Choosing a Steam Deck over Building a New PC
Before I bought the Steam Deck Oled for my birthday in May I was contemplating building a new gaming pc. But after really thinking about it I opted to get a Steam Deck instead.
Here’s why..
Price - Building a pc is expensive and the one I was looking to build totaled to a little under $1400. I just couldn’t justify that cost plus the price of Steam Deck was a lot easier to swallow 😅
Portability - after a long day the last thing I want to do is sit at my desk. The Steam Deck offered portability & the option to play games in bed & or on the go, something I wouldn’t have gotten if I built a pc.
I’m a casual gamer - I definitely consider myself a more casual gamer. I have so many other hobbies I enjoy & tend to choose those over gaming. So, building a pc just wasn’t worthy investment for me.
I have a gaming pc already: I have a gaming pc and gaming laptop & though they’re both pretty old they work great for my needs!
Emulation: When I do have time to play games I mostly gravitate towards indie & or retro games. Finding out how easy it is to set up emulation on the Deck is what really sold me on it!
Choosing between building a new gaming PC and purchasing a Steam Deck involves several factors that both casual and serious gamers consider. Building a custom PC can be an exciting project but often comes with a high price tag and less portability. The Steam Deck, particularly the OLED model, offers a compelling alternative that combines gaming flexibility with convenience. Price is a significant consideration. As noted, building a gaming PC can cost upwards of $1400 depending on the desired specifications, including components for high-performance gaming such as a powerful GPU, CPU, and sufficient RAM. In contrast, the Steam Deck provides a portable, all-in-one gaming experience at a much lower total cost, making it easier on the budget for those who don’t require top-tier PC specs. Portability is another major advantage. Unlike a custom desktop setup, the Steam Deck lets gamers enjoy their favorite titles anywhere—whether relaxing in bed, commuting, or traveling. This mobility extends gaming beyond the confines of a desk, appealing greatly to gamers who prefer casual play or have busy lifestyles. Emulation capabilities make the Steam Deck particularly attractive for fans of indie and retro games. Setting up emulators on the Steam Deck is straightforward, allowing users to access a wide range of classic consoles and games not readily available on modern systems. This feature broadens the gameplay options and enriches the gaming experience. Moreover, casual gamers who already own functional gaming PCs or laptops may not find building a new PC a worthy investment if their gaming needs are limited. The Steam Deck complements existing setups by serving as a secondary, portable gaming system. Overall, the Steam Deck offers a balance of affordability, convenience, and versatile gaming options, making it a smart choice for casual gamers and those interested in emulation without the complexity and expense of building a high-end gaming PC.
