Stop huffing the fumes

Valve has a message for everyone (including me) who loves to be angry Steam deck Exhaust fumes: no more. Please.

Have you ever taken a break from playing your Steam Deck to sample the complex scents wafting out of the exhaust vent? If so, you are not alone. Since the release of the handheld PC many owners have reported that they can’t stop sniffing the fumes

that blow out of the Steam Deck during the game. It’s become something of a meme among Steam Deck owners, with people often posting online about how much they enjoy the distinctive scent. I’m one of those weirdos who sticks my nose right over the exhaust and takes a big sniff every time I play. But at some point someone asked Valve about it, and it turns out the company wants you all to stop it.

On December 12th Reddit user Metapod100 shared a screenshot

shows them asking Steam Support if it was “safe to breathe in the fumes from the top vent of the Steam Deck.” The user pointed out that people enjoying the smell has become “something of a meme,” admitting that a lot of people actually enjoy doing it.

Valve’s response was reminiscent of a school teacher gently (but firmly) telling children to stop eating paste.

“As with all electronic devices, breathing the fumes from your device is generally discouraged,” Steam Support said. “Although there are no safety concerns for general use, direct inhalation of the device’s exhaust fumes should be avoided.”

Valve’s support team added that while they “understand” that it is a meme, they still want Steam Deck owners to “refrain from this behavior to protect your health.”

And that is a completely fair and logical answer. But I’ll ignore it. I can’t help it. I smell the hot, plastic (almost fruity) scent I have Steam deck Spitting out after warming up is a habit I can’t break. I love it too much. I’m sorry, Valve. Please don’t be angry. (And please also release a Steam Deck scented candle next Christmas!)

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