# Valve Declared War on Consoles | Kurt & Lucy Gotcha Covered Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_C3fNVvGDE Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/z_C3fNVvGDE Generated: 2025-11-15T17:34:35.654+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Kurt and Lucy discuss Valve's aggressive focus on PC gaming hardware, particularly the Steam Deck and Steam Deck 2, arguing that these efforts, while potentially successful, overshadow the needs of existing console users and signal a clear 'war on consoles' by Valve, leading to frustration among multi-platform gamers. **Key Points:** - Kurt predicts the Steam Deck 2 will launch in early 2026, possibly costing around $799-999, and will likely feature a premium OLED screen. - Kurt believes Valve's focus on the Steam Deck as a standalone device, capable of running an entire PC library, makes it more appealing than previous handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or PS Vita. - Lucy points out that despite the Steam Deck's success, Valve's focus on hardware development might be negatively affecting support for their existing massive PC games portfolio, noting that many older titles lack modern features like proper controller support or PC-like accessibility options. - The hosts discuss the irony that Valve, which profits immensely from PC games sold via Steam, is now aggressively pushing hardware that competes with console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft. - The segment concludes with a humorous reminder that even with the Steam Deck's success, the popularity of narrative-driven, low-cost indie games and the ongoing success of multi-platform titles like Minecraft and Fortnite mean the console war narrative is complex. - Kurt jokingly suggests he's willing to play any role, including 'Kurt' or 'Sir Reginald,' for the sake of the podcast segment, showing a lighthearted end to the intense hardware discussion. ![Screenshot at 00:04: Kurt expresses surprise and excitement as he transitions from discussing the Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer to the main topic of Valve's hardware strategy, gesturing emphatically toward the camera.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-00-04.png) **Context:** The hosts, Kurt and Lucy, are recording an episode of their podcast, 'Kurt & Lucy Gotcha Covered,' where they discuss recent news and developments in the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Valve's hardware strategy surrounding the Steam Deck and its perceived impact on console gaming platforms. ## Detailed Analysis The discussion centers on Valve's increasing focus on PC hardware, specifically the Steam Deck, which Kurt predicts will see a sequel in early 2026, likely featuring an OLED screen and priced around $799-$999. Kurt views the Steam Deck as a revolutionary device that offers the full PC library in a handheld format, overshadowing past handhelds. Lucy counters that while the hardware is impressive, Valve's intense focus on it might be neglecting the existing PC gaming ecosystem, noting that many older Steam titles still lack basic modern quality-of-life features like proper accessibility options or modern controller support. Kurt argues that the success of the Steam Deck, particularly in promoting PC gaming outside of traditional desktop setups, is a positive sign for the industry, suggesting it's a 'good generation' for portable PC gaming. They touch upon the irony of Valve, a platform holder, now aggressively entering the hardware space against console manufacturers. The conversation shifts to predictions about the future success of the Steam Deck 2 and the ongoing competition between PC and console ecosystems, with Kurt asserting that even if the Steam Deck doesn't completely replace consoles, it carves out a significant, successful niche. ### Valve Hardware Strategy - Kurt predicts Steam Deck 2 release in early 2026 with OLED screen, priced around $799-$999 - Kurt views Steam Deck as revolutionary, offering the full PC library in a handheld format ### Critique of Valve's Focus - Lucy suggests Valve's hardware push neglects existing PC titles, noting lack of modern features (like controller support) in older games - Lucy points out that many popular games like GTA and Elden Ring thrive on PC without needing the Steam Deck's specific features ### Industry Implications - Kurt argues the Steam Deck's success is positive for PC gaming, making it more accessible outside the desktop setup - The discussion touches on the challenge of competing with established console ecosystems (Xbox, PlayStation) and the success of narrative-driven indie games. ### Predictions and Hopes - Kurt hopes for continued support for the Steam Deck's capabilities, like running games outside of Steam (e.g., Epic Games Store titles) - The hosts joke about the company's willingness to invest heavily in hardware despite potential short-term losses, citing the need to 'pay back the bomb' from previous failed hardware attempts. ### Game Mentions - Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer (briefly) - Elden Ring, GTA V, Astro's Playroom, Spider-Man 2, Deathloop, Halo Infinite, Elden Ring (again), and the mention of a card game where the card features a smiley face. ![Screenshot at 0:03: Kurt introduces the 'Steam Machine' segment of the show.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-00-03.png) ![Screenshot at 0:17: Kurt expresses his positive assessment of the Super Mario Galaxy movie trailer, saying it looks 'pretty good'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-00-17.png) ![Screenshot at 0:27: Lucy points to the 'Gotcha Covered' email address displayed on screen.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-00-27.png) ![Screenshot at 0:42: Kurt asks for clarification on whether he needs to address something before starting the main segment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-00-42.png) ![Screenshot at 1:07: Kurt reads a card detailing Valve's new hardware lineup, mentioning the Steam Deck and VR headsets.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-01-07.png) ![Screenshot at 1:33: The hosts discuss the pricing of the Steam Deck, with Kurt estimating the high-end model around $800-900.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-01-33.png) ![Screenshot at 2:01: Kurt reads a question card asking to predict the success of Steam Machine 2 \(Dream Machine\) and Electric Bugaloo.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-02-01.png) ![Screenshot at 2:54: Kurt makes a sweeping gesture while explaining his view on the current success of the Steam Deck.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-02-54.png) ![Screenshot at 3:33: Kurt uses hand gestures to illustrate the concept of a 'sweet spot' in pricing/performance for the Steam Deck.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-03-33.png) ![Screenshot at 4:44: Lucy makes a heart shape with her hands while discussing what makes her hopeful for the future of gaming, likely in response to a card or question about positive developments \(44:39\). Tones shift to playful/positive here despite earlier critiques of industry trends \(44:24\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/z_C3fNVvGDE/00-04-44.png)