this post was submitted on 09 Nov 2023
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Thinking about finally getting one. The 512GB OLED does look very good...
I also wonder if they're ever going to have a non-handheld console (essentially a revamped Steam Machine). I've heard a bunch about people building PCs and running Holo ISO on there as a console replacement, might make sense to have an official solution from Valve.
I do not think they will. But they said they will release steamOS for install on your own machine. It just runs Linux, so it should work on most desktop hardware without any problems.
steam deck can already be used as a non-handheld machine.
and if you actually need one, get a pc.
Sure, but the form factor of the Steam Deck will always limit performance and carry some extra cost with it. And for a large user base installing another OS on a PC (Holo ISO) is something they are not going to do. Hence, Steam Machine.
They just need to release a thunderbolt capable SteamDeck with a eGPU.
Seriously, at that point why not just build a PC?
What they need to do is release a widely compatible official SteamOS, as they promised they would do. There's plenty of affordable hardware you could use for that purpose at that point.
The formfactor, You could dock it and have a full power system or use it on the go. For Valve it also reduces overall SKUs and the need to support a wider range of products/controllers. A eGPU enclosure wouldn't even need new product development. They could probably rebrand an existing unit. It would extend the life of the SD by making it's graphics card modular and upgradable at least in docked mode.
But yes they should release the OS and PCs are great to. I just think it would be a nice addition to the SD ecosystem.
Asus is trying to do something like that, including compatibility with the Ally, and I frankly don't think it's great.
Decent software and less flaky integration would make things better, but honestly I don't think the value proposition is there. Then again, I also don't understand people trying to use PC handhelds as desktop PCs, either, so what do I know.
I do see your point but my use case is that I like to play casually in bed, I like that I have the option to bring it on the go, and I like to sit down at my desk and game with the boys or play FPS. I mostly use it in docked mode these days because I've been really busy.
My buddies and I want to play the new Baldurs Gate soon. Which doesn't run too hot on the SteamDeck. Perhaps with an eGPU it could.
I have a gaming PC as well in another room. Which I stream to the SD sometimes. But it's honestly a bit of a chore compared to using the SD.
As a side note I find the SD software pretty decent. Not sure if that was directed to the Ally.
I meant specifically Asus' eGPU environment. It does require plugging it in, using a physical lock, then switching over, hoping it doesn't crash, maybe rebooting if it gets temperamental...
It's honestly far more of a hassle than just having two setups. I'm writing this after playing a bunch of Spider-Man on a handheld while lying in bed. I get the appeal, but at the end of the day desktop PCs are better at desktop PC things.
Yeah, fair enough, that eGPU solution doesn't seem very convenient
Steam machines were manufactured by third parties with SteamOS pre-loaded. That could very well be a thing in the future but it likely won't come from Valve. But they have to make an official SteamOS available first.
There is no PC as capable as the Steam Deck at the same price point.
You could very easily build a significantly more powerful PC with significantly less money, and indeed others have done so already.
you can build a more powerful pc for less, i built a machine with new components during the gpu shortage and it's still faster. (1050ti, 1600af)
Some leaks point to possibly a non-handheld console, exactly like a steam machine 2. I think it could work with the right set of features, and a good steam controller 2. But with Valve you never know what internal things will actually become launched products.
Seems unlikely. You can use the Deck as a (very weak) console, if you really want to. I just don't think it makes sense for PC gamers, as most of them are choosy about their hardware.
HoloISO, last I checked, was not updated for a loooong time, but we do have ChimeraOS and Bazzite, which are similar projects, and hopefully one day Valve will release a "general use" SteamOS.