Meanwhile, Valve is sending the Steam Deck to its future owners. But now some users are complaining that the device is falling into the wrong hands. Because fraudsters are said to have their eyes on the packages that could contain the Steam Deck.
What is the Steam Deck? Valve presented a handheld console in summer 2021, which reminded many users of a Nintendo Switch Pro. The handheld is supposed to offer you all the functions of a gaming PC. However, there are distinct differences between the Switch and the Steam Deck.
With the Steam Deck, you shouldn’t have to make the usual compromises, as with the PS5 or Xbox Series X, and you can install any software you want. Experts still advise against installing Windows on the Steam Deck.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is officially available, and Valve is shipping the first devices to their future owners. But buyers are now criticizing Valve, as their purchased devices are not reaching them.
Users suspect that the Steam Deck will be stolen from their doorstep
What exactly is happening with the Steam Deck? A user explained on reddit that he was able to order the Steam Deck (via reddit.com). But the successfully delivered package with the Steam Deck turned up nowhere. Only after a long discussion with the service provider and several emails with Valve did the device finally reappear.
Other users were hit much worse. Another user stated that Valve had also refunded him the money for his missing Steam Deck. Afterwards, he was supposed to get back in line for a reservation. This did not make the user very happy, as the earliest point in line is currently in Q3 2022.
Why is the Steam Deck being stolen? Some users suspect that the packaging of the Steam Deck could be the reason. Because the packages have large warning labels for a lithium battery and also notes about “fragile electronics.” And here many believe that such prints could attract thieves.
A reader also pointed out to us that the box of the Steam Deck clearly displays the Valve logo or the Steam Deck itself. Anyone who knows the symbol knows exactly what is in the package. You can see a picture of the packaging on reddit:
Because when you see such a package on your doorstep, why wouldn’t you be tempted to just take it? Especially at a time when graphics cards and PS5 consoles are being sold for a lot of money on eBay, the scruples are particularly low, and for many users, theft is the least of their worries.
What users demand: The demands of the buyers go in one clear direction: package the consoles in less obvious packages and don’t rely on couriers or the honesty of passersby. This is how some users explain on reddit under the comment of the user:
- “Valve should ship the devices in a discreet box.”
- “Can you imagine waiting almost a whole year, from the time you reserve until the day your Steam Deck is delivered, only to have it stolen before it gets to your doorstep? And all because Valve decided not to pack your $900 device in a plain brown box.”
- “I’m glad my device comes in a box that’s sealed with a randomly generated code at the store next to me. I’ve never understood how one can rely entirely on the goodwill and mentality of the delivery person and bystanders when delivering to the USA.”
Valve cannot simply remove stickers from packages
Can Valve simply change the package? In fact, Valve cannot easily remove the sticker indicating fragile electronics or the warning about the lithium battery. Because in many countries, including Germany, shippers are required to label devices with lithium batteries with a hazardous goods sticker.
Because there are regulations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the transport of such items.
For example, packages with mobile phones, as well as small devices like headphones with batteries, are always printed with such a label. Anyone who has ever ordered an electronic device from Amazon will have noticed such a sticker.
Some service providers do not even ship such packages at all since the effort is too great. FedEx, the provider that Valve uses for the Steam Deck, also requires such stickers (via fedex.com). It is therefore unlikely that Valve will change its shipping method in the future.
PS5 and Xbox Series X are also stolen by fraudsters
Thieves and fraudsters regularly target high-quality hardware. There were similar issues with the PS5, as well as fraudsters who stole the packages with the console directly from the doorstep.
A family was hit particularly hard. The Amazon driver who was supposed to deliver the console had it in hand, but then got back into his car with the package and drove away. The PS5 never arrived and was stolen by the supplier.
You can read the whole story about the delivery driver and the PS5 directly on MeinMMO:
Amazon driver steals PS5 from a customer and is filmed in the act
