You are aware it's more of a computer than a gaming console right? It runs full on Linux. Don't make the mistake I did by going in blind lol. I got it all figured out now but I had great difficulty getting various things to work at first. If you are aware disregard this message I'm just trying to look out for a fellow steam deck bro
The "computer" part is required to install highly recommended add ons for game mode that improve overall deck performance. It's also required for when game mode starts acting off, like when sound suddenly stops playing, for example, or when a game won't run in game mode and needs tweaking. If you want to emulate your games from other consoles, it is also required to maneuver. It's also required for when you inevitably want to start modding your games to get the most out of them. Sure, you can totally avoid it if you want, but you will eventually have to use it. "Decky Loader" is another good example. It unlocks the steam decks potential in many ways, but you need to use desktop mode to get it working in game mode.
Aren't you basically just saying that if you want to do computer things with it, you have to treat it like a computer? None of the stuff you're talking about is even doable on a typical console.
It's NOT a gaming console. It has a GAMING MODE that is similar to one. It basically just emulates the console experience. When GAMING MODE acts up, which it will, desktop mode is usually required to fix it. It's more of a hand-held computer than it is a console.
My issues were just learning to navigate Linux (coming from windows) when I had to problem solve or install recommended add ons. Also "verified" doesn't mean "runs perfectly". For example, BG3 is "verified" but in the city, act 3, the game chugs badly. "Cryotools" helps with that, but you need to go through desktop mode to install it.