I’ve now had my Steam Deck for four years.

When I first got it, I thought, “If this thing only plays a tiny fraction of my PC game library, it will be so worth it!”

Little did I realize it would play nearly all of my library. Sometimes better. As in, some games that no longer work on Windows still work on my Steam Deck.

Now the stereotype with PC gaming is that it’s all about specs. As in, chasing pixel counts and framerates. And for some people, that is the appeal of PC gaming.

But let me tell you, my Steam Deck has been locked at 800p and 60fps – except on the very rare occasions I docked it to a TV. And the experience has been nothing short of magical.

You know how amazing it is to play Commander Keen on a handheld? Or Serious Sam? Or Septerra Core?

And it’s not just about old games. There are indies like The Binding of Isaac that really come alive with a handheld.

Admittedly, I don’t play a whole lot of recent AAA titles. But Battlefield 4 on the Steam Deck? Amazing.

“Amazing” pretty much the word to sum up everything. I’ve got far more out of my Steam Deck than I ever dreamed.

Comparing my Steam Deck to newer handhelds like my wife’s Legion Go, it’s clearly showing its age. But I ain’t letting it go. Not for any time soon.

There’s too many memories wrapped up there. I spent days on my porch, enjoying the sunset. Nights spent on a park bench. Visits to the beach.

But also, keeping my old friend around gives me an opportunity I never had previously: the ability to go multiplayer with my wife.

That’s right, while on vacation, I’m looking forward to PvP sessions. Perhaps while sipping lattes in a hotel lounge. Or right by a pool.

It’s been worth it.