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[Dr Cowley]

Depends how you play it.

Sit there quietly and no one will care.

Sliding around in your seat with your tongue out yelling 'pwned' may raise a few Eyebrows...

 

[Gripsx]

No one gives a shit what you do and you should too.

 

[Calverz]

Yes. Gaming is a childs past time.

 

[SNG32]

Yes. Switch 2 Gaming is a childs past time.

Fixed.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

Depends what you're playing

 

[CrimsonTide]

Depends what you're playing

Maybe they want to play their anime porn dating sim in peace and do not need your wondering eyes prying into their dark soul

 

[cinnamonandgravy]

everyone's quietly judging everyone, op

 

[Boss Man]

I voted yes, but only because I've been there.

I think if you're a single man with any motivation to attract women, you should not play Nintendo at the airport.

Now that I'm married with kids, I'll play pokemon with shorts, socks and sandals.

 

[rodrigolfp]

 

[TrebleShot]

On a flight or very long train journey yeah go for it. But if your talking about sitting in a public place to play games like a park or like short things like waiting for a train or a 15 mins tube ride I wouldn't bother. Especially if its like Mario kart

 

[Deerock71]

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.

Detached joycons are the stealthy best way to play games.

 

[Kagoshima_Luke]

I'm mean, as long as you aren't wearing this shirt while gaming in public, you are fine.

 

[Pasta la Vista]

Nah, it's pretty lame. Same goes for anyone playing like candy crush or some shit in public too.

But I also think people using face time or speaking on the speaker phone in public is lame too and kinda annoying.

Not that these things are related but thanks for listening.

 

[Loomy]

Any advice?

The world gives infinitely less of a shit about you than you think it does. No one is going to go home and tell their family and friends "I saw a guy playing a Switch in public today. What a loser hhahaha".

People do actual weird shit in public all the time and no one remembers or gives a fuck. Play your silly little games and have fun.

 

[hemo memo]

Depends what you're playing

I agree. If I saw you playing CP77 I'd be genuinely impressed. But if it was Fortnite for example, I wouldn't think it's weird to play in public, I'd just be disappointed.

 

[ChoosableOne]

So what is your worry?

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

I feel like it's going to be like this meme come to life. I think it will draw attention to me, which is the last thing I want.

After reading many of the comments here, I've started to normalize it a bit. But tomorrow, when I'm on my economy seat with random dudes surrounding me, I'll remember that this is a niche gaming community—and I probably still won't take that console out

 

[dragonyeuw]

I wouldn't give a single fuck. Like, how much mental energy do you think someone is going give to seeing you playing a handheld in public? 'oh look, someone is playing a Switch/Steam Deck/Rog Ally/Analogue pocket on the bus. What a loser. Anyways what's for lunch?' Like, I think we overestimate the degree to which a complete stranger is going give a shit about anything you're doing unless its affecting them or they otherwise have some vested interest.

Maybe I'm too old to give a shit about what people think. Last month I was on a plane and my 47 year old ass with greys all over my chin-beard put on my Quest 3 to watch a movie. Z E R O fucks given.

 

[Dazraell]

Dude, who cares. You're the one who is supposed to have fun. Do what you want instead of wasting time on thinking what some randos you will never see again would think

 

[intbal]

Play an original Gameboy and turn that embarrassment into awesomeness.
Everyone will envy you.

 

[SNG32]

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

I feel like it's going to be like this meme come to life. I think it will draw attention to me, which is the last thing I want.

After reading many of the comments here, I've started to normalize it a bit. But tomorrow, when I'm on my economy seat with random dudes surrounding me, I'll remember that this is a niche gaming community—and I probably still won't take that console out

Good choice and something a grown man would do. Grown Men play games with voice dialogue with a gamepad or mouse and keyboard.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

I feel like it's going to be like this meme come to life. I think it will draw attention to me, which is the last thing I want.

After reading many of the comments here, I've started to normalize it a bit. But tomorrow, when I'm on my economy seat with random dudes surrounding me, I'll remember that this is a niche gaming community—and I probably still won't take that console out

You have a choice. You either live in fear of approval from strangers, or you can be happy.

You have your own money. You have your own life. And the biggest sign of being an adult is not giving a heck about approval from other people. Because you are independent and is allowed to make your own decisions.

The alternative is acting like a zebra, moving in sync with everyone else and living in fear that you might make a wrong move.

 

[Black_Stride]

Nobody cares.
You shouldnt either.

Once you realize everyone you think gives a shit already forgot you even exist youll care less and less.

 

[Ultralow35]

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?

At this age you should have learned not to care what people think or say

 

[Danjin44]

I agree. If I saw you playing CP77 I'd be genuinely impressed. But if it was Fortnite for example, I wouldn't think it's weird to play in public, I'd just be disappointed.

But here is the question why a grown ass man should care about what stranger which you will never talk and interact think?

I mean you can be disappointed as much as you want but majority of people wouldn't think twice about it and just enjoy what they want to enjoy.

 

[rodrigolfp]

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

I feel like it's going to be like this meme come to life. I think it will draw attention to me, which is the last thing I want.

After reading many of the comments here, I've started to normalize it a bit. But tomorrow, when I'm on my economy seat with random dudes surrounding me, I'll remember that this is a niche gaming community—and I probably still won't take that console out

Just this or are you afraid of some physical bullying??

 

[hemo memo]

You have a choice. You either live in fear of approval from strangers, or you can be happy.

Yeah just don't go overboard though

 

[Raven117]

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

I feel like it's going to be like this meme come to life. I think it will draw attention to me, which is the last thing I want.

After reading many of the comments here, I've started to normalize it a bit. But tomorrow, when I'm on my economy seat with random dudes surrounding me, I'll remember that this is a niche gaming community—and I probably still won't take that console out

When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."
CS Lewis

 

[Parazels]

I often see adults playing mobile games in public.
I don't understand your "embarrassment".

 

[Tams]

Pussy.

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

I ride the NYC subway almost daily and there's never not a middle aged dude playing a handheld during rush hour. It's normal at least here.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

Yeah just don't go overboard though

As long as my actions stay legal and don't be a public nuisance, I do what I want.

And i can do what I want because it is MY money, and MY time. If someone want to control my actions they can damn well pay me fair wages for the privilege. Being an adult is not the same as pretending to be an adult. You pretend by mimicking others. You become an adult by no longer having to fake anything, except while under the clock.

 

[Alebrije]

OP shamed this community , If Stellar Blade comes to S2 he must show images while playing it in public , Eve must wear one of the swimsuit outfits.

 

[Hero_Select]

Literally nobody cares what you're doing, the sooner you realize that the better lol

 

[Fbh]

I always take my VR headset and accessories with me when I travel

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

Literally nobody cares what you're doing, the sooner you realize that the better lol

We all once believed we are the main character in the universe. Maybe ChoosableOne still thinks that the eyes of the world are on him. The reality that we are all NPCs is not always a nice pill to swallow.

Edit: someone else in the thread brought up that some women might be turned off by the handheld. I would say that if you need to hide your hobbies to attract women, you have no future with those women anyway. Imagine having to cease doing what you truly love because a Woman said so.

 

[nikos]

I think being a gamer has lost its stigma. The days of being considered a nerd or loser just because you play video games are in the past. Same with a lot of other hobbies and interests.

Perhaps it's because I live in one of the most diverse cities in the world, but there are all sorts of gamers around here.

It has also become more widely accepted thanks to casual mobile games. Housewives are putting more time into those than I do hardcore and competitive games.

 

[Quezacolt]

I sometimes take my switch/2, vita and 3ds to work and play during lunch break. Dont give a crap if people make any comments. Usually the people that make some kind of comment are the people who spends their time smoking or just badmouthing every co-worker they know, so who are they to judge how i spend my free time.

 

[Pasta la Vista]

Oh my bad, you're gonna be on a plane, well yeah I mean that's like the perfect situation for a handheld.

If you're bringing video games to like a bar, coffee shop or like the park, well that's super lame. Traveling or commuting is a different srory.

 

[Justinus]

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?

You are almost in your forties. My dude, you shouldn't be caring about what anyone thinks.

 

[BouncyFrag]

I don't mind using my PS Vita in public but not my big ass Switch. The only time I use it is when traveling like at the airport, flying, etc.

 

[kruis]

I always take my VR headset and accessories with me when I travel

See, nothing to be embarrassed about. That feeling of deep shame and humiliation is just in your head.

 

[Fbh]

See, nothing to be embarrassed about. That feeling of deep shame and humiliation is just in your head.

Exactly, and VR helps too. Can't be embarrassed by how other people react if you can't see them

 

[falling into hell]

they'll forget about you in a day

Most people today have an attention span of around 15 minutes. Dude will be forgotten after 15 minutes.

I don't care what people think about me. If I want to play a game in public I just do it.

 

[PlayStaytion]

If I'm an escapist, logically speaking, I'd do my part which is getting my s together and getting ahead in life as possible without comparing myself to others. Therefore, I created time for my hobby with zero compromises to my life. Others part is spreading awareness to society so they acknowledge hobbyists. From my own experience, the ones who argue about wasting time and concern about marital status are the real losers who didn't get their s together and essentially made the wrong choices in their life.

 

[I collect VHS tapes]

isn't gaming for cool people now

 

[Radical_3d]

That's why I use my phone to watch porn in public.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

No. I feel the opposite. I bet people wish they had a handheld to play instead of just starring at their phones.

 

[nowhat]

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.

OLED + noise-cancelling headphones is the ticket.

 

[KenaiPhoenix]

Have you seen the Switch 2 prices? That thing is for people that can afford money, so you are totally in the target and it would be a huge flex (They probably wont know how the SW2 looks, so just say you have it).

My main grip with using a Switch 2 or an Steam deck is that they are huge. Handheld my ass, my GBASP or NDS can fit on my hand and pocket so if someones want to talk to me I can just put it in my pocket and there is no "awkward" moment of me putting the thing in my back pack.

BUT if it is only the "social" acceptance you are thinking... buddy, 3/4 of them will be looking at tiktok or instagram. They cant laugh at you with a straight face.

 

[nowhat]

An older adult spending time on a hobby that's still considered a children's pastime by many might be seen as odd.

Ehh, people have picked up hobbies in their youth that they continue well into their retirement. I suppose you wouldn't dismiss a retiree collecting stamps that they started when they were 5yo? Gaming being a children's pastime, just fuck off*). It's a larger industry than Hollywood these days. That takes much more than just kids.

*) edit: perhaps I'm being too aggressive. But to those considering that it's a children's pastime, they are out of touch with our current, and very likely future, reality.