Valve Warns Against Inhaling Steam Deck Exhaust Fumes Amid Social Media Trend

Despite the warning, some users continue to inhale the fumes, likening the smell to that of a new car or PlayStation 1 controller.

Valve has issued a warning to users of its Steam Deck handheld gaming device to avoid inhaling the exhaust fumes from the device's vents. This follows a trend on social media where users have been inhaling the fumes, which some claim have a unique and pleasant smell.
The trend of inhaling the fumes, which has become a meme on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, prompted one user to contact Valve's customer support to inquire about the safety of the practice. Valve responded by advising against it, citing health concerns.
While the air coming from the Steam Deck's vents is not expected to be harmful under normal usage, directly inhaling the fumes is not recommended. The device uses standard cooling mechanisms such as a heat sink, airflow, and cooling fans.
Some users have compared the smell of the Steam Deck's exhaust to that of a new car, fresh laundry, or a PlayStation 1 controller. Despite Valve's warning, some users have stated they will continue to inhale the fumes.
The Steam Deck, released in 2022, is a handheld gaming device that allows users to play games from the Steam library on the go. A newer version with an OLED screen was recently released, which some users claim has a stronger smell.