance I get.

But, like any dedicated gamer, I've still managed to find ways to sneak in a bit of gaming here and there. So how about the Nintendo Switch, the perfect solution for a gaming parent... or so I thought.

It's portable, quiet, and versatile, which means I can play without disturbing my sleeping wife or waking up our 1-year-old. However, its lackluster power and controls often leave me feeling underwhelmed, especially when trying to immerse myself in a AAA game.

As a result, I struggle to stay engaged for long periods, and those epic gaming sessions I used to enjoy now feel like a pipe dream. I've even tried out other consoles like the Xbox, but they never seem to hold my attention long enough to become a staple in my gaming life. But then, the Steam Deck came into my life, and it was like rekindling an old flame.

This powerful handheld gaming device has not only reignited my passion for PC gaming, but it's also sparked a renewed interest in Linux. It truly offers the best of both worlds, combining the flexibility and portability of the Switch with the power and versatility of a PC. It's great for parents who need to sneak in a gaming session during naptime or when the kids are busy watching their favorite cartoons.

Reflecting on the time I've spent gaming throughout my life, it's probably ironic that I'm diving into the same games I could have relished on my PC, even replaying ones I already have... but now they're in a handy, portable format and that just makes it feel like a whole new experience.

So, even when it feels like there's no time to spare, there's still a world of gaming out there. Just remember that sometimes, the best way to rediscover your love for gaming is to embrace the changes and find the right device that fits your current lifestyle. In my case, it was the Steam Deck – a perfect blend of power, convenience, and nostalgia.