My Steam Deck 2 Wishlist: A Sleeker, Lighter Design
▼ Summary
– The author has stopped using their Steam Deck due to its bulky size and weight, which is uncomfortable for their small hands.
– They compare the Steam Deck’s 1.48 lbs weight unfavorably to lighter handhelds like the original Nintendo Switch at 0.88 lbs and the Switch 2 at 1.18 lbs.
– Despite the bulk, some newer handheld PCs like the Legion Go are even heavier, suggesting size may be a trade-off for power.
– The author expresses a preference for sleeker, more portable designs like the Ayaneo Flip DS clamshell, which is easier to carry despite similar weight.
– Valve has indicated a Steam Deck successor is not imminent, as they await a significant performance improvement without sacrificing battery life.
My Steam Deck has been gathering dust for months, saved only by my partner’s deep dive into visual novels. While I still love handheld gaming, countless hours lost to the Nintendo Switch attest to that, the Steam Deck’s sheer bulk and weight have kept me from picking it up lately. What I really want from a successor isn’t just more power, but a design that’s kinder to smaller hands.
Let’s talk numbers. The original Steam Deck tips the scales at 1.48 pounds, making it one of the heftier devices in its class. By comparison, the Nintendo Switch comes in at just 0.88 pounds, and even the rumored Switch 2 is expected to weigh around 1.18 pounds. That’s a noticeable difference when you’re holding a device for hours. While some gamers appreciate a solid, substantial feel, others, especially those with smaller grips, find it downright fatiguing.
It’s not just about weight, either. The overall form factor plays a huge role in comfort and portability. Plenty of modern handhelds, like the Legion Go, continue to prioritize performance over svelte designs. And to be fair, a larger chassis can sometimes mean better cooling, more robust controls, or improved battery life. The ROG Ally, for instance, uses its extra size to incorporate deeply contoured grips that many find incredibly comfortable.
Still, there’s something to be said for a device that doesn’t feel like a workout just to hold. The Ayaneo Flip DS, with its clamshell design, offers a refreshing alternative. Though it’s only slightly lighter than the Steam Deck, its folded form makes it far easier to toss in a bag or use casually in bed. That kind of practical convenience matters, especially for gamers who value portability as much as power.
Valve has been clear that a true Steam Deck 2 is still a ways off. The company is waiting for a meaningful leap in performance and efficiency, not just a minor spec bump. When it does arrive, I’m hoping it brings a more refined, ergonomic shape. Maybe it’ll be slimmer, maybe lighter, or perhaps just better balanced. Whatever form it takes, a more comfortable design would go a long way toward winning over those of us who crave power without the palm strain.
In the end, the ideal handheld strikes a delicate balance. It should be powerful enough to run demanding games, yet designed thoughtfully enough for extended play sessions. For now, I’ll keep dreaming of a Steam Deck that feels as good in the hand as it looks on the screen.
(Source: PC Gamer)
