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The original was posted on /r/steamdeck by /u/BoredHorse90 on 2026-02-03 16:20:03+00:00.
Before the Deck, gaming felt like a choice between my hobby and my family. If I wanted to play, I had to disappear into the 'computer room' or the basement. As a parent, that guilt hits hard—you feel like you’re missing out on the little moments, or you’re leaving your partner to do all the heavy lifting.
I eventually just stopped playing. I figured I’d pick it back up in 10 years when the kids are older.
Then I got the Deck.
Last night, my wife was catching up on her favorite show, the kids were building Legos on the rug, and I was right there on the couch next to them, finally making progress in Cyberpunk 2077.
I wasn't 'away' in my office; I was present. I could look up, laugh at a joke, help find a missing Lego piece, and then go right back to my game.
It’s the first time in years I haven't felt like I had to choose one or the other. For any parent feeling like they’ve lost their favorite hobby to the 'chaos' of home life: this thing isn't just a console, it’s a bridge back to being yourself again.