DeckButtons is expanding. It's something I've been slowly teasing for a while now but today I finally decided to reveal phase 1 of the plan.
Meet SwitchButtons
Before we go any further I want to make one thing very clear, we aren't abandoning Steam Deck stuff. In fact, there's quite a few exciting releases coming up in the roadmap this year! This is just phase 1 of a longer term plan to branch out to other devices.
The truth is, it's really hard to do this full time. There's a lot of costs associated with running a business like this legitimately (taxes, commercial rent, etc etc etc..) And while things are going well now, I don't want to be shoehorned into a single niche ala coloredcontrollers (that name stuck around far longer than it should have). Eventually the Steam Deck will be too slow, or the market will shift, and I don't want to be left with a big warehouse, equipment, and nobody to buy my art. And honestly, people have been reaching out since we started asking if we make buttons for XYZ devices. It's a bit overdue.
My goal from the beginning was to be able to do this full time, and every day I'm grateful that that has become a reality. Expanding our range of devices will help ensure that I can continue to do so for as long as possible.
And that brings me to the next update.. Tariffs.
I've seen a lot of small businesses posting publicly about how this will affect them, and while I've toyed with the idea of making a video etc, the truth is I'm thankfully in a better spot than a lot of people. Most of our materials are made here in the US, and while I do foresee them raising prices, I don't see it impacting you the customer directly. I'm trying my hardest to absorb as much of that as I can.
I've been stocking up on things that I think will end up being harder to get once US warehouses start to run out (product packaging, other non-us based stuff we use). While also making bigger equipment purchases now before they go up. Some of my small business friends aren't as lucky, and I'm hoping that by expanding I'll eventually be able to help some of them out if need be.
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A rough roadmap:
MAY:
- Stocking up on molds and inventory now for Steam Deck stuff, TooManyGames convention is the end of June and I'd like to not be swamped with inventory while doing Switch Buildup.
- Signage, booth stuff, etc for TMG
- Working on something fresh behind the scenes for some new releases, stay tuned.
- Launching a Discord. I want a place to share quicker updates, prototype stuff, small test batches for sale, get feedback from you guys, etc.. Stay tuned on that one.
JUNE:
- I don't get anything early, so I'll be getting the switch early June on release and Immediately tearing it down and getting to work.
- Going hard on switch 2 stuff throughout June with the goal of having some product in person for TMG.
- Launching TouchProtect for Joycons 2 on Amazon. Would love your support / reviews as that stuff is super important for new amazon listings. It helps normal people (moms etc) see it not just enthusiasts like you and I.
- Assess inventory post TMG, figure out an online launch date for Switch stuff.
- Obviously keep the Steam Deck stuff running throughout all of this.
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That's about it. If you guys could help spread the word about switch stuff that would be a huge help. As always I appreciate you supporting my dreams and will be working my ass off daily to keep cranking out cool stuff for you guys!
- G