There is still an opportunity for the Steam Deck to make a significant impact on the mobile gaming market, especially given that it's essentially a handheld PC. With Valve now making Windows compatible with the device, it shows that it's more than just a gaming console, setting it apart from its competitors such as the Switch. While the actual games are what's important, it's also key to make sure that the actual item itself is in good shape and has been built well. This stress test shows how durable it is, but it is uncomfortable to watch.

In a recent video on YouTube, the JerryRigEverything channel has been putting the Steam Deck through its physical paces by seeing how well it stands up to certain tests. Chief among these are seeing how easily the screen can become scratched by scraping along it with numerous sharp tools, as well as running a Stanley blade along the body and buttons of the device. Given that it's a brand-new item that has come straight from the box, to see it being scratched in this way will almost certainly be horrifying to many watching.

RELATED: Steam Deck Update Now Allows For Custom Per-Game Performance Settings

The show's host also bends the Deck to see whether or not it will withstand such force. In doing so, they conclude that the device itself is pretty solid, and is still very much playable after the tests. With the Steam Deck now supporting almost 2,500 games, it's the compatibility that most are after purchasing the device for, but it's interesting to see JerryRigEverything give some attention to the physical make-up of the handheld PC, making sure that Valve has put out a quality product, which does appear to be the case overall.

Releasing towards the end of February, the system is already appearing to make an impact on the world of PC gaming. For instance, the Steam Deck may have influenced an increase in Linux use, with more people now opting for alternative operating systems, and not necessarily for the Deck itself. As well as now supporting Windows, it shows that it is a versatile, and seemingly pretty well-built, piece of kit.

While Valve has a history of unsuccessful hardware attempts, the Steam Deck is proving to be the one that could put the company on the gaming console map. It's taken the company several years to get to this stage, and while there are some out there who would prefer the developer return to making the games that made it popular in the first place, the Deck is proof that Gabe Newell and co can make a splash in the hardware scene as well.

MORE: Best Deck Verified RPGs For The Steam Deck

Source: PCGamesN