Gaming pillow promises more comfortable handheld gaming in bed without numb hands

Anyone who plays on handheld devices for longer sessions knows the problem: after a while, you start shaking out your hands. The reason is usually the fixed posture. Holding a handheld in the same position for extended periods can strain the joints and muscles, potentially compressing nerves and blood vessels. The result can be tingling, numbness or hands that feel like they are falling asleep. Mechanism’s Gaming Pillow is designed to address exactly that.

The pillow is available with mounts for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S, Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally, ROG Ally X and PlayStation Portal. The handheld attaches to a multi-adjustable support arm, allowing users to position it for sitting or lying down. A second mount on top of the pillow can hold a power bank or smartphone.

Serves its purpose, but has some drawbacks

A Reddit user tested the accessory with the Steam Deck for around two weeks and came away cautiously positive, giving it 7.5 out of 10 points. According to the user, the pillow noticeably reduces strain when gaming in bed or on the sofa because the handheld’s weight no longer rests entirely on the hands, arms and elbows. This should also help reduce tingling and numbness. However, the mounting mechanism reportedly wobbles slightly, and the pillow is said to lose its shape rather quickly.

The Reddit thread is not unanimously positive. Some users argue that while the pillow may relieve strain on the arms and hands, it can also limit freedom of movement. Others point to cheaper alternatives such as U-shaped pillows or nursing pillows. On Mechanism’s website, the accessory starts at $66.80, depending on the configuration. On Amazon, the pillow is currently listed for $74.99, though only for the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go S and PlayStation Portal.