Disneyland's Surprising and Innovative Utilization of Steam Decks

Highlights

A gamer spotted Disneyland employees using Steam Decks to control animatronics in the Star Wars section, showcasing the device's unexpected utility.

The Steam Deck has demonstrated its versatility beyond gaming, as companies are discovering alternative applications for this portable PC.

There is speculation regarding the accessories utilized by employees for the Steam Deck, with many assuming that there might be a battery pack to prolong playtime or perhaps an antenna for a reliable connection.

A keen-eyed gamer recently noticed Disneyland employees utilizing Steam Decks to operate animatronics in the Star Wars section of the park. While some individuals have used the handheld console for impressive feats, such as one Steam Deck owner who developed an indie game with the device, using it to control animatronics introduces an unexpected new functionality to Valve's mini-PC.

Valve, the same company responsible for the renowned online gaming platform Steam, is behind the creation of the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC. Upon its initial release, some gamers dismissed it as a mere Nintendo Switch imitation, while others immediately recognized the potential of this compact PC. However, it appears that not only gamers recognized the possibilities that the Steam Deck brought forth, but certain companies also discovered alternate uses for the device beyond gaming.

During their visit to Disneyland, a Reddit user named Leepixel noticed three park employees using Steam Decks to control animatronic droids in the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge section. The Reddit user shared a post on the Steam Deck subreddit, featuring photos of the employees using the devices. Interestingly, the Steam Decks were cleverly disguised with a white shell or skin to match the Star Wars theme of the area. This discovery adds to the growing list of capabilities that many players are unaware of when it comes to the Steam Deck.

Among the many questions raised by fans regarding the posted image, one of the most prominent inquiries concerns the accessories being used with the Steam Deck. Obviously, the white shell/skin is used to seamlessly blend the device with the park's theme. However, speculation has arisen regarding the attachment on the back of the system. Most people assume it could be a battery pack, which would be practical considering the Steam Deck's average playtime of 2 to 8 hours depending on the console's setup. This implies that a battery pack is necessary for prolonged use throughout the day. Another theory posits that the attachment could be an antenna or transmitter designed to maintain a stable connection with the droids.

In addition to gaming, the Valve handheld mini-PC, Steam Deck, offers users the option to access desktop mode. This enables them to connect a mouse and keyboard to the system, as well as access other useful features that are not available in gaming mode. The possibilities for utilizing the handheld device are endless, and the future looks promising for Steam Deck users.