New OLED screen. New APU. And lots of small hardware improvements.

  • @simple@lemm.ee
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    1022 years ago

    Hahaha, they kept trying to convince people again and again that there will NOT be a hardware refresh any time soon. That was only a few months ago.

    • @bus_factor@lemmy.world
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      192 years ago

      Well yeah, otherwise it will end up like Atari. No sales for the first one because everyone is waiting for the next one.

      • @ewe@lemmy.world
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        2 years ago

        It’s smart. Also, developers have a solid benchmark to set their games to. Console has long had the benefit of a stable hardware set over the course of many years, which makes it easier to develop to the broadest possible market. Skipping incremental APU updates has a benefit of keeping a longer benchmark for game developers hoping to boost sales by targeting the market with handhelds. Valve was pretty clear in their communication in this regard, which is great.

  • @cmhe@lemmy.world
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    522 years ago

    What I really like is that they double down on hackabilty by switching to metal torx screws, etc.

    That, and a Linux system are IMO the main selling points of the SteamDeck, compared to any clones from Asus or Lenovo, etc.

  • peopleproblems
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    492 years ago

    Ok, this has me hyped because it also implies further iterations.

    At not wildly inflating costs. I love my deck, so I can’t wait to see the next iteration :).

    • @wolre@lemmy.world
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      172 years ago

      Jup, love that the price is not just not being increased with upgraded specs, the remaining stock of the old Steam Deck variants is actually being significantly discounted.

    • @M500@lemmy.ml
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      102 years ago

      I think they will not do a new processor for another year or so. They said it is years away.

      With Snapdragon announcing their M2 like arm processor for desktop, I wonder if Steamdeck and these handhelds will start to switch to ARM?

      There is already work being done on x86 to arm translation for Linux.

      • peopleproblems
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        102 years ago

        I doubt it. x86_64 might not be efficient, but it has many instructions that aren’t in ARM. Plus you’d lose out on AMD’s GPU.

        • @erwan@lemmy.ml
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          22 years ago

          Maybe after we see that new Snapdragon on Windows PC, and enough games run on ARM Windows, then Valve would consider switching chip.

          I don’t see why they would lead the way on that front, in addition to the software compatibility layer between Linux and Windows.

      • @FluffyPotato@lemm.ee
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        52 years ago

        While Linux runs fine on ARM like no games do and what I have seen from the Apple ARM laptops playing X86 games isn’t quite close to being there and the Steam Deck is made with gaming in mind so it doesn’t make much sense IMHO. Plus the added complexity of 2 translation layers and the potential issues different games will have there.

        • @M500@lemmy.ml
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          22 years ago

          Check out box86. There are videos of people running various games with it.

          I posted a link in this thread of someone playing world of Warcraft on a pi 4.

          I’m not saying that it’s ready to go today, but in a few years it will be great. Especially if valve develops for it the way they did it it proton.

          I agree that translation layers will slow things down, but I don’t think it will be too terribly slow especially as more powerful chips come out.

          • @FluffyPotato@lemm.ee
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            22 years ago

            I’m sure it can run games but it took like half a decade for Proton to be a seemless experience for the majority of games and having 2 translation layers on top of each other sounds like it could take even longer to be on the level Proton already is. Plus there’s the added chance for instability of newly released games. The efficiency from ARM seems like a very minor advantage when looking at those downsides.

            • @M500@lemmy.ml
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              32 years ago

              Both of your downsides are just things you think. Let’s wait a few years and see what the software can do.

              There is a video somewhere of someone using it to play Skyrim on an old android. I don’t think it’s a bad as you believe it to be.

              • @FluffyPotato@lemm.ee
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                22 years ago

                Both WoW and Skyrim are over a decade old, I’m more worried about newly released games but yea, of course those issues are what I think, I’m not clearvoyent. I have seen the x86 emulation on apple’s ARM for modern games and I’m basing my reluctance on that but of course I can’t know for sure, I’m just saying the efficiency is probably not worth it.

                • @M500@lemmy.ml
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                  12 years ago

                  The same thing could be said about games in the early days of wine and proton. Now most thing run without any trouble.

    • @David_Eight@lemmy.world
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      72 years ago

      Definitely, every other piece of Valve hardware has been one and done. I figured valve would cut the Steam Deck since other companies have entered the market.

  • BargsimBoyz
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    472 years ago

    Great. Can you fucking release it in Australia now? Fuck Valve and its support here.

      • @Lesrid@lemm.ee
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        222 years ago

        Meanwhile Gaben said he fell in love with New Zealand while he was stranded there during the pandemic. Shame he couldn’t confuse the two.

      • @Kraivo@lemmy.world
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        72 years ago

        Got myself a steamdeck in russia via aunty from US. Probably best thing to play some games i always wanted to play but was lazy to invest time

    • @Anonymousllama@lemmy.world
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      -72 years ago

      They’re a bunch of cunts, pretty par for the course when it comes to getting technology here (without having to grayimport it and roll the dice on warranties)

  • @paddirn@lemmy.world
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    362 years ago

    I think the real question here is, what will the exhaust vent smell like? Have they improved on the aroma?

      • @erwan@lemmy.ml
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        102 years ago

        They’re half kidding but yes, it’s a thing.

        New Steam Deck has a “new electronics” smell coming out of the vents that is stronger than most devices.

      • @paddirn@lemmy.world
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        32 years ago

        I own a Steam Deck and I’m not even sure what people are talking about with it, I’ve not really smelled anything coming from mine (which would probably have me more worried than delighted), but apparently it’s a thing amongst some owners.

  • @TheRealCharlesEames@lemm.ee
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    2 years ago

    Please announce a trade in program, Valve. Don’t make me use eBay cause I’m not sure it’s worth the hassle at that point.

  • @wolre@lemmy.world
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    302 years ago

    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.

    • @M500@lemmy.ml
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      172 years ago

      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.

    • voxel
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      2 years ago

      steam deck can already be used as a non-handheld machine.
      and if you actually need one, get a pc.

      • @wolre@lemmy.world
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        52 years ago

        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.

          • MudMan
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            32 years ago

            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.

            • @PainInTheAES@lemmy.world
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              12 years ago

              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.

              • MudMan
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                12 years ago

                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.

                • @PainInTheAES@lemmy.world
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                  12 years ago

                  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.

        • voxel
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          12 years ago

          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)

    • @sanpo@sopuli.xyz
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      212 years ago

      It is. It’s a significant upgrade for no price increase.

      And if you don’t want to get the best model, the old LCD models have crazy discounts right now.

    • @paddirn@lemmy.world
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      62 years ago

      Only true complaint I might have is that it’s actually fairly heavy and your arms will get tired after playing for too long, especially if you compare it to something like a Switch, but otherwise, I love my Deck, it’s been great. I’ve not had much trouble with most games I throw at it and even moved over my emulation game library on to there. It’s like the holy grail of gaming.

      • @CaptainEffort@sh.itjust.works
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        2 years ago

        Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve found the opposite. Maybe it’s the ergonomics, but despite the weight I’ve found myself playing the Steam Deck for far longer than I ever could play my Switch before it gets uncomfortable.

        • @Lesrid@lemm.ee
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          22 years ago

          I’ve found the same. Using the Switch in bed with awful posture my hands would cramp after about half an hour. Using the Deck in bed with the same awful posture my arms fall asleep after an hour but I’m still going strong.

        • @paddirn@lemmy.world
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          22 years ago

          I have to rest it on a pillow if I go for too long while playing in handheld mode. We’ve actually been using it alot more docked to our TV now, so it’s really not even an issue in that setup, it’s only when you’re holding the thing itself. Going back and picking up a Switch feels surreal now though, almost like it’s too light or it would break easily.

          • @PraiseTheSoup@lemm.ee
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            32 years ago

            I’ve never used any other modern handheld but the switch still feels like it could snap in half at any moment.

          • @Troooop@lemmy.world
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            12 years ago

            Hmm guess it’s not that much difference then. Probably won’t be too noticeable unless you’re gaming for a long time. But the weight has never bothered me, personally

  • SmokeyDope
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    2 years ago

    Some guy on lemmy went on a two paragraph rant on me when I said ‘at this point Ill probably just wait for the next version of the deck’ “oh they’re just rumors and valve would never release another model this early in the decks life and yada yada yada…” Well here we are a month later. Ive been alive long enough to know the next model is ALWAYS right around the corner, because it makes the company money. I wanted a PS4 when it came out but held off then a little while later ps4 pro came out and held off some more, then ps5, now ps5 pro. At this point I don’t even play video games that much anymore so the deck is likely the last ‘console’ ill ever want. I know the game and am one patient motherfucker, if I need to wait a few more years for the deck 2 then by god ill wait.

    • @weew@lemmy.ca
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      2 years ago

      of course Valve will make a steam deck 2.

      They just won’t make a steam deck 3.

    • kal.yau
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      322 years ago

      Don’t bother. By the time the deck 2 comes out, in 6 months there will be a Deck 2.5.

      Never buy or enjoy anything! ONLY think about the future

    • @dotMonkey@lemmy.world
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      162 years ago

      I don’t understand this, then the deck 2 will be out and you’ll then wait for the refresh that’s coming out soon then the deck 3? At that rate you’ll never have a console.

      • SmokeyDope
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        52 years ago

        At some point I have to pull the trigger, and I am the kind of person who uses a device until it dies so I would rather that device be a refined variant of the original. This year was hard for me financially so I just couldn’t eat the $ on a 400-600$ game player no matter how much I really wanted it. I was EXTREMELY tempted to get the deck when it went on sale this summer. Hopefully when 2 rolls out I will be in a better financial spot and its design and specs will be improved over the og

      • @SkepticalButOpenMinded@lemmy.ca
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        32 years ago

        Yeah it doesn’t make sense to always wait, but I also disagree with people who say “there’s always something around the corner, so may as well buy immediately, even mid-cycle.” The middle ground for minimizing FOMO is: buy immediately after a new release.

    • @Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.works
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      02 years ago

      Valve in particular is less prone to this kind of thing with their hardware, for example the Steam link, steam controller and Valve Index

  • @Chobbes@lemmy.world
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    122 years ago

    So… more importantly, what’s the story with the HDR support? I know there was something with gamescope supporting it. Is this something that’s finally going to be available on a normal Linux desktop?

  • MudMan
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    122 years ago

    This is a really nice mid-gen refresh, IMO. It drives the entry point prices down (when was the last time you saw THAT in tech?) and it makes some really nice improvements to the newer SKUs.

    I don’t think it’s a must-buy if you already own one, but if I was still using a Deck as a daily driver I would certainly consider it. The idea of a 10 hour battery on a handheld PC is super appealing for me, considering how often I’m playing stuff at 5W.

    • Deconceptualist
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      12 years ago

      I think these prices are the same as the original release. Unless you mean entry point as in buying used.

      • MudMan
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        62 years ago

        They are selling the SKUs they’re discontinuing at a discount, so the very lowest end at the moment is a little bit down.

        But in general, the 256Gb model got a spec bump without taking a price bump. That is very, very rare these days.

        • Deconceptualist
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          2 years ago

          Oh you’re right! Yeah you could either look at it as a price drop or a storage bump. The 256 GB non-OLED LCD is only $400 now. And there’s nothing smaller than 512 GB on the OLED.

  • @blunderworld@lemmy.ca
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    122 years ago

    Damn, very much tempted to sell mine and buy this OLED version; the LCD screen is pretty much the only feature I dislike.

    What would be a fair price to sell a used 256gb version with no damage?

    • @rikonium@discuss.tchncs.de
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      I just bought a refurb 256 for ~$350 out the door ($319 sticker) so I imagine you could get a bite in the high, mid-200’s although you’d probably also be cross-shopped against the 64 GB refurb (that’s mostly out of stock though)

    • JohnEdwa
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      32 years ago

      On the used market you’ll be up against 64gb models upgraded with 1TB SSDs, which are a lot better value compared to the 256 or 512 versions from Valve. So look what those cost and subtract around $100, as that’s what the SSD costs.