The Steam Deck meme cycle began long before the device's 2022 release, fueled by the anticipation of a 'Switch Pro' for PC gamers. Upon its launch by Valve, the meme culture shifted toward the absurdity of playing demanding titles like Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077 in mundane locations like public transport or while lying in bed. It often features Gabe Newell as a savior figure of portable gaming or highlights the irony of owning a high-end handheld just to play 2D indie games. The template is widely used within the gaming community to discuss hardware specs, Linux compatibility, and the eternal struggle of the 'unplayed library' syndrome.