Runs on a version of linux (SteamOS), which is fucking cool. You can also install other game stores and run normal programs on it.

Here are some tech specs:

  • CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
  • GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
  • 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM (5500 MT/s)
  • 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio)
  • 7" optically bonded LCD
  • Bluetooth 5.0 (support for controllers, accessories and audio)
  • Wi-FiDual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • MicroSD slot to add more storage

Is this any good? Looks better than the switch, but idk.

Sources:

  • Valve preorder site: https://www.steamdeck.com/en/
  • Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/22578782/steam-deck-handheld-valve-release-date-price
  • DirtbagVegan [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Who the hell is this for. It's basically just a shitty gaming laptop.

    • Dirtbag [they/them]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I could play this in the tub and uhh it looks cool.

      • DirtbagVegan [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        I can certainly see some people liking it, but I think they're going to be competing too much with the Switch. There's no room in mobile gaming anymore when everyone has a smart phone. That's why the PS Vita failed. Switch works because it's a home console with mobile ability and has a ton of appeal to kids who don't have smart phones.

        • Dirtbag [they/them]
          ·
          3 years ago

          Yeah, they're selling a dock with it and it uses your existing steam games, but I don't think it will be a switch killer or anything.

          I wonder how they'll handle the hardware getting older? Nintendo has games building to the specs of their console, but Steam is basically porting over games meant for normal PCs.

          • DirtbagVegan [he/him]
            ·
            3 years ago

            The one thing it has going for it is that because it's using steam ecosystem it doesn't need its own dedicated development like a true console would.

            As far as hardware, it's basically a modern sealed, soldered laptop. You'll still be able to play some things and won't be able to play others.

        • blobjim [he/him]
          ·
          3 years ago

          It has more hardware compatibility (external displays, USB, any bluetooth devices) and you can use it as a desktop computer with regular software. The main reason to get a Switch is for the exclusive games though.

    • anaesidemus [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I could play FTL and Darkest Dungeon on this at least, probably Skyrim too!

    • mittens [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I mean I know there are some chinese handhelds that do the same thing that are being sold at insane prices, so I know there is a demand for these kind of switch-killers. Also yeah Valve likes to release hardware that has no mainstream niche yet.

      Most importantly though, Valve pushing proton so heavily can only be good news for the linux desktop lol.