The embarrassment of playing with a handheld console in public

Is it embarrassing for you too?

  • Yes

  • No

Results are only viewable after voting.
If you insist, keep the handheld in a box as you play. Leave the top open by cutting off the flaps. Cut a hole in each end for your hands to slide into. Set brightness to low.
 
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This is a hard one. I think I'm good at not caring what people think about me anymore, but your appearance can have real consequences of how you are treated by strangers. I have built up "nerd shame" from being such a neckbeard in the past. That's my own personal problem though but I'm sure some of you that have made it past that can understand how I feel. That's why the green Zelda shirt stays at home. I do what I want on a plane though. The Retroid comes out.
 
It's bless though because most people out in public prolly don't have money to bank roll one let alone cover expense for an emergency these days.

When we got folks like Central Cee flipping out a 3DS at a fashion show everything is chill you're just over thinking it.
 
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ChoosableOne said:
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?
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A Nintendo switch is one of the most potent vagina repellents for anyone over the age of 20
 
People generally do not give a shit what you do.
Also, why would you care about what someone else could be thinking about you?
 
Kamina said:
why would you care about what someone else could be thinking about you?
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I used to ALWAYS worry about what someone else was thinking about me (not gaming related, just in life in general). My wife, whom I married 10 years ago, so don't worry AT ALL, ever, what someone thinks about you. She says ALWAYS do what makes you happy and do what it is you want to do. What someone else thinks is of no concern. It literally has made me so much happier than I ever was.
 
MilkyJoe said:
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People who are in a relationship already don't have a problem with that.
Also, i don't think many people are planning to find a girlfriend while commuting or waiting for public transport.
Lastly, a woman who is appalled by your hobby isn't really anyone you should be around anyway.
 
MilkyJoe said:
How do you think people used to meet partners before Tinder, mate? You never had a holiday romance??
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At the destination, yes. During mind-numbingly dull waits at the airport/during flight, no, because most people just want that part to be over with.

Besides, I have a manly Steam Deck OLED.
 
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I saw a guy recently sitting by himself in a coffee shop with his Quest 3 on. I'm a VR fan myself but I'd never go that far. I'd play my Switch 2 in public depending on the setting though.
 
I'd be embarrassed to play a Steam Deck in public.

About a Switch Lite is my limit to not be conspicuous.
 
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DeltaPolarBear said:
Unless you actually decided to call the cops on the guy, your opinion doesn't matter. He is happy, playing his game, while you live in fear of shadows. If you are so sure that he is a bad person why don't you call the cops? Or you know you are just being unreasonable and making shit up to fill superior.
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I'm not sure whatsoever. I said "leave the door open to the possibility". Keep the kids a little closer, watchful eye etc. This doesn't go for anyone who plays that stuff, hell I play a lot of that stuff. OP asked how he'd be viewed playing a Switch in public.
 
When I used to commute on bus and subway to go to university I read the Toronto Sun back in the day.

That newspaper compared to the others was ideal as it was compact. But the real reason people read it was for sports, sunshine girl and sex ads in the classified section. Not exactly Braniac content. Nobody is reading that rag for in depth news and politics.

Who cares. It was the only newspaper I read riding transit.

Edit: it was also a good newspaper to read if you cared about buying a pick-up or new stereo system because half the ads were literally dude bro kinds of ads.
 
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Once, I was listening to my favorite anime songs on my PSP back in the day. I was on the bus, and as I was making my way through, the headphone cable got stuck and disconnected. For a moment, everyone on the bus could hear my playlist. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life — but when I sat and start playing Tekken 5, I didn't give a damn.
 
Fuck no. What do I have to be embarrassed about? I got three kids, a hot curvy wife, a great sex life, 3 vehicles, looking into getting a boat, own our home, etc.

What the fuck do I care what some nobody thinks about my gaming preferences?
 
Ev1L AuRoN said:
Once, I was listening to my favorite anime songs on my PSP back in the day. I was on the bus, and as I was making my way through, the headphone cable got stuck and disconnected. For a moment, everyone on the bus could hear my playlist. I had never felt so embarrassed in my life — but when I sat and start playing Tekken 5, I didn't give a damn.
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Ah don't worry about it. Nobody is gonna care. And if they do so what.

When I drive my car and have my windows rolled down, I don't give a shit if I'm playing Taylor swift, or some oldie bands like roxette or spice girls. I even got a couple gay ass S Club 7 songs playing out the window.
 
StreetsofBeige said:
Ah don't worry about it. Nobody is gonna care. And if they do so what.

When I drive my car and have my windows rolled down, I don't give a shit if I'm playing Taylor swift, or some oldie bands like roxette or spice girls. I even got a couple gay ass S Club 7 songs playing out the window.
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Now this is something you should care about.

Edit: StreetsofBeige StreetsofBeige Dangit, I was just trying to give you some friendly needling, and your thumbs up made me feel like a jerk! I knew I should have refrained from making this joke. :-P
 
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I wouldn't be embarrassed, but I don't really play handhelds that much, which has more to do with the Switch being uncomfortable for me to hold than other people's opinions.
 
If there were a PlayStation or Xbox handheld system I wouldn't feel any more or less "kiddy" playing it in public than a Nintendo.

Feels kinda sad splicing apart different brands of video games like one is more adult than the other...

The implication is that power level equals adulthood or manliness which is kind of cringe and emasculating.
 
MilkyJoe said:
How do you think people used to meet partners before Tinder, mate? You never had a holiday romance??
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Sure - but sticking your head head stuck into anything (phone, a book, a cosmetics purse, or a gaming handheld) is code for 'don't talk to me whatever you are' - so it's less about repellents and more about whether you're actually looking for/able to tolerate small-talk on the already most boring parts of the trip.

nowhat said:
During mind-numbingly dull waits at the airport/during flight, no, because most people just want that part to be over with.
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Yep
 
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