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+Steam Deck - a love letter to Linux & handheld gamers
+
+Alternative title: Steam Deck, a Linux PC console.
+
+Valve recently announced [Steam Deck](https://steamdeck.com) and I
+must say that I like it. The people that made this hardware are clearly
+as passionate computer nerds as we are here. The controls do look a bit
+uncomfortable to my taste, but I'll judge it when I see it. The operating
+system used for Valve's handheld is Free Software built on [Arch Linux](https://archlinux.org).
+This may be one of the first (?) appearances of Arch Linux on a consumer
+product in actual prduction en masses. Not only are their software choices
+solid, they also allow you to decide that by not locking you out of your
+system and granting you access to desktop & install other OSes. You are
+also not limited to just Steam, you can easily install emulators on it and
+insert an SD card with your favourite ROMs. When docked, it will be a staple
+of your living room, a powerhouse capable of emulating likely up to PS3 even.
+Speaking of docks - while it is sold separately, I like what I see. You can
+turn your Steam Deck into a full on desktop experience with external monitor,
+Ethernet connectivity and fully working USB ports.
+
+How does this compare to Nintendo's Switch handheld console? To start off,
+Switch uses closed source software and actively stops you from escaping its
+walled garden, often ending up banning your online profile on signs of device
+modification. The device is as powerful as a ~$100 Android phone these days,
+yet they get away with selling a new display as of recent for a premium.
+Steam Deck is some fresh air into the handheld market as it allows complete
+freedom over your device while not forcing you into an ecosystem of walled
+gardens. The hardware is also much more powerful than what a Switch has.
+Steam Deck is a consumer-friendly and open option for anyone that cares about
+their device being open without getting banned from every accessing console's
+online services. I will personally be buying a Steam Deck and be writing a review
+piece when it arrives.
+
+Thanks for reading,
+- Cernodile
+
+;tags:steam hardware handheld linux