Watch Gabe Newell deliver the first Steam Deck units

Valve’s been shipping out the first batch of Steam Deck units as the launch of the anticipated console began earlier this week. Those lucky enough to pre-order them before anyone else should be getting them soon, if they haven’t already. But an even luckier few had the honor of Valve co-founder Gabe Newell himself deliver their Steam Deck.

As part of a marketing video for the console, Newell took to the streets of Bellevue, Washington (where Valve’s headquarters is) to deliver the first few pre-orders. The recipients had been told the day before that their shipment was on the way, but Newell’s involvement was kept a secret. Many were surprised to see Gabe Newell deliver the consoles — especially as they were signed by Newell himself.

Newell acknowledged the strange move in the accompanying video from Valve. “If I was at home and I was getting a delivery from Amazon,” he said, “and people with cameras get out of a truck? They’re gonna be like ‘I’ve got your Steam Deck!’ [laughs]”

See that video below, courtesy of Valve on YouTube:

Why is Gabe Newell delivering the first Steam Deck units?

You’ve probably already figured this out, but no: Gabe Newell isn’t personally going to deliver every single Steam Deck. This was all part of a marketing campaign by Valve to celebrate the launch of the console. Newell personally handed over the consoles, chatting with some of the recipients about what they’re planning to play on it. It was apparently a nostalgic experience for Newell, who used to deliver telegrams for Western Union decades ago.

Gabe Newell took some time in the video to reflect on what the launch of the Steam Deck meant for Valve. He comments:

This is a really important moment, where Deck stops being a theoretical product. […] We’re finally getting around to what we do best, which is interacting with our customers and improving the experience. This is kind of symbolically an opportunity for us to go and do that.

Gabe Newell, Valve Co-founder

Some users on Reddit posted about how Gabe Newell came to their house to deliver their Steam Deck. One detailed how they were out skiing that day, meaning their non-gaming wife had to answer the door for Newell. The other commented how they hadn’t ordered a Deck, but live next door to someone who had. After they and their roommates called out to Newell, he offered them each a Deck free of charge.

For everyone else who pre-ordered the Steam Deck, the shipping and receiving process won’t be nearly as exciting. Yet this also indicates that Valve still has a sense of that personal touch that makes its games so special.

Have you got your hands on a Steam Deck yet? Let us know!

Via YouTube.