Hey everyone, my daughter is starting biweekly chemotherapy infusions soon, and I’m trying to find ways to help make these sessions a bit more bearable for her. She really loves gaming and has a decent Steam library. I thought a Steam Deck could help pass the time during her infusions, but we’re on a budget and the prices are all over the place. I’d love to hear any recommendations on which model to get or any experiences and tips from others who might have used it in similar situations. She enjoys games like FFXIV, Elden Ring, Guilty Gear, Stardew Valley, and Pizza Tower. Thanks for any advice!
7 Answers
I’ve worked in an IT role at a cancer treatment center, and I can tell you that Steam Decks and Switches are really popular among younger patients undergoing chemo. They definitely help keep spirits up during those long sessions!
It really depends on what kind of infusions she’ll be getting. For me, during mine, I got certain medications that made me really sleepy. I always asked the staff to time any sleepy meds as late as possible so I had more gaming time. Just a strategy I found helpful!
Sounds like a smart move! She’s getting Avastin, which should have her infusions around an hour, possibly shorter over time. Looking into a port as well for easier access.
Wishing you and your daughter the best of luck during this tough time. Get well soon!
I’ve been using my Steam Deck during my infusions too, and it really helps make the time fly! Just a heads up: if they have an IV in, you’ll need to hold the Deck farther from your face, which can be a bit annoying. But overall, I think it’s a great idea! I have the 512GB OLED model, and I absolutely love it. Wishing your daughter all the best!
Honestly, all the models are pretty similar except for storage differences. The OLED model has a nicer screen and slightly better battery life, but if you’re on the fence, I don’t feel like I’m missing much with my LCD model. Just a note: games like FFXIV can be tricky with a controller; they shine with a keyboard and mouse. But games like Stardew are fantastic on it! If you can snag an OLED model within budget, that’d be awesome, but she’ll be fine with the LCD too.
Awesome, good to know! Thanks for the tips!
Make sure you choose the right storage option because it fills up fast with updates and shader caches. If you’re tech-savvy, you can always upgrade the NVMe later on if needed.
Thanks for the heads up! I’m comfortable with upgrades, so that’s good to know.
If you’re on a budget, I suggest looking into the Valve Certified Refurbished Steam Decks. You can save some money compared to buying new, plus they come with a warranty. If the latest OLED models are out of your price range, I had fun with my 256 GB model before I upgraded. They tend to restock fairly frequently, so keep checking for availability! Good luck to you and your family during this time.
Thanks for the info! I appreciate the warranty part, but those prices can be rough.
Refurbished options are always sold out, though. :(
That’s great to hear! She does have a Switch from some past surgeries, but these days she’s been more into her Steam games.