I recently sold part of my inventory to buy my very own deck (yes, I know what happens on the 16th but I’m not in NA and I’m quite content with what I’m already getting for the discounted price) and I wanted to be ready for the day it eventually arrives, so my question is: what tips would you give to a total newbie like me? Any must have apps, settings? Any kind of advice is welcome really.
Don’t do any modifications to ANYTHING until you NEED to. Use the Deck vanilla for as long as possible.
Education. Learn how proton works. Learn your way around the Linux file system. Configure your Dolphin file manager to a “friendly to Deck” configuration.
Don’t try to jump in too deep. Play verified games … avoid any game from a third party locker like EA, Rockstar, Ubisoft until you are comfortable with how everything works.
Avoid emulation until you’re comfortable with where things are and how they work.
How and where could I educate myself in advance about proton, Linux etc? I’m very interested about using the deck as an emulation platform but I will take your advice and wait a bit
This is who I cater to…
Recommended curriculum for the new user
Roughly in order … all of these videos are listed above.
- Ten Things Every New Steam Deck Owner Should Know
- Dolphin Tricks and Tips (New for 2023)
- Proton 101: What is it and how does it work
- Shaders, Caches and You; Understanding Shaders on Deck
- Getting GE-Proton Installed and Running
- Five Ways to Unleash the Power of the Rear Paddles
- Access Deck’s Drives As A Drives on Windows (SSH+SSHFS) - New 2023 Edition
- EmuDeck 101 (Index Card Instruction)
- Ten Things You Need To Know About Emulation Station
Smell the vents you must