Honestly, I’m not computer proficient at all. The most I’ve had to do anything on the “computer” side of the Deck was to set it up the first time, and when I installed the 1TB SSD upgrade to the LCD Deck. If that’s the most I have to do to play games, then I’m happy.

I’ve never once had to go into desktop mode to do any tweaks or tricks, but I’m sure there is a crowd of people who say you will come across it.

Do I suggest you need to check it out early before Christmas? Yes and no. If you plan on returning it, yes. However, Valve is great with making sure any technical issues get resolved if you wait until after. So, they’ll try to give you the best technical experience (personal experience is all on you, though)

I don’t use the official dock, but I use the JSAUX one. The only reason why I have it is because I can play on the television, sit the Deck in the rest, and it doesn’t fall over or off the TV stand.

That, and I can leave the dock plugged in, and not have to keep plugging and unplugging cords all the time.

If you are treating the whole setup like a station, then it’s quite useful. If you’re treating it like a hub that you’re going to plug and unplug cords often, then I don’t suggest it.

JSAUX 5-in1 Dock. Plenty enough USB for me, and it does the job well enough. Haven’t come across any issues. Originally thought audio issues were the dock, but it was the LCD Deck itself.

Bluetooth/wireless controller/keyboard.

My go-tos for each are an old Xbox One S bluetooth controller and a Logitech K400 Plus Wireless KBM all-in-one.

You shouldn’t need to tinker too often. It’s only for a few games that you’ll need to swap compatibility layers. I’ve only ever had to swap 1 game so far because of crashes. Other than that, the ones that get installed or are tested and suggested with the games usually just work “straight out of the box”

Hope you enjoy your gaming experience! I also hope ProtonDB helps you out, as well!

Not as if it matters much, but I purchased no more than 25 bucks worth of games. Trying not to go overboard since I already spent like 60 on other bundle sites these past few months.

Games I got:

Ori & the Will of the Wisps

AI the Somnium Files

Black Mesa Definitive Edition

Psychonauts

What everyone is getting at for the points not having value is that Steam Points all go towards cosmetic bonuses. IE- profile backgrounds, avatars, emotes, startup movies, keyboards, badges, etc.

There is nothing inherently important for them to need the points unless you think they might want some extras, and even then they will gain them when they purchase more steam games (if they go that route instead of emulation, of course)

It most certainly helped me enjoy games again. I wasn’t able to afford high-end PCs to play games, and if I wanted to build something that was close in function and form… I’d be spending 2-3k USD. This is encouraging PC gaming to be more accessible and cheaper and more on the go than ever before.

What would someone need when they feel like they have it all? There’s really no other accessories unless you want some special carrying cases, extra monitors, or other extra cables.

Do you want something exciting, calming, topical, genre specific?

Truly, just about any game will do if you want a distraction, but perhaps games that you typically would have played during your pregnancy that your child would have heard in the belly. Might be something like a bonding experience. Perhaps games you would want them to check out one day.

Had surgery on an umbilical hernia, and I’ve been REALLY taking it easy. Since the last time these threads have been posted, there’s been progress, for sure!

Finally, 100%'d Vampire Survivors for achievements and secrets! Took me most of the first day of recovery, but it feels good. :)

I’m trying to break out of the same ole stuff. So, I’m beating the storyline of Steamworld Dig 2 and possibly starting up another game that fills that “mindless fun” like VS. I’m still not sure what that is going to be. Might even work on finishing up Spiritfarer storylines, too.