Steam Deck OLED - The perfect bedtime gaming buddy!

The Steam Deck (OLED/LCD models, both) is an amazing device that makes my bedtime routine so, so comfy. Let's talk a little about why I love the Steam Deck so much, and how I use it to lull myself to sleep, among other things.
Links
***********************
store.steampowered.com/steamd... - buy the Steam Deck here
/ @nerdnest - Great channel for all sorts of portable gaming content
• INFINITE INPUTS with S... - One of his tutorials on Steam input. Go watch them all!
www.emudeck.com/ - Emulation front-end for the Steam Deck
decky.xyz/ - Decky Loader homepage (for SteamGridDB)
heroicgameslauncher.com/ - More about the Heroic Games Launcher
Games featured, in order of appearance
***********************
Animal Crossing: Wild World - NDS on Miyoo Mini Plus
Ori and the Blind Florest: Definitive Edition
Hades
Death Must Die
Stardew Valley
Terraria
Ember Knights (on Steam Deck & Desktop PC)
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
Moonstone Island (not Valley)
Sun Haven
Dead Cells
Baldur's Gate 3
Legend of Mana - Playstation
Steamworld Dig 2 - Amazon Prime Gaming
Dr. Mario - Gameboy
Credits
***********************
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/cutesy-chamber-e...
License code: OJAMQW2JTDMXMPLZ
uppbeat.io/t/avbe/night-in-kyoto
License code: IH1POWG1UHYKCDBX

[@TechDweeb]

Love how you've accessorized your Deck! Right now I'm playing Balatro, Turbo Overkill, and Atelier Ryza.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I love to accessorize! Lol. I’ve only heard of Atelier, must look into those other ones.

[@ETlandxoxo]

RYZA !! I just love the whole Atelier series so much! I watched your videos :) didn't know you were into Ryza.

[@jackdoobie]

Finished turbo overkill and just enjoyed the hell out of it.

[@nintendude794]

I can’t wait to play Balatro (and Turbo Overkill) someday

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@nintendude794 no time like the present!!

[@adinwalls]

I see a really cool persona evolving here! Looking forward to future vids.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much!!

[@joshguillermin]

I like how your videos have gotten better and better. With editing, sound and chill vibe.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thank you~ 🥰

[@wintergroce15]

I feel like I NEED a Steam Deck now, I love this review! It's so in depth and helpful and answered a lot of questions I had about the Steam Deck. I didn't think I would really benefit from having one since I own a Switch and my main concern is portability, but being able to play non-AAA games from steam from the comfort of my bed sound phenomenal, and the display looking good in low-light/ low brightness at nighttime is a huge selling point for me! Thank you

[@jackdoobie]

Nice viddy crystal... keep it up. Your formst is spot on and your unique take is refreshingly crisp.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much, Jack! =D

[@miyahgames4428]

What an incredible video, very sincere, straight to the point, without fluff, not saying anything for the sake of it, I loved it. Seeing this motivated me even more to buy a steam deck, and I want the Oled too hihi🥰😁

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Ooh yay, thanks so much for watching! I love my oled steam deck and I’m sure you will, too. Please let me know how it goes when you do get it?

[@miyahgames4428]

@@crystal_is_cozy ahh you're welcome gamer girl, let me tell you yes, I'll even record it for my channel😁

[@yochrisnelson]

Another great video!! Your humor is always top notch. Bedtime handheld gaming is 92% of my gaming these days. I love Steam Big Picture, my ROG Ally is my backlog machine and I’ve been going through all the Assassin’s Creed games. The only downside is falling asleep while playing 😅

[@zapfando]

Ive been looking through allmost all Steam deck OLED reviews for the past hours, because im thinking about buying one. This one is so far one of the best reviews I have seen. Finally someone who doesnt focus on all the tech stuff, the specs and such, but on the experience and usability. I especially really like that you included your experience when using it in bed for example, cause thats what nobody is really talking about. This review really helped me with my choice!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I’m so glad it helped you with your choice! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jackykwan2580]

The thing is steam deck can't use any frame Gen stuff like lossless scaling etc which is game changing for handheld device. Not only can it double fps but also save battery by just targeting 30fps and it bumps to 60. If all you care about is just battery life then by all means go for it.

[@a.k.9120]

oh my... I demand a 'what's on my steam deck' video asap!!! Soo beautiful and I absolutely love your game collection! 🤍

[@a.k.9120]

I forgot to ask, what is the game on 07:33 (it looks so cozy!), and the different options of concoles it's the emudeck, right? I'm trying to google 'emudeck' on the internet but it doesn't look like it :/

[@Matthew7772005]

I love my Steam Deck so much. Great video. New subscriber.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

The steam deck is so fun! And thanks so much for subscribing 🥰

[@mohammedganai9636]

Love the style. So gentle and relaxing. Like a cat cafe. Very ASMR.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Aaah thanks so much! What a huge compliment, I love asmr videos ☺️

[@ETlandxoxo]

I love your voice!! It's so sweet ;) You actually answered many questions I had about the oled deck. I am team Ally, but I really love how you enjoy the deck :) Nice vid!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Aaah thanks so much! I really love your videos (and your voice, too), so this was a really nice comment to wake up to ☺️

[@Gh0styGames]

😭thought this was your vid for sec 👀love the Aya stuff you cover

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@Gh0styGames what a huge compliment!

[@ETlandxoxo]

@@Gh0styGames hahaha, thx. I haven't been able to cover new Aya stuff recently. Too many things happening in the emulation scenario, sigh 🙄

[@Gh0styGames]

@@ETlandxoxo rip yes I've skipped emulation altogether mostly in my vids just doing windows emu if I show any

[@SimplyGingey]

Thank you so much for this review! I'm happy you included Spirit City Lofi Sessions too!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Aahh thank you so much for your comment! I adore Spirit City Lofi Sessions! The spirits are so cute 🥺

[@patrice6139]

Your review of the steam deck was so relaxing! I just bought one a few weeks ago, and I play it much more than my nintendo switch. I'm currently playing Final Fantasy VII Remake & Persona 3 Reload. BTW, love your Sailor Moon theme steam deck! 💗

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you found it relaxing. I'm also playing Persona 3 Reload right now, but am only on 4/22. It's SUCH a pretty game, though. So stylish. And yay, I love Sailor Moon so much. You should see my Nintendo Switch. lol.

[@chirp_format]

Awesome customization you have there. Love to see owners customize their steam decks. :100:

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thank you! I think it adds personality to an otherwise pretty bland-looking device. And we all love things with personality 🥰

[@krayozmines]

I see you like rouguelikes. Nice!! I've been into them lately and i might be addicted. That hades start up animation looks dope

[@crystal_is_cozy]

They are so so fun! I get addicted to them, too. Never thought I’d like action games, but Hades got me so hooked. Which ones are your favorite?

[@Autotrope]

A lot of the older games I like to play on steam don't support cloud save, and it's not the kind of thing I notice until I'm away from home and start a game and find that my saves aren't there, they're on my desktop at home so I can't even get the files to copy over at the time. That said, I love what steam has done for Linux gaming and just for Linux in general

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Oh man, that's a bummer. I don't think I've run into a game yet that hasn't synced over cloud. What are some of the older games you play that doesn't support cloud save? I'm curious to know what they are. But yes! I love that steam has transformed the linux gaming space =)

[@Autotrope]

Sonic Adventure and Far Cry (the first one) are two off the top of my head. So, really old games in this case!

[@Autotrope]

Mirror's Edge as well

[@BillyZard]

Such a great device, wish they were more available in my country.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Ooh what a shame they aren’t readily available where you are! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! ☺️

[@willettejenkinswilliams4173]

I’m playing dinkum and I’m planning to upgrade to the oled steam deck -great video

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks for watching!! I have been interested in trying Dinkum. How do you like it?

[@Sadtiric]

Death must die on the Deck is SO much fun! I actually had a friend come by and use my LCD while I was on my OLED; we spent about 10 hours straight just parallel playing! ^_^ 💚 I didn't realize that I never commented on this one! Congrats on 300! You got this!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Ah thanks so much for the congratulations! Also yeah, Death Must Die is so fun. What does parallel playing mean? Can you play multiplayer on it??

[@Sadtiric]

@@crystal_is_cozy It's just a term for playing side-by side. We decided to both play that game, but it could be any games for either. It's just a good way to play single-player games, but also spend time with the homies. Lol

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@Sadtiric honestly that sounds lovely

[@Sadtiric]

@@crystal_is_cozy It really is nice! I'm a big fan of single-player games, but I also love my friends like family. It's definitely a "love language." ^_^

[@Angelwrites]

You gave your 7 year old your old steamdeck?! Win mom! My parents got my twin and I consoles and gameboys when they came out. My parents were also win parents and I am so grateful for that. They raised my brother and I so well! My brother gave me his steamdeck

[@crystal_is_cozy]

That makes me so happy, so nice that you guys got to enjoy the game systems when they came out. And what a nice brother to give you his steam deck. Thanks so much for watching ❤️

[@tamilvilayattarangam]

Palworld is my goto to chill right now on my deck

[@robertomoreno3364]

Nice video.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thank you!

[@solomonkane408]

Definitely a deck daddy lol. I love playing indie titles on the SD

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Same, it's so good for that!

[@djizzal20]

They really need to fix the not downloading while sleep thing fr

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Yeah, that would be ideal lol

[@whoopswrongbutton3987]

Do want… Switch will have to do for now though!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I still love my switch lots!!

[@ralenesworld198]

Where did your skin and switch cap

[@theshepard22]

Id LOVE to tell you what I've been playing on SD but I've actually taken a solid hiatus from my deck mainly because its stuck in HDMI out mode only, or more accurately - the handheld screen won't launch like normal, so the external display is the only way to launch it. I'm hoping that I get the courage to factory reset it this weekend! My little issue occurred while accidentally connecting into a powerbank that had the wrong voltage rating/ using the USB output instead of the USBC PD (probably both of those reasons combined actually). I have been much deeper into my emulation handhelds the last handful of months. There's so much to discover there in terms of games and amazing budget friendly handhelds to play them on! My newest addition that should be here in about a week or so is the Trim UI smart pro. Heard of it? I bet you have. I just came across it from Russ at retro gaming corps and it had great qualities and a great price! Not as powerful as my retroid pocket 2s but it's close! Great build quality and plenty of updates that have been pushing it forward into a better user experience. I've been on my switch OLED lately with Hollow Knight with the anticipation of SilkSong dropping this year possibly. So many games! So little time! I love your approach to this video and your humbleness. I'm sure you're great at some things regarding using/customizing the deck though. The "lugging around" is true! I've experienced wrist fatigue from using it for a few hours or more as well. I have a similar case but it's got a few attachment styles going on, kickstand optional. I don't remember it's brand but it's a common grab to protect the deck! Jeez . I would go in and on. But I especially like how emulation friendly the deck is, the cost to function trade off, access to PC games WITHOUT NEEDING to stream! Just a massive powerhouse. My only other close comparison I think for the money might be the Odin 2? But I'm not sure if it does steam games.. yet. Other companies are competing closely and very soon! As VAlve focuses on their software over their console creations right now. 👍👍👍 It's a good thing though!!! Competition makes for better prices!!! Love steam, can be a bit tricky to program it and learn about, but I still have lots of faith in it and valve's work!!!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Right, I think the steam deck has just gotten better and better and will likely continue to do so. Bummer about your HDMI issue!.! But hopefully you’ll be able to fix it. Fingers crossed for you🤞 And also, I’ve been dying to try both the trimui smart and smart pro! I don’t have the budget to get either of these yet, and I’m too small of a channel to receive review units, but hopefully someday!

[@shadowhacker27]

"which is why I have a few devices on hand" **proceeds to show all the devices the steam deck can emulate** :P

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It can do what they do, but it can't fit in the same spaces they can, ahaha.

[@jamienguyen4840]

hello i love the pink design skin on your steam deck oled can i know where you got the skin from please?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Actually it’s just the pink skin from dbrand, and I added holographic flower stickers on it lol

[@IAmKeonaYvette]

Hello love! Great video. How did you get Spirit City: Lofi Sessions to play on your steam deck? I’m having trouble.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Hello! Thank you for watching! I think it makes you install Microsoft visual C++ when you first boot up, so you can do that by holding your Steam key down and using the right track pad as a mouse (click with your R2 button). Go through the installation procedure and then when it’s done it should bring you to the main game screen.

[@IAmKeonaYvette]

@@crystal_is_cozy thank you so much! ☺️

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@IAmKeonaYvette You're so welcome! Please enjoy!! this app is soooo cute. I love discovering all the little spirits and picking which color I want lol

[@bonkCsM]

Dont worry about the screen, you'd have to be doing things intentionally over a period of years to actually hurt it with burn in, feel free to leave it on dimmed overnight to update games.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Oh, good to know! =D

[@XRevMaynardX]

About how long did it take, from the day you ordered it, to receive it? Great video!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks for watching!! And it took about a week and a half? Not too long. I live in Hawaii, though, so shipping times are probably non-standard.

[@Gh0styGames]

Ori best experience on OLED is only hamheld can HDR it

[@Zenith0000]

How's baldur's gate 3 runs on Deck ? Got any better or still struggling at 20ish FPS ? Good content by the way..Cheers!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I honestly have only played it a little, but have been able to get over 30-40 fps on it. I have heard that it still struggles in act 3, but I'm not there yet lol. I can imagine in really busy areas it may dip to 20s.

[@Zenith0000]

@@crystal_is_cozy Appreciate your honesty ✊

[@Matthew7772005]

I love it. I have a dock so can play on TV. In handheld, it's wonderful. Verified on Steam Deck. I play it 45 frames. It's very beautiful and performs great.

[@Zenith0000]

@@Matthew7772005 What setting are you using on Deck handheld ? since reaching with your specified performance level is almost impossible in it's current state on Steam Deck.

[@Matthew7772005]

@Zenith0000 it's Steam Deck Verified. Runs perfectly. I have the settings 45 and 90.

[@reddragon8609]

Good review despite lacking of system info

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Haha, thank you! I am not really a specs sort of person, but I’ll try in my next video to add some text in!

[@Nerolir-kf9ok]

Ooh whats the controller that you have in the background? Is it good?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It’s the 8bitdo Ultimate 2.4g wireless controller, and it’s amazing! It plugs in via usb dongle for a really low-latency (to me) gameplay experience, and it comes with its own charging dock which is _so_ good. Absolutely my favorite controller for in-home use. I have a pastel green one (sold without the dock) that I use upstairs on my mini pc for streaming and retro emulation. I’m planning to do a video on all the controllers I have, so if you’re interested, watch this space! 🥰

[@Tyler-l5s]

You’re missing out on forza. One of the few good AAA titles

[@rockzjermon]

was that your desktop mode with the girl on the bed? how did u set that up

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It’s not a desktop mode, it’s just a focus app called Spirit City Lofi Spirit. You have a room you can decorate and an avatar, too, and you can discover pet spirits just by hanging out there. It plays Lofi music and has a focus timer, task list, and journal you can use, and you leave it on in the background for ambiance. =D

[@Joe-kn4es]

Do you struggle with small text? Worried about eye strain and damage. Lol

[@crystal_is_cozy]

I don’t. There IS a magnifying function for the steam deck, though. It’s one of the shortcut keys when you hold down on the steam button long enough to show all the systems hotkeys

[@casey40]

Is yours the etched or glossy one?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Etched glass. I have a glossy lcd one, too.

[@senpaiedz]

what is the name of this game 8:50 thanks! love your videos you got a sub!

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos 😊 the game is Spirit City: Lofi Sessions, and it’s actually more of a focus/mood app than it is a game. You create an avatar and can decorate your own room, discover little spirits as you relax/use the game to play music, keep track of your tasks, project plan, and journal. All of this is done while listening to a curated selection of Lofi tunes. You can set the audio to include rain noises, bird sounds, and even fireplace crackling. It’s super cute and relaxing, and I’ll often put it on while I’m editing or writing. The full version isn’t out, but the demo was part of Steam’s Next Fest a month or two ago, I think.

[@EchoMid]

What are you using for desktop? I want to customize mine like that :o

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It's just a desktop mat from Amazon! If you search for "large pink desktop mat" you will find so many things! =D

[@EchoMid]

@@crystal_is_cozy I mean your steam deck home desktop. The one with the animated background and stuff

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@EchoMid oooh, I see. That’s not an animated background, it’s actually a game/focus app from Steam called Spirit City: Lofi Sessions that comes out next month. It’s like part music player, part mood-setter, part creature collecting, part task manager/focus app. Check out the demo on Steam! =D

[@EchoMid]

@@crystal_is_cozy O.o interesting. Thank you

[@spike17spiegel]

Damn, now I wanna original Animal Crossing now.

[@crystal_is_cozy]

animal crossing is so good!!

[@sweetiieyunz]

That's so weird because they don't have any cute skin like your on dbrand? Only the case. 😢i got the case last week

[@StrawBear_E]

The Ant- 💀

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Lmao omg was there an ant? 🐜 they are all around, our house is woefully infested with them. There is one that somehow got _underneath_ my left monitor and just traipses back and forth on my screen. I can see it but cannot reach it. (I’m sorry if you are talking about some other ant thing and I just gave you a whole insect sob story 😂 )

[@StrawBear_E]

@@crystal_is_cozy also is there any silicone cases for the steam deck OLED, i feel like the steam deck lcd cases on amazon wont fit for it, is it the same size?

[@tommyboy6111]

Sounds like she has a great personality 😂😂😂

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much!!

[@user-xp6rv8hm2d]

7:07 what is the game?? looks so good

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Moonstone Valley! Deck-building meets Pokemon meets Stardew Valley.

[@user-xp6rv8hm2d]

@@crystal_is_cozy its not steam game!? i cant found with the steam

[@user-xp6rv8hm2d]

@@crystal_is_cozy btw what game is 7:15 ?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

@@user-xp6rv8hm2d that’s Sun Haven! Also really fun. Fantasy-themed Stardew Valley-like game with more RPG elements (quests and skill trees for stuff). I also really like it and put in around 80 hours.

[@MyNameIsAhj]

Stardew valley currently as the main play

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Heck yeah!!

[@TeamRetrogue]

What does your 7 year old play on that LCD Deck?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Terraria, Stardew, some Overwatch 2. He plays Ember Knights with me, too, and some Figment 2. He likes trying out new games, so I’ve given him the run of all the vaguely age-appropriate titles in my library.

[@Gh0styGames]

Whole some 🫠🎉

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Thanks so much!!

[@user-yc6vc9uo4u]

Is it like a Nintendo?

[@user-yc6vc9uo4u]

Is that the controller you use?

[@crystal_is_cozy]

It’s not very much like a Nintendo, no. But yeah, it’s a handheld that plays games with a controller attached.

[@user-yc6vc9uo4u]

@@crystal_is_cozy that’s cool

[@Thugrobb1991]

Women also gotta make shit cute🗣️

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Not all women. But me? Yup!

[@Thugrobb1991]

@@crystal_is_cozy lol