Valve Advises Against Inhaling Steam Deck's Exhaust Fumes

The Strange Meme and Valve's Response

Valve is advising Steam Deck owners not to intentionally inhale the device’s exhaust fumes in the wake of a bizarre meme popping up on social media. The Steam Deck was launched in February 2022 as a competitor to portable gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch, with its main appeal being the ability for players to take an entire Steam library of PC games with them on the go. Earlier this year, Valve announced an upgraded model in the form of the Steam Deck OLED, which features a larger video screen, enhanced storage options, and improved battery life.

The portability and wide range of available games aren’t the only aspects of Valve's handheld that gamers have taken an interest in, as there has been a strange meme circulating the internet as far back as the Steam Deck’s release about the exhaust fumes emanating from the vents on top of the console. According to the people sharing this meme, this exhaust has “an oddly satisfying” scent that has been compared to the inside of an old Blockbuster video store. This in turn has led to jokes and apparent confessions from Steam Deck owners about deliberately smelling these exhaust fumes.

It seems that Valve itself is well aware of the Steam Deck’s ongoing exhaust-smelling trend, as it recently sent out a message telling users to stop. Reddit user Metapod100 asked the Steam support page (via IGN) about any negative effects of sniffing Steam Deck exhaust and was met with a lengthy response post about the potential dangers of inhaling fumes from electrical devices. The support message notes that there are currently no safety concerns regarding the use of the Steam Deck, but players should exercise caution and good judgment all the same.

Metapod100 shared a screenshot of Valve’s response on r/SteamDeck, where they were met with replies from other Reddit users comparing people smelling the Steam Deck’s exhaust fumes with another strange trend of Nintendo Switch owners licking their game cartridges and tasting the bitter Denatonium Benzoate coating that is used to prevent the cards from being swallowed. In other Reddit threads, users have noted that the smell of the Steam Deck’s fumes reminds them of playing video games as children, and that the scent seems to disappear after several months.

We understand that it may be a meme, but please refrain from this behavior for the safety of your health.

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The post on Reddit

The Potential Risks

Whether this apparent trend of gamers inhaling the exhaust from their Steam Deck systems is an internet joke in the vein of the “Tide Pod Challenge” of 2018 or something people are actually doing, Valve is advising users against this. While there haven’t been any reports of Steam Deck owners suffering health problems from huffing the system’s fumes, everyone should be advised that doing so may lead to serious respiratory issues.

The Steam support page highlighted the potential dangers of inhaling fumes from electrical devices, emphasizing the need for caution and good judgment. Although the smell of the Steam Deck’s fumes may evoke nostalgia for some users, it is important to recognize the potential health risks associated with inhaling them. Valve's warning serves as a reminder to prioritize health and safety while enjoying gaming experiences.

Conclusion

The emergence of the meme surrounding the Steam Deck’s exhaust fumes has sparked discussions and humorous anecdotes among gamers. While the lighthearted nature of the meme may elicit laughter, Valve’s response underscores the importance of being mindful of potential health hazards. As the gaming community continues to find amusement in quirky trends, it is essential to heed caution and prioritize well-being. Valve’s advisory serves as a reminder that responsible and enjoyable gaming experiences go hand in hand with maintaining good health.