Is to have set everything up all over again, after months of work I had my LCD deck setup perfectly just the way I wanted it, all the games installed configured tested, all the emulators and roms setup, all the custom controller layouts, all the plugins installed, custom themes and intro boots setup.
I could finally actually start playing games but instead I get to redo all of that.
Ironically what you’re complaining about is half the reason PC gamers love PC gaming… you can upgrade to newer hardware without leaving behind your previous library.
You just upgraded your SD and don’t have to rebuy anything. When a proper Steam Deck 2 comes out in 2-3 years, you won’t need to rebuy anything. If you decide to get an ROG Ally, you won’t need to rebuy anything. “Dude, you’re getting a Dell?” Won’t need to rebuy anything.
How many people bought Skyrim for PS3, then PS4, then PS5, then Switch… PC gamers can still enjoy the copy they bought a decade ago. Same for GTA5. Oh you wanna play Dark Souls on PS5? Gotta buy it again.
When you buy a PC game, it’s a proper investment that stays with you rather than building up a library locked to a specific piece of hardware that will eventually be left behind.