The embarrassment of playing with a handheld console in public

Is it embarrassing for you too?

  • Yes

  • No


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If you're an adult and you play handheld games in public yes the absolute shame, Only proper sad bastard virgin nerds who wear lgbtq flags use handhelds in public.... bunch of losers.

/s
 
Enjoy your gaming and make everyone else jealous when they just sit there watching TikTok brain rot videos instead of having actual fun for real. 👍
 
I don't do it, but I also don't take my phone when I leave the house usually. I missed the tech revolution stuff and the need for social media and looking at a screen when I have down time.

however, I don't have a problem with folks biding their time and even if I did think something, who gives a shit, do your thing that makes you happy.
 
Honestly a grown ass man that's 40 playing that kiddie ass Nintendo Switch 2 should be embarrassed. If you don't have any kids and you're a single man over 35 I bet you smell like a smash bros tournament. Once you're over that age you should be on PS5, Series X or PC. Since that's more catered to grown men. Only way you should get a pass for getting a Switch 2 is if you have kids and your playing with them on there. Retro consoles are ok too. But I'm judging a man over 35 playing cyberpunk on a Switch 2.
 
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Hell no, I browse discord channels or forums with nsfw content in public and if someone sees a glimpse of what's on my phone it's their problem. I'd do the same with games, but I just don't like playing in portable form. I always use headphones though, I hate when people bother others with any type of music or the other side of the conversation.
 
Was on a flight this AM with my steam deck. Dude next to me was playing tetris on their phone. I cooked SO many recipes in Fantasy Life I...all they got to do was clear some lines and then watch 6 ads to play the next round.

VIRGINITY WINS....FLAWLESS VICTORY
 
I'm 40-ish, and regularly whip out my 2DS, miyoo-mini, switch, or backbone in front of other parents. Why would I give a fuck what they think about it. And to be honest, if they even pay attention, they usually look intrigued about what I'm holding.
 
You have limited time on earth. Less than 90 years on average.

It isn't worth letting others dictate how you spend that time. Do whatever you want.

This is public life, summed up:

see-nobody-cares-nobody-cares.gif
 
I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?

Realize that in the vast majority of cases, nobody gives a fuck.

Time to work on your self-confidence.
 
I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?
Put it inside a copy of Jugs Monthly - problem solved :messenger_tears_of_joy:
 
I recommend covering the Nintendo logo on the back with a ninja turtle sticker
M.A.S.K., or Voltron, good sir.

Are you talking original comic turtles or original movie or cartoon stuff? If it is the original and the darker, grittier turtles, I will stand corrected.
 
I've played the Miyoo Mini a few times in public and didn't think much of it, but I will say that in general I don't like to advertise that I'm a gamer due to some of the preconceived notions some people have about that population.

I have nothing gaming related on display in my home.
 
I wouldnt get caught playing a Switch in public. I would be afraid people might think i'm a child predator since it's a kids console. But i'll play my steamdeck, phone w/ the razer kishi, or one of my emulator handhelds in public.
 
It entirely depends on the game. I'd only hesitate with some games that have those Japanese elements. Hardware irrelevant, playing a handheld on public transit or at an airport/plane to pass the time is exactly what they were made for.

Of course. I have to maintain my alpha chad reputation, can't let the hot bitches catch me playing Doki Doki Literature Club on my Steam Deck.

DDLC is the perfect example. NieR is another I'd think twice about, as much as I love it.
 
I swear I was saying this in my head for a while. Thought about making it a thread and here it is.

And then I see the comments in here lol..
 
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I don't think you need to worry. There's people going out in public is with pink or purple hair. I don't personally ever see anyone out with handheld game machines but do what you want.
 
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People already think I'm a weirdo so it makes no difference. I would be more worried about getting robbed. Especially if I'm taking public transit in some zoo like NY.
 
Lol, what a dweeb, worrying about what some randos think about him during a trip.

Just do your thing, dude, rip some farts or something while at it to establish dominance.
 
I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?
Why care to the others opinions?
 
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M.A.S.K., or Voltron, good sir.

Are you talking original comic turtles or original movie or cartoon stuff? If it is the original and the darker, grittier turtles, I will stand corrected.

It was meant as a joke to cover it up with something equally from your childhood/the 80s, so probably a cartoon one.

Good choices.
 
why you give importance to what people think, that is called self-esteem.

I've seen 60-year-olds play and they don't care.

I wouldn't care if they see me playing or not.
 
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I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?
Yeah don't start. Or wear a rainbow sticker.
 
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It's embarrassing to care what other people think on the bus when you're 30+, not actually playing. Unless you shout "Yahoo! Wohoo! I'm a gonna win!" then it's perfectly fine.
 
I don't think you need to worry. There's people going out in public is with pink or purple hair. I don't personally ever see anyone out with handheld game machines but do what you want.
This is a good point. I have played games on a plane, read books, watched movies, etc. I travel a lot but mostly find myself sleeping.
 
I don't know about embarrassment, but I can certainly see the annoyance of trying to play a game on a public transport. The constant moving, screen glare etc.

Gaming to me is an activity I like to do sitting at peace in front of my setup.
 
I play mine on airplanes or waiting rooms. Zero embarrassment.

I guess if I was at a restaurant with other adults and using it, I'd be embarrassed, but I would never do that.
 
I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?

Advice? Stop caring about what other people think. You will likely never see any of them again.
 
Here's how not embarrassed I am to play handhelds in public. When I was in college, I would play my PSP at the gym when I was on the treadmill or exercise bike.

To this day, I'll play Switch when I'm getting my cardio in on an elliptical at my gym. I look like an absolute dork, with detached joycons in each hand while I'm running, and I don't give a fuck.
 
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Depends on the console. I would never ever play a ROG, steam deck or switch on public transit but I'll play something the size of my Vita.

Nothing like riding the orange line into downtown Minneapolis at 7:30 on a gloomy morning while playing Lumines.
 
43 years old here, I bring my Steam Deck and now my Switch 2 to the bar all the time. Who gives a fuck
If I saw a grown man my age playing a Deck in a bar, I would immediately be all "Woah man, sweeet, what ya playing?"

But personally, never do take my handhelds in public. I also don't ride trains like many on here seem to do, or use subways or anything. So not much of a need to take mine out unless I am carrying it to a destination like a Hotel or wherever
 
I'm a normal stranger in public and yeah I would snap judge you very harshly. I'm not proud of it or anything, just telling the truth. You can tell me to work on myself and you'd be right but sadly I don't take advice from 40 year olds playing their Nintendo on the bus. Have you heard of books?
 
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I have a trip tomorrow, and as someone nearing his 40s, I feel a bit embarrassed to play on my Switch(sorry kirby) or Miyoo Mini Plus in public. For now, my only option is to play Balatro on my phone, because people will probably think it's poker — and poker is considered a cool game.

Any advice?
I'm 37 and couldn't give a rats ass if people see me play my Steam Deck or Switch 2 on the train on my way to work. It's that or I'll sit there bored since the signal isn't great for me to watch videos or browse etc.

Nobody around you gives a flying fuck what you're doing and if they do, they can fuck off.
 
I'm not sure if you're serious, but if you are, believe me it's in your head. People don't give a shit.
It def is in his or anyone else's head who feels such.

People spend so much time worrying over what others think and those others are actually wondering and worrying over what he thinks

Human nature really
 
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