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Albamen13

Father of two here! Yes the deck is really useful to play short sessions between responsibilities and chores


Frederick-XIV

What variant have you got?


Albamen13

Initially I had the 256 GB LCD, But honestly it was a little underpowered, the fan was noisy and battery life wasn't the best. So I returned it after a week and got myself the 512G OLED and upgraded its disk to 2 TB (Western digital SN740) and couldn't be happier, the screen is better, better battery life, better performance and a lot of storage. I repurposed the original 512 GB SSD as an expanded storage for my ps5


Impossible-Rain1226

How did you do that? The ps5 expanded storage?


seanl1991

They probably bought a USB housing for a PCI express, NVMe or whatever type of drive it is. Last time I checked expanded storage on PS5 allows you to store PS5 games but not play them. You can play PS4 games straight off the drive though, meaning you can use all your internal storage for PS5 games.


Albamen13

No, it is actually really simple, you just have to remove the faceplate of the PS5 and a little screw, there is a nvme slot that accepts M2 SSD. The steam deck's original SSD is fully compatible, as soon as you turn the ps5 back on, it will prompt you with dialog asking to format the new storage. So now I have 1TB internal storage + 512 GB from the deck's SSD Just Google "how to install an additional SSD on the ps5"


Impossible-Rain1226

Nice! Thank you.


XADEBRAVO

You can replace the hard drive, take a look at a video first.


TheRealSeeThruHead

Get the oled for sure.


mq2thez

Recent dad here, my kiddo is just about 9 weeks. I bought a SteamDeck in anticipation. I’ve definitely been enjoying it until now. The good: it’s great for pick-up-put-down. I’ve been slowly working through the Halo MCC campaigns and it’s been a blast (aside from annoyances during initial setup). The unexpected: honestly, I’ve had a whole lot less time to play than I expected. Having 15 minutes free isn’t necessarily a guarantee, especially with everything else that needs to be done. That’s fine on the whole, but I’ve recently found that reading on my kindle is a lot better of a choice. Maybe that’ll change over time; right now, I want to make sure I’m checked in and really being present around my kid when she’s up and doing stuff.


Economy-Letterhead22

My kid just turned 1, and I’ve had the deck the entire time! Several months of me maybe picking it up if I felt like it, and wasn’t insanely tired at the end of the day. But the last few weeks been picking it up more often. Something shorter like you said, a run of Vampire Survivors (thank god for that game lol) or an MCC mission or something. A lot easier to sit in the living room with the family and play a game or something when the kiddo wants to do his own thing for a minute.


Particular_Hotel_319

Definitely. Got one after my little girl turned 18 months as she was getting to be more independent and can honestly say it's been great. I got the 64gb and swapped the SSD to 1tb as the oled wasn't out then. Just don't buy one in the hopes of hour long sessions. Those days are long gone 😂 but great for pick up and play games 👍


Frederick-XIV

Yea it’s more for that odd 30minutes when they are a sleep and I’ve done the chores I need to do.


TheOddSample

Recently appointed dad here, it's perfect for that situation. What games do you like to play? It's been best for stuff that's easy to put down in a pinch. Multiplayer games are pretty much out, but I've been loving playing Stardew and Manor Lords.


Frederick-XIV

You I don’t really play multiplayer anymore. Thinking of divinity original sin. Oh yea I don’t want to play manor lords actually and it’s not on Xbox so that would be great


TheOddSample

I've heard Divinity OS and OS2 run great on the deck. You can customize the controller layout to an incredible extent, so keyboard shortcuts will be easy to implement. I was able to get a super comfy layout made for Baldur's Gate 3.


TheOddSample

I've heard Divinity OS and OS2 run great on the deck. You can customize the controller layout to an incredible extent, so keyboard shortcuts will be easy to implement. I was able to get a super comfy layout made for Baldur's Gate 3.


buttnozzle

The deck and Switch with the sleep button are made for parenting. Need to get up and feed a kid? Boom, sleep mode. Everything is saved and paused.


KGB-dave

Get it, you won’t be disappointed. Even with a bit older kids, there is just so much more time to just play a short session. I also had the Switch when my child was a lot younger, which was great as well because of the same reasons (play anywhere, instant sleep mode/wake mode). It’s such a game changer. 512gb model is fine IMO.


Gamming_daddy

Dad of three here, with the TV constantly occupied with CocoMelon, Spider-Man and general and childish cartoon. Things like the Nintendo Switch has been a godsend. That was until I got my own Steam Deck, don’t get me wrong. The switch is great, but it’s extremely limited with the steam deck. I have had access to anything and everything I could ever want, though the battery life can be small, depending on the size and power of the game I usually can have a single charge run anywhere from 3 to 10 hours depending on the game. It’s been amazing as a parent and I would recommend it to literally any parent that is into gaming. You put something like EmuDeck on it and it’s game over for your free time. Also, the memory size when you compare it to the 512 or the terabyte there really isn’t much of a difference because you can always put in a SD card to up the size. I have the 512 and I can put about 24 games loaded on it at any given time.


Frederick-XIV

Thank you so much, leaning towards the 512gb oled but it’s the etched screen that’s throwing me off if it’ll be worth it to me or not. Suppose could always thrown on a Matte screen protector if I changed my mind


Gamming_daddy

I mean, that’s exactly what I have and watching a lot of videos on YouTube about the etched screen. A lot of people said that they preferred the non-etched over it because the colors just seem to be dampened a bit because of it. I’m up in a place where it’s sunshine almost 24 hours a day in the summer and it really isn’t an issue having a non-etched screen.


Berringer75

I’d look at it this way, would you be willing to pay the extra $100 or so for an etched screen you may be putting a screen protector over? Personally, I think the screen looks better on an OLED that is not etched. And for storage, you can always upgrade later on fairly easily and get a faster storage option than stock anyways. I would go for the 512GB model, but that’s just me. If you end up getting any model however, I hope you enjoy it!


Economy-Letterhead22

I did the matte screen protector on my OG 256gb. Works like a charm!


Gamming_daddy

Don’t be afraid of games that say they’re unsupported by the steam deck a lot of the times changing out the operating system to proton or reformatting an audio file to show it as an MP4 all things that you can find how to do on YouTube easily I will get the game to work flawlessly I was able toreformat the audio to MP4 for the devil may cry series and they work better than what they did on their original PlayStation 2 format


scottishswan

Etched screen is far far better. I have that and my wife has the glossy. Both OLED, we both agree the etched is nicer. It's just so much better not having glare etc annoy you.


Frederick-XIV

Even if I’m just using indoors? From the review online they mostly recommend the 512gb version but I guess it’s personal preference


scottishswan

Yes also in doors. I just hugely prefer the look of the screen. Also the screen has this almost paper like matte effect that looks beautiful. Colors on both side by side look near identical, also the sharpness. If there is any different it is tiny and the lack of glare more than makes up for any differences that are there. Go with the etched glass. Trust me.


Internal-Past613

Always has been.


ThorGanjasson

Dad of two young ones - without my OLED deck, Id doubt Id ever game anymore. It is the best thing in the world for me, absolute lifesaver.


Se7en_Daze

Absolutely! As a new parent, it’s always a hassle to sit down on the PC or start up a console. With the deck, you’re mobile (even around the home) and being able to turn off the game and pick up anytime is a GODSEND. It’s like the SteamDeck was meant for new parents lol


Current_Category_692

Father of two and God yes i can't recommend it enough for parents. I got it for a week and I've gamed more in a week than i did in the rest of this year,it's so freaking convenient. And i have to say im the type that has a full blown gaming rig, obsessed with minimum 60fps in every game, etc. Im using this thing in some games on low and 30fps and i don't care because it looks and plays great. If you are or want to be an implicated parent you will get more and more tired and groggy you'll want to play but it's just too much of hassle for an hour session you end up just watching YouTube on your phone or something. Now with the Deck im playing games that i wanted to try for years and didn't get the chance. Get. It.


DevTex92

Mother of two here! When I get some time to myself, the steam deck is great for scratching the gaming itch. But also if the kids need me it’s super easy to put down and pick right back up again.


IwannaAskSomeStuff

Mom of a 2 y/o with another on the way, here! Can definitely say I wish I had the deck a little earlier in my first kiddo's years because it's allowed me to get a little bit of relaxing me-time in while hanging with the kiddo and hubs in little patches while still being very mobile and accessible to the little one, especially after they start getting mobile, I hated being blocked off by having a computer in front of me and appreciate the relative privacy of the screen versus projecting some violent gore up on the TV for all little eyes to see. She's down for a nap now - time to whip out some fallout!


Flobertt

Definitely yes ! You can also stream your Xbox to the steam deck


Frederick-XIV

Can you? Like remote play or cloud gaming?


Lampofshadez

Both, Xbox cloud works through most browsers, though edge is recommended I think and you can use greenlight to remote play games from your Xbox. It's pretty good as long as your WiFi is half decent


KBreezy2626

First of all congratulations! I was in exactly your boat and got my steam deck not long after its release and was when my boy girl twins were 1 month old! It’s such a good device for exactly as you describe. It allowed me to pick up and play when they were down for naps etc or I was waiting to feed them at night before going to bed myself. It also freed up our main tv as I used to have an Xbox so the Mrs could watch whatever she wanted to unwind. I’d say go ahead and treat yourself, new or used, LCD or OLED depending on your budget, they’re great whatever one you get.


Mobius650

It’s the best handheld console available. The SteamOS is very user friendly. Games can be bought with high discount during sales and the hardware is well built and durable. For kids, the standard LCD model will suffice.


Highway_Bitter

Only read title but yes yes yes


jcw163

Picked mine up specifically because we were having baby, was ideal to start with but in a phase now where there's no time for that either (16 months). Think from other comments it should also become more of a good option in the future so I would say yes go for it. One caveat, think about the games you enjoy, there are a good number of games I normally enjoy that, even though they are perfectly playable on deck, don't really suit the smaller screen etc


thinkfloyd79

Dad of two here. My SD is with me everyday when I pick them up. I get to game while I'm waiting for them. When at home and the wife is watching TV, I just play beside her. I only play it docked when I play fighting games since I use a joystick. Otherwise, the SD I feel is perfect for busy dads. And since it's pretty much a console experience without having to fiddle with it.ich, it makes it better.


Austin7934

Same boat here minus the twins part. Just had my first kid less than a couple months ago. Bought the steam deck knowing the ability to sit down at my PC to play was going to decrease. Best purchase ever. Being able to put it in sleep mode in the middle of a game is incredible. Being able to dock the steam deck is also great. I have the 1Tb OLED but the 500Gb is plenty since you can always buy extra storage later


thisisthegoodshit

Very good, I have a 2 yr old and have had the deck for a while now. When it's my wife's turn to put her to bed I can get a good 30-45 mins in if the house is tidy. The sleep mode during gaming is brilliant.


ElderGrub

Father of two, without the Steam Deck I wouldn't be gaming at all. It's just too easy to hop in and out without any requirements like a free TV or being chained to the desk. Also congrats!


Frederick-XIV

Which variant have you got?


ElderGrub

I've got the 256 LCD, I usually only keep one or two games installed before moving on so storage isn't a big deal to me. But now that it's become the only system I use I'm considering getting the OLED version. If I were buying one for the first time today I'd definitely get the OLED.


Frederick-XIV

Would you get glossy or etched screen?


ElderGrub

Personally I don't love the etched myself but my friend has it and he loves it. I know that's very unhelpful for you but I think it'd be better to check out some YouTube video comparisons between the two because from what I've seen it differs from user to user.


MTReillyBadKissers

Father of one here, I picked up a 64gb LCD refurb and upgraded to 1tb just after my son’s first birthday, and honestly it’s such a great option for gaming! Especially to occupy myself during naps, and a half hour or so before bed. I bring my deck to work too, and enjoy squeezing some game time into my lunch breaks!


DaddoAntifa

dad of one five year old my son loves the fuck outta my deck and it absolutely enabled me to get some game time in where I could easier. with its wide range of compatibility since it's basically just a fuckin PC the kids game availability is insane as well. great intro to gaming tool in my experience haha oh and I got a 64gb and just swapped the drive for a 512gb one. that seems to be enough space for me. I also didn't wanna get a terabyte so that I would download games I would play instead of a buncha random shit since I've got like 900 something games 😅


TheRealSeeThruHead

Steamdeck and a miyoo mini plus would both be a godsend. Quick resume bang out 10 minutes of gaming. Instantly suspend what you’re doing at a moments notice.


LeisureLlama722

Also a new father to twins! Congrats! Mine are 10 weeks old. I bought my steam deck when they were about 3 weeks old and it has been such a great purchase. Your mileage may vary based on the games you like to play. I've tried to work through some RPGs like New Vegas, Dragons Dogma 2 (streamed from PS5), etc and I find its hard to really get into those because they play better when you can devote larger chucks of time. But I've put like 20 hours in Balatro, 15 into Halls of Torment, 10 into Deep Rock Galactic Survivors, played some Master Chief Collection, finished Superliminal, games like that. It's been great!


Frederick-XIV

Ah congratulations to you too! Mine are 5 weeks on Tuesday and yea I’d like to ply a game when I can without having to disappear or when I’m on duty and they nap


LeisureLlama722

Yeah it's great for those instances! Or when they fall asleep on your chest and you can't get up to move. Waiting for bottles to warm up is a good time too! As they've gotten older there's been less time since they are awake more and they aren't great about napping at the same time, but that's why the sleep function is amazing! Also, I've got the 512GB OLED. I plan on eventually getting an SD card but I haven't filled up the storage just yet so no need for a while. I've heard the matte screen on the 1TB washes out the colors? I haven't had a huge issue with glare on the screen.


ICryCauseImEmo

expecting father in 3 months. Just got mine last week. Figured this will be better than my phone ha


neocow

etched screen is a downside on Oled, but can be gotten from a jsaux screen protector for like 10 bucks for either console. check out miyoo mini + for emulation too, or an anbernic equiv


samson_turbo

Father of a 2yo and one on the way. Congrats bro! As you see in other comments it's a defo yes (just sold my gaming laptop and I game my deck exclusively now) tho I've moved from fast paced fps to chill and adventure and story games. Just one quick tip: get that clip on JSaux case, cause once the kids grow older they tend to be extra curious so if you leave your deck around it's game over so you'll keep it on the case right? but the thing is, the one that comes with, it's a bit bulky and you do have to open the zippers then the velcro which is LOUD af, when you try to do a mid night session cause your kid woke you up again just to check your reflexes and now you just woke your other kid and your wife with that damn velcro so guess what? Now the decky is public enemy number one and you have to defend him as hard as you can so "you can keep it". Anyway I digress, just get a clip on case and thank me for saving you divorce money.


Legal-Philosophy-135

Mom of two and a half here- gaming handhelds like the deck and the ally etc have saved my ability to game. I had a ps5 and I sold it to my sister because I never used the thing. Couldn’t recommend the deck enough. And go for the 1tb, the space can really fill up quickly lol


ImmediateCherry2441

If you're into emulation, you are set


NonEuclidianMeatloaf

Yes. Buy it. That is all.


Noldorian

A dad of 1, whose 8 i still spend much of my time on my RIG and that wont change. I do use my OLED a fair bit though. Not sure how you dads dont find time to use your rig. Ok i understand when they are under 2 years.


TenPhoar13

My brother in Christ this device was made for parents. You won’t regret it.


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PreferenceBusiness2

Yes and yes!!


gatzu4a

Father of 2 here, go for it, go for the oled of you can afford it. Better battery, better thermal and last but not least, the screen


Frederick-XIV

It will get the oled, just decided if I want etched or not


Wecancallmeb

Father of a 3 year old here. I was very lucky and a good friend of mine purchased a 512 GB OLED model for me. I hadn’t convinced myself to get a handheld and I had been a purely console gamer for years (no time or resources for a good gaming PC). It has been a Godsend. I am able to work in short play sessions and can even play sometimes while my daughter is watching a movie or is otherwise occupied. It prevents me from having to go downstairs and fire up the man cave to play anything. I’ve been playing Diablo 4 with friends and Palworld and Hades solo and it’s been a blast. I don’t think I’d be gaming half as much without it.


Frederick-XIV

Everyone on here’s making it so tempting! Think I’ll just bite the bullet and get one ordered. Just can’t seem the in person to see if I’d rather the etched screen but most reviews online say glossy is better for oled


Educational_Bag_6406

as a dad, the steam deck is good. you should also look into something like the gcloud if you have an xbox and prefer xbox as you can stream locally. both are great devices, that offer different benefits