340°

Tim Sweeney: Steam Deck is 'an amazing move by Valve'

One of Steam's biggest rivals is very enthusiastic about Valve's new portable gaming device.

BLAKHOODe1645d ago

I'm admittedly not PC tech savvy and I'm sure it'll be an amazing handheld gaming... PC? But $400 for it's cheapest version isn't cheap and can it be upgraded? Isn't being able to upgrade to match the ever changing stats of the newest games a huge part of PC gaming? It's not something I would rush out and buy immediately, but I'll be keeping an eye on to see if it can stay relevant.

VerminSC1645d ago

I agree with your points about upgrades. However the prize is fair when you consider how powerful it is. This isn’t a Nintendo switch it’s slightly stronger than a ps4. It also is a full PC and not just a gaming pad. Also you can upgrade storage with sd cards.

JEECE1645d ago (Edited 1645d ago )

It's interesting that it falls so close to PS4 because I've always thought that if Sony made another handheld (they probably won't lol) it should just be a portable version of their prior generation console. That way devs would already know what to do, and people would have a massive preexisting library of games (obviously this would tick off the physical games crowd, but maybe there could be some sort of USB disc drive where you can install one disc-based game at a time). While this won't happen, it's interesting that a handheld system in the PS4 range is feasible.

VenomUK1645d ago

If this can run the Epic Games Store, GoG, PS Now and Game Pass that makes it pretty versatile.

1645d ago
Darkborn1645d ago

I bought a 6 core I7 last November with 4.5ghz, a gtx 2070 with I think 5gb gddr5, and 16 gb ddr4, 17.3 inch screen for about $1000. That's a stronger mobile gaming device. Maybe not as portable, but pretty good.

_SilverHawk_1645d ago (Edited 1645d ago )

The steam deck is amazing and definitely a lot better than a switch with thousands of more games available. The steam deck is as powerful as a switch 2 or more powerful than whatever Nintendo switches successor will be when it's released in a few years. I can also see a more powerful steam deck 2 being released in a few years depending on the success of the first one. The steam deck is the answer to a lot of people that have been begging for a switch pro.

The big question is will the steam deck run crysis?

https://i.postimg.cc/kGzSt8...

ABizzel11645d ago

@VenomUK

It can, it's open source so you can install full windows on it and go crazy.

Lionsguard1644d ago

The thing that bothers me is that it's as strong as a PS4 and yet it only displays at best, a Nintendo Switch. I'll wait for the Steam Deck 2 after they've learned their lessons from the first one and finally put in a 1080p screen at the very least.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1644d ago
ABizzel11645d ago (Edited 1645d ago )

This might be a wall of text, but it's the best way to explain why this is so big.

It's not upgradeable due to being handheld. Desktop PCs are about upgrading, laptops and now handhelds (as they are becoming more popular) aren't really upgradeable in the traditional sense to most consumers.

Switch was $349 at launch, and still $349 for the new OLED model, $299 for the original, and $199 for the lite. That being side, the +$300 Switch models come with the dock and the S Deck does not, but the Switch is basically a Wii U+ performance wise, whereas, this is a XBO+ / PS4+ and has the benefit of being a full PC. So performance-wise for a handheld this is the top of the line and something even a Switch 2 is unlikely to match as Valve is selling the $399 version for a loss, something Nintendo refuses to do.

This is a companion device to your current desktop, or a way to get people who are traditionally console gamers a way to jump into PC gaming without the fear of having to spend $1,000 on a decent rig and afraid of building it. This takes out all the busy work and slaps on steam OS for a console-like experience with access to a full PC library.

It's definitely a niche product (but one that can be advertised to over 200 million gamers on PC and console), but it's such a big deal because people who actually game on PC know all the things they will be able to do with this on the go.

1. You have access to you entire Steam PC library on the go.
2. You can have full emulation on the go (All Nintendo consoles, All Sega consoles, PS1, PS2, PSP, PSV, and more)
3. You can run GamePass natively or GamePass & PSNow via streaming
4. You can run mods
5. You can install full Windows for an even more diverse platform
6. You can install Epic Games store on it for all the free games they give away
7. You can install Android OS on it and have a fully functioning Windows + Android device (play store)

For $400 that's an amazing gaming device, and worth every cent which is why this is so huge for those who take full use of their PC (although I recommend the $529 version).

Then you can look at the applications outside of gaming, for creatives who also game on the side.

1. This is a music editing station on the go Avid.
2. This is a lite video editing station on the go Adobe.
3. This is a photo editing station on the go Photoshop.
4. This has access to nearly every app / program imaginable on the go.

That's why this is getting the hype it rightfully deserves it's the first time a handheld gaming PC is being backed by a major company, offering high-end performance for the device-type, and at a reduced cost in comparison to the competition (which are $700 - $1000).

Personally I'm hyped for this, and will be getting it. I hope they release another version in 2 years or so when AMD releases their Zen 4 APUs and RNDA 3.0 GPU cores, as that should be able to get a 6C-6T CPU with 12 RDNA 3.0 GPU cores offering even better performance, lower power consumption, a 1080p OLED display, 5G connectivity, and a slimmer form factor.

darthv721645d ago

For the record, this is not a wall of text. you used punctuation and paragraph separation properly. Wall of text usually refers to a long drawn out single paragraph with shoddy punctuation. So you never know where a point stops and another begins. this was very articulate.

Bender65021645d ago

Isn't it a two Teraflop GPU?

ABizzel11645d ago

@Bender

It's been stated to be up to a 1.6 TF GPU, but there's still no final confirmation on clock speeds for the hardware.

All we know is it's an 8 CU RDNA 2.0 GPU, which is still a lot as it means we're looking at 512 Shading units, 32 TMUs, most likely 8 ROPs, and most likely running somewhere around 1.563 GHz currently. It's basically a handheld Xbox One S with next-gen features (Zen 2 CPU, SSD???, and 16GB of RAM).

esherwood1645d ago

Are u taking into account the parts that are in it or just saying 400 is a lot of money…

LOLcheeseORZ1644d ago

Yes, it is pricy but for what you're getting it's actually a great deal compared to what you have to pay for a traditional gaming PC.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1644d ago
MIDGETonSTILTS171645d ago

I wonder how the storage speeds compare to the SSDs on consoles.

plmkoh1645d ago

Don't look, just smile as you play this thing.

ABizzel11645d ago

Currently that doesn't matter as much on PC, as the difference between SSD and NVMe is extremely minor on PC for booting, applications, and games. It'll only matter if you install full Windows on it, and eventually wait for all the Windows 11 updates that improve API for data transfer speed.

That being said they're being a bit cagey about that spec., but again I would guess simply because it doesn't really matter yet.

Bender65021645d ago

Standard SSD is SATA based, NVMe is PCIe based -Massive difference depending on version. Go look at the figures.

ABizzel11645d ago (Edited 1645d ago )

@Bender

The speed thresholds can be 10x, but that 10x doesn't translate to 10x the loading performance for games on PC or most applications for that matter. On average NVMe vs. Sata SSD generally results in the NVMe being a few seconds faster at most, NVMe speeds matter most for data transfer, which will get better in PC games eventually once more driver updates release to help with this.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Fntastic1644d ago

The difference with loading games is in the 4k small file IOPS, not the big numbers you see on the box which is for transferring large files. And then on NVME they throttle during transfer, so the top speeds aren't what you get. More expensive Optane drives do not throttle and get the numbers you see on the box.

Also Direct storage should take advantage of SSDs to load games even quicker than they already do, so more optimised for SSD.

Psychotica1645d ago

It looks cool but I can't imagine where I would ever use it. If I am already home I am just going to use my desktop PC. I guess if I was still a kid in school I could play it on a the long school bus ride or when required to go visit grandma.

lonewolf101645d ago

If I were to get one it would only get used when away from home and hooked up to tv (nice way of taking my steam library with me in a very small package), maybe the kids would use in handheld mode. I'm not in the market/rush for one though by any means.

lelo2play1645d ago (Edited 1645d ago )

Launching a portable that can play PC games is a great idea. Microsoft didn't take advantage of the idea... Valve did.
If Steam Deck becomes a success, Microsoft will be late to the party, again.

--Onilink--1645d ago

Even Valve doesnt care about the hardware, they are clearly selling at a loss. Not to mention the repeated comments of SteamOS license being free for any manufacturer that wants to create similar devices (like what they did with Steam Machines)

1645d ago
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There's an Underrepresented Majority That Wants Entertainment Without Agendas, Says Ex Tripwire CEO

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Goodguy012d ago

Yes. Just make a good game instead of worrying it should make some kind of stupid social/political differences in the world... we've got enough of that in the real world. Games are places we can escape to and just have fun.

z2g2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

How about you make a game that’s important to you and the people who are interested in that buy it and the ones that don’t like it don’t have to buy it. Just because something bugs some people doesn’t mean there aren’t other people who it doesn’t bug. Someone’s hangups shouldn’t be other people’s problems.

Don’t want a game that features a political or cultural statement or an underrepresented group of people? Don’t buy it.

Not all of us just want vapid, mindless fantasy all the time. Sometimes we want something that represents us or means something. There’s nothing wrong with that. Look how many movies in the world have covered so many types of stories, people or historical controversies to huge successes. Games are no different.

Eonjay2d ago

The plot to remove representation or ideas and content that you dont approve of is an agenda within itself. Its also censorship. People need are trapped in this main- character syndrome where they believe that the world and all of its happens are fashioned for them alone.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

"Don't buy it"
Exactly what people do.
And then big companies are reminded why if you want to make money you may not want to do things like villainize half your market. If you want to preach one side of an argument you're gonna lose people. At least do the Deus Ex/GTA thing and show the warts on both sides so everyone has something to agree with

senorfartcushion2d ago

We’re still waiting on that Splinter Cell remake…

raWfodog2d ago

On the flip side of that, good games can have characters of different ethnic and social backgrounds without thinking that some agendas are trying to be pushed. I've played many, many great games throughout my life with many different characters (male, female, white, people of color, even some animal characters) and loved them all simply for the story and entertainment they provided me while I escaped into those worlds.

senorfartcushion2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

That’s not possible.

Being a child doesn’t remove the political points of OLD GAMES, we were just kids. In fact, older media was decidedly more political than some of the cowardly, childish efforts we have today.

This is precisely why we are still to get that Splinter Cell remake. We can’t have a fun Splinter Cell game with AAA graphics because a few virgins don’t want “politics in their games.”

neutralgamer19922d ago

Keep gaming free of nonsense. Agenda pushing in social media age has gotten worst

senorfartcushion1d 11h ago

Name a game and I’ll tell you what the agenda was

Notellin2d ago

"While our first game is faith-based"

Yeah you guys want to get rid of all the politics and play a nice Southern Baptist game. We get it.

Christopher2d ago

He should follow his own words, then.

*** That changed around two years ago, when he started consulting for Bible X, the studio behind the Christian-based game project Gate Zero. Last month, Gibson, through his recently established publisher Templar Media, acquired the developer.***

Not sure there's anything more political in history than religion.

S2Killinit1d 21h ago

But his statement is also an agenda. Hope people are intelligent enough to know that.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 1d 11h ago
z2g2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I fail to see how representing actual underrepresented or making them feel included is an “agenda”. This is an extremely self centered selfish viewpoint. Those actual underrepresented people just want to be recognized as valid. The privileged majority who are always represented take that for granted and can’t deal with the fact that “other” types of people or views exist. Inclusion or awareness isn’t an agenda. It’s representing reality and making those “other” people or stories be seen and align with actual reality.

There are literally thousands and thousands of games to choose from, and if you are annoyed that some have cultural or topical relevance, that’s your problem and you don’t have to buy them. Meanwhile other people who want that actually have games that speak to them. So sick of this “my way or the highway” attitude.

And there are plenty of games out there, if that privileged majority have an issue or don’t want a game based on cultural relevance. Pick up a Switch. Most games are g-rated, noncontroversial cartoons with stories fit for tweens. No reality to get mad at.

2d ago Replies(2)
KyRo2d ago

It's always me me me me me with you lot. There's a difference between representation and forcing it for the sake of forcing something to a very very loud but very small minority.

Christopher2d ago

You really are only proving their point with this sort of response to the idea of people feeling included in some games versus the plethora of games without it.

Outside_ofthe_Box2d ago

We need to define what "forcing" is because I've seen people say things like Aloy being female in Horizon is pushing an agenda or catering to a "very very loud but very small minority" before.

dveio2d ago

@z2g

I personally think you've nailed it here.

For decades, wether in film or music, there had been ONE primary target group.

And if you're looking further, even in economy, laws, courts or any other area there had been only one target group.

While others, let's be real, were surpressed.

It's "funny" though - why do we all think personalities like David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Freddy Mercury, etc., have had such a huuuge impact on cultures and society? Because they were 1:1 depicts of the Demon Slayer or the Duke?

No, because they were different. Because we all are different.

The only people time and time again that are complaining, whining and moaning about everything (while highly likely even been a fan of Queen or something) are prejudiced people.

Are people that "But it's never been any different, and I want it to stay that way!".

There's nothing highly hidden here. It's always been the same. After decades, even centuries of rules written by and for the "one primary target group", they are now the loudest that complain & moan.

Inverno2d ago

Y'all could also, ya know, just not buy games you feel have an agenda? This constant bitching coming from all these whiney men every time they see a game that isn't catering to them specifically is tiring. They latch themselves onto these games and throw endless amounts of harassment as if there aren't another thousand games releasing before/around/after. I'm usually outspoken when it comes to forced diversity in games, but the issue here is you're all bigoted as hell and need to learn to be a little less offended. Y'all become the snowflakes you mocked so much lol.

MrDead2d ago

This guy is one of the biggest most delicate snowflakes out there, I'm sure he'll be crying on Tucker Carlson or Fox "News" again soon.

Michiel19892d ago

@christopher cater to and include are two very different things. Played most of the games you mentioned and had no issue with any of em because they just include it. I have no issue with inclusion of that, but if in the next god of war, Kratos would all of a sudden hyperfocus on being a strong independent man or a hypermasculine one, I would give them shit for it as well. It has nothing to do with the inclusion of x or y group, but about the integrity of the game.

@inverno stop putting words in my mouth . It's actually the opposite of what you say, I said there can be no conversation because as soon as you criticize them, a whole angry mob comes at you and tries to cancel you. Thankfully it's become less and less over time and people actually realize now they can voice their opinion without having the fear of losing their job.
You really can't see that a lot of companies are now backpeddalling about the woke bs? They finally realize making your product worse to cater to a group who doesn't buy your product anyway is terrible.

Michiel19892d ago ShowReplies(4)
PitbullMonster1d 19h ago

Who was crying about kingdom come deliverance, Stellar Blade and the first descendant? White Hetero men Or leftards?

Inverno1d 8h ago

Leftards but those games still went on to release and become financially and critically successful. This dood, who was a CEO, went on social media to voice an opinion that at the time was controversial. Just cause you have freedom of speech and expression doesn't mean you hafto always voice your opinions publicly. He had to step down because it was more about the company than just him. Now he's back talking bout "unrepresented majority", as if there aren't different audiences to cater to. Since people from both sides can't seem to escape getting fired for voicing opinions then I guess everyone's got to equally face the consequences of their inability to shut up.

MrBaskerville2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Star wars, anti agenda? Lol. I don't think Lucas would agree.

Inverno2d ago

One of the most politically charged movies in existence. They can pretend it's all about space wizards with swords but the space nazis are still in the movies and they're still the bad guys. It's ironic as hell.

JEECE2d ago

More evidence that if the agenda feels legitimate within the story's world, people don't even notice that it is an agenda and they don't complain.

Elit3Nick2d ago

This one gave me a chuckle, too.

JEECE2d ago

As ever, this is a misguided expression of the speaker's issue. While of course there are some games (pure puzzle games, etc) that have no agenda, any game with a narrative is conveying some type of message. What people who say they don't like "woke" or "politics in games" actually mean is that they don't like hamfisted, poorly written narratives/characters that are thin veneers for modern political messages that feel out of place in the game's universe. It's why all these people complain about the Veilguard and not Baldur's Gate 3. They both have "woke" characters but in BG3 they feel like they belong in the universe, while in the Veilguard they just feel like generic fantasy skins for modern American 20-somethings.

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