1030°

Steam Deck Announced and Out in Dec. 2021, Priced Starts at $399

Valve has announced a new portable gaming PC handheld called the Steam Deck.

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store.steampowered.com
RaidenBlack1052d ago

Nintendo fans: We want Nintendo Switch Pro!!!!

Gabe: Fine....I'll do it myself

darthv721052d ago

Xbox fans: We want a portable Xbox!!!

Gabe: Fine.... here you go.

1052d ago
Asuka1052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

@stereo It's a gaming PC you can wipe the device and install Windows on it. Then install steam, origin, epic, gamepass and etc.

RaidenBlack1052d ago

Also, More powerful than a base PS4 and the base Xbox One and runs games at 720p.
And it won't be CPU limited like GCN architecture on those consoles because its Zen 2 based.
Couple that with FSR and 60fps should be no brainer.
And all that in a N.Switch size with extra buttons.
And if Windows is installed.
It'll able to play both PS and Xbox as well as emulated Switch games ... that too portably.

1nsomniac1052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

@Asuka from what i understand you cant "wipe the device and install windows on it". The device is designed specifically to run on the new SteamOS 3.0. Which is a custom Linux Distro designed to use essentially a OS layer plugin called Proton. Which then essentially fools it into believing its Windows.

So you can install other programs, game stores etc but there will be no guarantee it works. although they intend like Sony's back compatibility to try and offer very high support. so most of them probably will (for the short term at least).Obviously like the SteamBox, if it doesn't take off neither will continued support. Unfortunately there's a lot of small print for developers. i.e. DRM is currently a no, no. I intend this to be a big issue for the console as nearly all games seem to have it these days and they've advised developers if they want full compatibility then it shouldn't be implemented at all - Great idea for consumers but never going to happen in our capitalist society. Also imagine there's going to be a lot of angry people getting their accounts band for no good reason through hardware/software certification although they are trying to control this through discussions with anti-cheat software devs. Also games that use .NET framework (which is a lot obviously) will have issues/not run or not allow controller functionality to work.

There's a hell of a lot of worrying information for something that's releasing so soon with such a high price tag..

UltraNova1052d ago

Valve do what Nintendont.

Asuka1052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

@1nsomniac

There is literally a video on IGN where they talk with the valve designers where they specifically say that it's a PC and you can install anything you want on it. You can wipe SteamOS completely and install fresh copy of Windows.

https://youtu.be/oLtiRGTZvG...
@3:10 - it's a PC install whatever you want on it
@4:22 - wipe steam OS install fresh copy of Windows if you want.

I wish people would do their research before typing out a huge wall of text 🥴

1nsomniac1052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

@Asuka Read SteamDecks own FAQ and steamworks developer page. That's all I'm going by, straight from Valve themselves. I would say that's pretty good research...

I stand corrected that it does say you can install windows on it. However it says nothing about being able to wipe the device and make windows a completely independent solution.

*Edit* looking further into it, it would seem that you may have to plugin a external mouse and keyboard to use it in that way.

darthv721052d ago

@nova... you mean "Valve did, what Nintenwon't"

Abbott1231052d ago

1nsomniac

Did you write that full wall of text without even checking what your saying makes sense?🤣

The mind baffles.

anubusgold1052d ago

@stereotypedferret Microsoft has been running their servers on Linux and stealing their ideas and filing patents on them for years.

UltraNova1051d ago

Darth,

Technically they didn't yet (it's not out yet) but sure, I'll give you that :-)

yoshatabi1051d ago

@1nsomniac nothing you said makes sense.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 1051d ago
ABizzel11052d ago

This is actually an amazing handheld, and it literally just shut down all the other 3rd party handheld PCs by being priced significantly better, and being more powerful.

Performance-wise it's on par with a base PS4, but it has a Zen 2 CPU (like the PS5 and Series), and a RDNA 2.0 GPU (Ps5 and Series), 16GB of RAM (like PS5 and Series X) and a NVMe SSD in the higher cost models (like the PS5 and Series).

People are concerned about performance, but I have a range of GPUs and the reality is a GTX 750ti can still game AAA games in 720p pretty well, and this craps on it with the benefit of also having features like Fidelity FX Super Resolution (only use Premium at that low of a resolution though, or things will get muddy).

It's steam OS which is meh, but the fact they were able to overlay Windows compatibility is a godsend for having access to your full library. But you can install full Windows, program based games, Epic Game Store, GamePass, Emulation, Microsoft Office, and more.

Get the version with the SSDs if you can.

frostypants1052d ago

Handheld PCs is hardly a market in the first place. They're cornering something nobody cares about.

darthv721052d ago

Its only 720p in portable mode. Id bet this thing could do 4k in docked mode as well.

ABizzel11052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

@frosty

That's because a several things.

1. There was no big name brand behind any of them: People buy on established brands. Valve has a huge name in the PC market, and since this is directly tied into Steam it has a significantly larger market to be advertised to.

2. The Performance : Price ratio was NEVER this good as all of them were a few hundred more. $399 entry is more than doable, and while I recommend the $529 for an NVMe even that is acceptable (considering consoles are selling at $499). But all the other handheld PCs were $700 - $1000.

3. They're almost exclusively sold on platforms like indiegogo

Hamzilla771052d ago

@frostypants " They're cornering something nobody cares about."

maybe thats just you but I bet you there is many that will buy this...

self opinion is one thing but spouting that no one else will care about it is another....

LordoftheCritics1051d ago (Edited 1051d ago )

''GTX 750ti can still game AAA games in 720p pretty well''

Barely ok at that res.

The steam deck is a little late for next gen but its good for people who can tolerate 720p gaming and possible average settings and frame rates when docked at 1080p.

Its nice for those who cant afford a gaming pc and like really really need to game on the move or couch.

1051d ago
blacktiger1051d ago

I don't need it but i'm buying anyways only because it's LINUX

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1051d ago
CaptainHenry9161052d ago

Except it doesn't have the Nintendo first party exclusives

1051d ago
CaptainHenry9161051d ago

Hmm what about a Nintendo emulator 🤔 I'm gonna try and do everything I can with this thing

TheEroica1047d ago (Edited 1047d ago )

You mean like the WiiU?

CaptainHenry9161052d ago

It also has smart delivery and quick resume like the Xbox 😁

b777conehead1051d ago (Edited 1051d ago )

1nsomine
It says you need a steam account it’s free . But it is a pc you can put 3rd party software and operating systems you need to read the FAQS

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1047d ago
Fntastic1052d ago

Shows up the overpriced junk hardware Apple usually release, and now Nintendo is getting like them.

Vegamyster1052d ago

Apple? Their new in house chips are the best on the market for performance lol.

Fntastic1051d ago

Vegamyster, I realise they do at times release good hardware. My point is that historically their devices have been very overpriced for what you get, like being able to build more powerful PCs for less than an Apple equivalent, or getting a comparable smart phone for cheaper.

QSPR1052d ago

I want one, but can't preorder yet! my country.... :'(

NotoriousWhiz1052d ago

All I wanted was a Switch pro. Now I don't even want that anymore lol. I'll be on that pre order site on time. Hopefully, they don't close the reservations but continue accepting reservations while delivering steam decks in the order they were reserved.

Seraphim1052d ago (Edited 1052d ago )

don't know a whole lot about handheld pcs but as of right now, I think I'd still prefer the Aya if I had a handheld [pc] need. Especially once you consider the 512gb nvme steamdeck costs $650. Though I'm not sure what it costs for an Aya with 1tb of nvme. Then again, if your whole library is on Steam perhaps the steamdeck makes more sense... Regardless, to each their own & I'm looking forward to seeing and reading more into it. Just woke up so I haven't had a chance to read up a lot on the steamdeck

crazyCoconuts1052d ago

The Phawx was guessing this should be about twice as powerful as the Aya. Well have to wait and see benchmarks, with and without Windows 10 installed

Seraphim1052d ago

@crazyCoconuts:
if that's the case, fantastic!! After digging deeper into all the articles about the steamdeck, it appears to be a solid AF unit in so many aspects. Quite possibly, probably more appealing than the Aya. I think it was an IGN video I watched after reading several articles but it had me thinking I should get one of these lol. again though, definitely looking forward to seeing more on it; especially those benchmarks. technology is wonderful.

-Hermit-1051d ago

I'm going to pretend that it's the Sega Game Gear 2 😂

Antnee5341051d ago

Dude I was thinking the same thing! I missed out on that and I won't miss out on the 2nd one lol

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1051d ago
Bladesfist1052d ago

Pretty cool that it's a portable PC that you can dock and use to do your work on if you want. Nice to be able to use your device for whatever you want.

1051d ago
darthv721052d ago

Now this would actually make me get back into steam gaming.

CaptainHenry9161051d ago

I'm curious to know would gamepass work on this? You'll probably have to install Windows 10 on it

DarkKaine1051d ago

Game pass is coming to steam actually

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80°

HexGaming Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Hex Phantom

Custom Controller Company HexGaming launched a Kickstarter campaign for their latest pro controller, Hex Phantom. - IS

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infinitestart.com
200°

Sony shares big new PS Plus stat, but not the one we want to see

PlayStation Plus has improved the split of PS4 and PS5 players on its priciest tiers, but Sony continues to hide total subscriber numbers.

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theloadout.com
mandf1d 11h ago

lol acting like it’s equivalent to ms numbers

Mr Logic1d 11h ago

Uh...They're definitely not equivalent.

"Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service now has 34 million subscribers."

"the total number of PS Plus subscribers across all tiers was 47.4 million"

darthv721d 11h ago (Edited 1d 10h ago )

That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN.

bloop1d 7h ago

That's not the "gotcha" you think it is Darth.

darthv721d 6h ago

^^it's not supposed to be bloop.... it's just an interesting observation.

Einhander19721d 5h ago

darthv72

"That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN."

Have you ever heard of a PC before? I hear they are pretty popular.

fr0sty23h ago

MS started lumping gold subscribers in with those GP numbers... keep in mind.

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shinoff21831d 10h ago (Edited 1d 10h ago )

What. Definitely more os plus subscribers but that makes sense due to actual console sales

Darth the difference between the bases are huge your right but you gotta think. Ps players buy more games, where as the Xbox base relies on gamepass for their gaming. So it makes perfect sense

darthv721d 10h ago (Edited 1d 9h ago )

What makes perfect sense though? You say PS players buy more games... so then logically there should be more PS+ subscribers given the increased number of online multiplayer games in the PS4 generation alone. The PS4 was the first time that + was required for online play much like Gold was for 360 users.

Keep in mind we are talking subscribers, not simply XB/PS users. I assume you meant to say offline single player games, which is most likely true as well. That gen also saw a significant increase in games with an online component comparted to the previous gen.

victorMaje1d 9h ago

I for one will be going back to essential at the next renewal. When I feel a game is good & right up my alley, I’ll check trusted reviews & just buy it.

jznrpg1d 8h ago (Edited 1d 8h ago )

I have the top tier until 2028 as they gave me a massive discount for all the years I had left but I’ll most likely go to essential as well. I buy my games but my kids do use the service occasionally. They do prefer to own their games as well since any game can leave the rental service at some point and they don’t like that idea. They mostly use it to demo games then ask me to buy games if they really like it.

RedDevils1d 3h ago

For me, I will cancel it all together but unfortunately I still have it till 2030 lol

meganick1d 7h ago

I would like to see Sony add a fourth tier of PS Plus for people who just want to be able to play games online without any of the perks like monthly games, store discounts, or anything like that, and it should cost $20 annually, $30 maximum. There’s no way I’m paying $80 just to play games online. Even the original $60 fee was too much, and I would often wait for sales to re-up my subscription.

P_Bomb1d 3h ago (Edited 1d 3h ago )

Essential is too expensive, I agree. We’ve got one Essential and one Premium sub. Dropping the Premium when it expires.

gamerz1d ago

Just let my subscription lapse for the first time since 2010. Will sub again every now and then for a month or so to access my old ps+ games but for me it's the end of an era.

DivineHand1251d ago

Let those numbers continue to drop because it is now too expensive. $80 per year just to play online. I noticed they didn't offer any discounts on the subscription or controllers during this year's days of play for the first time in many years and they will feel it when people choose not to renew.

My subscription will lapse next month and it will stay that way until further notice.

KevtheDuff20h ago

There were savings on subs and controllers here in the UK? I bought a controller yesterday in the sale..
It would be weird if those deals were not in other territories too?

130°

What Happens to Your Steam Account When You Die?

The Outerhaven writes: While Steam has come out recently, stating that Steam accounts can't be transferred, we need to think about it since we all will eventually kick the bucket. But if Valve is denying transferring accounts, what can be done? Plenty, actually.

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theouterhaven.net
thorstein2d ago

It goes to my kids because I gave them the passwords.

To Steam: Missio has a song that conveys my feelings about you stealing my purchase after I die. It's called "Middle Fingers"

shinoff21831d 14h ago

Pretty much. My son knows my info.

Abear211d 14h ago

Yeah worrying about digital ownership when you’re on the other side of the grass seems a little strange, but also on brand for these millennial journalists to worry about.

qalpha23h ago

I'm sure Keith will be happy to hear he's a millennial journalist.

Goodguy011d 18h ago

I suppose if I have kids, I'd just give em my account details by retirement age. If I die young then...idk lol.

CrimsonWing691d 15h ago

Yea, I mean just give someone the password to your account. Is that difficult to do or something? Like, I’m legit asking because I don’t know.

anast1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

It's not difficult but It's against the policy. If they find out, they will lock the account permanently.

CrimsonWing691d 12h ago

Ah ok, I had a feeling there was something like that. It seems kind of weird that you can’t just hand your account over to a family member or friend and let them take over the account.

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