Right; a stationary Steam Machine (upgradable, etc.) would be a desktop PC running SteamOS, which should probably remain outside the purview of Valve’s hardware division.
The Steam Deck works so well because it’s dedicated hardware.
Lots of other hardware would not work quite so smoothly, without direct support from Valve. It’s why there are manufacturers that make money selling Linux laptops. They have to choose specific components that are well supported on Linux. Lots of people experience problems with WiFi, BT, Ethernet, audio, fingerprint readers, etc. etc. on Linux.
Not to mention developers specifically targeting the hardware, some even going so far as to have dedicated presets for Steam Deck.
And not to mention Valve’s marketing presence.
And not to mention the lack of any official release of SteamOS.
A small set-top box (essentially a Steam Deck with the screen, controls and batteries removed, and with components that don’t have the space restrictions that come with a mobile device) would still be an interesting proposition. Particularly if they partnered with the main video streaming services to port their apps across, and implemented Chromecast/AirPlay support.
I can see a market for it, as a “Chromecast and Apple TV competitor that also plays all your games”.
Right; a stationary Steam Machine (upgradable, etc.) would be a desktop PC running SteamOS, which should probably remain outside the purview of Valve’s hardware division.
The Steam Deck works so well because it’s dedicated hardware.
Lots of other hardware would not work quite so smoothly, without direct support from Valve. It’s why there are manufacturers that make money selling Linux laptops. They have to choose specific components that are well supported on Linux. Lots of people experience problems with WiFi, BT, Ethernet, audio, fingerprint readers, etc. etc. on Linux.
Not to mention developers specifically targeting the hardware, some even going so far as to have dedicated presets for Steam Deck.
And not to mention Valve’s marketing presence.
And not to mention the lack of any official release of SteamOS.
A small set-top box (essentially a Steam Deck with the screen, controls and batteries removed, and with components that don’t have the space restrictions that come with a mobile device) would still be an interesting proposition. Particularly if they partnered with the main video streaming services to port their apps across, and implemented Chromecast/AirPlay support.
I can see a market for it, as a “Chromecast and Apple TV competitor that also plays all your games”.
This is what nvidia did with the shield, and they don’t make a mobile version anymore. The set top box was just that successful.
I think that’s called a raspberry pie, essentially.