A Steam Deck OLED lost on an Amtrak train has finally been returned to its original owner after a months-long search. Reddit user vgalz discovered that the owner had posted about the loss nine months earlier, and after verifying the details to confirm ownership, she mailed the device back.
The device was originally found on the train by vgalz's mother-in-law. Unfamiliar with how to use the device or how to locate its owner, she handed it over to her family months later. vgalz then posted messages in communities related to Steam, Steam Deck, and Amtrak, and tried to find clues through the device's account.
The initial search didn't go smoothly. vgalz contacted Steam Support and left comments on posts from suspected owners, but to no avail. Steam Support stated they couldn't directly help finders contact account owners and suggested she report it to local police.
Later, vgalz found the actual owner's post from nine months ago, which mentioned the device was lost in Alexandria. During the time between the loss and the return, the price of the Steam Deck OLED had risen significantly. Another Reddit user even gifted vgalz a game to thank her for taking the time to find the owner.