Steam Deck users want Valve to take steps to prevent shipping thefts

techradar.com:

Some Steam Deck customers are calling on Valve to alter the packaging that the console is delivered in after reports of consoles seemingly disappearing during shipment. As reported by PC Gamer, Reddit user u/Defenex created a thread detailing their package having been marked as 'delivered' by FedEx, despite it never arriving at their property. They say that «After a couple of days Fedex comes back and says that their research is complete, their records indicate the package was delivered, and to contact the shipper (Valve) to initiate lost package procedures»

The same thread was later updated to reflect that the Steam Deck finally arrived after an investigation into its disappearance, but it did spark a conversation about similar incidents, during which it was suggested Valve should update the packaging for the console to help conceal its contents.

We should note that there's no evidence to suggest that this particular customer was the victim of attempted theft. Shipments go missing or get delayed for numerous reasons, so while it's reasonable to worry about an expensive gadget disappearing during transit, the fault may lay more with ordering systems, logistics or plain human error rather than theft.

There are numerous unboxing videos for the Steam Deck online that show lithium battery and «fragile electronics» logos, indicating that a potentially expensive gadget is inside. The only official reference to the Steam Deck, or even Valve, on the packaging however, is a discreet Companion Cube that featured in the Portal franchise, located alongside other safety information on the side.

Some users are claiming that Valve originally shipped the Steam Deck out in packaging that displayed the handheld on the box art, though we can't