Credit cards are a thing. But you do not need to with so many free and better options. Why use google maps when you can use open street maps. additionally you can use the browser to visit google maps that way. Also nothing is stopping you side loading pirated apps. There are tons of options if you do not to use a google account.

not really most of the stuff you from the play store can be installed without it.

That is how it sort of works the steam store displays the games the games that work with the deck. You can install other games but you get the a warning that either it has not been testet enough to make sure that it works, or that it is not recommend because that issues with the deck.