You'll get stronger as you keep using it and then the weight will be fine.
this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2023
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Steam Deck
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I was concerned about the weight when I got mine as I am used to Nintendo handhelds. After playing with my Steam deck for over a year now I don't notice the weight anymore. I actually feel like I'm going to break my Switch when I play it now.
The last handheld I had was a n3ds xl, too, and that felt a little heavy then too.
I think you might just have weak arms then.
Most likely the case
Oh well take it out of the case then
I read somewhere, maybe reddit, maybe here, someone used an articulated tripod for tablet to support their deck for them. It could be a solution for you, at home.
We have something like those in the house I think. Those ones that clip to a table and is a bendable arm.
Yeah I mean the 3DS XL is not a heavy system by any sort of comparative standard. So it makes sense the deck would feel heavy.
Personally it doesn't bother me, but I do still often prop pillows under my arms as support for long sessions. You might try that.
Yes eventually your muscles gets big enough and you don't realise you are even holding it. You'll get there. Hang in there!
It seemed heavy at first, but I don't really notice the weight at all anymore. I find it much more comfortable to play than a lighter handheld like the switch, ergonomics are more important than weight imo.
The thickness is especially nice. I used grip attachments with the switch which at that point made it nearly as long as the Deck. They did not design those joycons for regular hands. If the controls were detachable on the deck I'd be using it as my main controller. I really want a comfortable joycons style wireless controller.
I only notice how bulky and heavy the deck is when I use my switch. But I love the deck and don’t mind the heft considering what it’s capable of.
I think it may also be due to the way the handle grips are shaped on the bottom half. My hands feel better with my palms flared out more. The joysticks do stick out a little too much for my liking, though, which makes it a little rougher only hands.
It's a personal preference and your mileage may vary, but I found a silicone skin to make a huge improvement in handling comfort.
It's not particularly heavy but I generally rest the Deck against something anyways (my pillow if I'm lying down, my lap if I'm sitting up)
If you're sitting for a while playing it then put a pillow on your lap and rest the deck on it. I've got something I can only describe as a "gamer's breastfeeding pillow" and it really takes the strain off your wrists/arms!
I don’t notice it, and I love the sturdy feel of it
I wish I had an answer for you, but it was never heavy to me. I was actually surprised how easy it was to hold considering the size. Granted, I am a large man (6'6", 230lbs) so maybe that has something to do with it.
Never heavy says the Hulk.
It's doesn't feel very heavy to me, my arms don't get tired holding it one bit, but I do physical labor and work out at the gym so that might be why.
When a Steam Deck feels heavy, it's time to start exercising.
Yes, it’s a hefty device, but it’s never been at the forefront of my thoughts when using the device. I’ve never experienced weight related fatigue during a play session with the Deck. That includes playing CP 2077 for a 6 hour session today.
Now that I've gotten used to the Deck, the Switch seems so light that it feels like a knockoff.
I rest mine on a desk while I'm playing. I can hold it but I'm usually multitasking anyways.
Totally agree. That's the reason why I bought Anbernic RG35XX for actual "on the go" gaming because the steam deck is too heavy and big to carry around.
People keep requesting all sorts of performance, screen improvements for next Steam Deck but in my opinion, it only needs to trim down the weight and maybe some size. Less than 500 grams would be a good start.
Ever since my RG35XX, I'm finding myself using it way more than Steam Deck. It costs 10x less haha
Sadly, I'm returning my steam deck because of other issues as well as weight. Looking up the device you said, their store has a lot of interesting videogame handhelds to play with.
I recommend RG353V or the RG353P. They're the same with the difference between the two being the orientation. V for vertical and P for portrait (not sure)
That thing can play up to PSP so that's pretty nice and has dual analog sticks just in case.