Valves Steam Deck a Nintendo Switch killer?

Where are the gamers at?


Valve just dropped details on their new handheld. A base cost of $399 for the 64GB unit. Specs comparable to a PS4 or Xbox One, but since it's outputting on a smaller screen, it should handle current + future games as well.


The killer feature for me is the ability to add additional game stores or install Windows to it, which means that you could run an Xbox game pass on it.


Only downside potentially is battery life, but I would be willing to carry a phat power bank.


Had been considering getting a Switch, but this be calling my name with travel opening back up.


What is everyone else's take?


https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/15/22578917/valve-steam-deck-nintendo-switch-xbox-series-x-ps5-spec-comparison


https://www.pcgamer.com/steam-deck-handheld-announced/

🐱 Off-Topic
19
DrSmallprint
Politicker
2
Account Executive
While there is overlap they are focusing of different markets. Nintendo has always been the odd one out in the console wars. They cater to a younger and more family friendly demographic, and they do it well. Im sure the steam deck will do well (or at least better then the disastrous steam box) but it will not "kill" the switch. 


InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
5
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
I concur, there may be some overlap but the switch will persevere. 

I was being somewhat facetious. 

As you noted the first party titles are the strength of the offering. 

Excited to have another player in the handheld market and hopeful that it does well enough that valve sticks around instead of doing a pump and dump. 
BullDawg
Politicker
1
AE
Looks tight, but you just can’t beat first party Nintendo titles imo - the portability of the switch is only half the appeal. As long as there’s new LoZ and Mario games coming to Nintendo’s platforms, that’s where my $$$ going 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
5
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
I get that lotta love for the titles Nintendo has. 

My steam game library is just disgustingly full at the minute. 

and I might just run an emulator.... anywayyyy
Stratifyz
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
What’s your go to games right now?
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
4
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Currently playing a ton of Hades, Escape From Tarkov and Payday 2. 

Have about 50 on a list that I need to work my way through though. 

How about you? 
User1234567
Politicker
1
User1234567
I’m still using my ps3
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
3
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Nothing wrong with that, I still have my xbox360 and boot it up now and then to play some classics. 
softwaresails
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
No. 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
4
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
So you're saying there's a chance? 

Different audiences, slightly facetious with the title. Do believe it will do well, but clearly not on the same scale. 
KendallRoy
Politicker
1
AM
Depending on power, I'll consider it for non-console titles. Had to play Disco Elysium on my work MacBook Pro and it struggled hard with it. 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
3
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Specs wise it's looking good - should be able to run any current AAA title at 60 fps and continue to run future titles at circa 60 fps on medium settings.

A strong option as a console augment. 

Valve seem to be taking a large hit on the price, so it's probably the most effective entry into PC gaming atm in my opinion. 
KendallRoy
Politicker
1
AM
I'm mostly interested in older and indie titles that don't make it to console (already have PS5 and Switch), so it might actually perfectly suit my needs. Pulled the trigger on an expensive gaming laptop in peak COVID but cancelled the order when I realised that 3k was wasted on what I wanted to use it for 
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
2
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Yeah, in that case the base model with just an SD card for additional storage would seem to fit the bill.
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Nah, people don't but Nintendo for the tech, they buy it for the First Party titles.


InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
3
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
I hear you - different niches 

My Steam backlog is such a large sunk cost it makes sense for me 😂
SADNES5
Politicker
1
down voters are marketing spies
I'm hyped... mouse and keyboard support. No more bringing two laptops on work trips...
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
4
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Same here for me. 

Already have a desktop setup, but sounds like a great travel piece, sofa chiller or co-op setup when friends are over. 
fuzzy
Notable Contributor
1
CMO (Chief Meme Officer)
The Gabe Gear. Coming soon to a dusty shelf
InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
3
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
The gaben 1.0 - A game gear for the 21st century? 

Or a PSP for people of culture. 🤷‍♂️

Time shall tell. 
Incognito
WR Officer
1
Master of Disaster
You have impressed man meat
uncorpse
Politicker
0
Sales Development
Valves Steam Deck rocks, looks like a portable PS5

InQ5WeTrust
Arsonist
3
No marketing, mayo isn't an MQL
Specs look great tbh probably closer to a portable PS4 but because of the screen size should be able to compete for a while. 
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