Portable Steam Console??

[Priteli]

Nintendo released the 'Nintendo Switch', and the big feature about it is how you can take it anywhere. What if you could do the same for Steam? If someone wants to use Steam but their computer is being used and there TV is being used (so Steam Link is not an option), why not create a completely portable Steam device like the Nintendo Switch?

[Jerry]

I don't think, this would work very well. The game selection on Steam is either optimized for complex controller and/or keyboard input, which is both difficult to put on a portable device, or it is mobile phone clones that can already be played on other portable devices.
Many games on Steam require internet connection, so you would need this on such a machine too, likely in form of satelite transmission, as being only able to use it around free Wifispots would hurt the premise.
There is the matter of hard drive capacity as well. A Steam library is a bit larger than what a normal Gameboy cartridge can hold, and with constant need for updates, keeping it on a read-only model is a bit of a problem as well.

And finally, there is already a way to put Steam on a portable computer - laptops. Whatever kind you would want to develop, would at best match those in price and power, more likely falling short.

I don't know, if my arguments really fit; I tend to be a bit behind current developments and on a technological level, that is more often than not about ten to fifteen years past. But I just don't see that coming.

[Priteli]

Originally posted by Jerry:

I don't think, this would work very well. The game selection on Steam is either optimized for complex controller and/or keyboard input, which is both difficult to put on a portable device, or it is mobile phone clones that can already be played on other portable devices.
Many games on Steam require internet connection, so you would need this on such a machine too, likely in form of satelite transmission, as being only able to use it around free Wifispots would hurt the premise.
There is the matter of hard drive capacity as well. A Steam library is a bit larger than what a normal Gameboy cartridge can hold, and with constant need for updates, keeping it on a read-only model is a bit of a problem as well.

And finally, there is already a way to put Steam on a portable computer - laptops. Whatever kind you would want to develop, would at best match those in price and power, more likely falling short.

I don't know, if my arguments really fit; I tend to be a bit behind current developments and on a technological level, that is more often than not about ten to fifteen years past. But I just don't see that coming.

Very good points, thank you!

[Snapjak]

There already is one. It's called a laptop.

[Priteli]

Originally posted by BaerSLK:

Originally posted by Zac:

If someone wants to use Steam but their computer is being used and there TV is being used

Then its time to save your money for an own TV and computer.

Okay, okay, it was just an idea.

Originally posted by Snapjak:

There already is one. It's called a laptop.

what I mean is a device specially made for playing Steam games portably, I understand that it might be harder than it sounds to create and work.

[Snapjak]

Yeah it's very hard because of what has to go in it. Thus, laptop.

Steam machines exist but they're... not the best.

[ KARR™]

GPD do a nice range of handheld PCs. Some running custom OS, their latest with Windows 10. Some have keyboards, some have controllers only, but they all work fine with most items.

http://www.gpd.hk/

There was the "SteamBoy" that was renamed as the Smach-Z. But this is turning out to be mostly something they are unable to provide - i do NOT recommend backing this.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smachteam/smach-z-the-handheld-gaming-pc

[Sfekke]

Something like a GPD Win?
While most certainly not powerfull enough for heavy duty games, it gets some of the basics right.
If the OP is handy with electronics/laptops buying a barebones laptop (I use Clevo's) & filling those with the exact hardware you need could be a bit cheaper then going for OEM's like ASUS/HP/MSI
You do loose the warranty you'd otherwise get, but from my expierence it is a hit or miss claiming said warranty.

What obviously is the best value option is DIY & build a PC.
But if you need it on the go that isn't exactly going to work.
From my expierence around € 700 - €800 gets you a good value system, including/keyboard/mouse/screen/Windows licence in that price of course.
Something like PC Parts Picker List[pcpartpicker.com]
Could work mighty fine, overtime getting to 16GB's of RAM is an option.
Mouse/Keyboard are good starters, obviously you'll upgrade those after a while.
SSD Bootdrive & 2TB HDD for games.
The 1050Ti & Ryzen 1300X are a fine combination, used this exact combo (build a system for a chap, did some testing on it per usual).

This is all opinion, it is up to you in the end.

[Sfekke]

Originally posted by  KARR™:

GPD do a nice range of handheld PCs. Some running custom OS, their latest with Windows 10. Some have keyboards, some have controllers only, but they all work fine with most items.

http://www.gpd.hk/

There was the "SteamBoy" that was renamed as the Smach-Z. But this is turning out to be mostly something they are unable to provide - i do NOT recommend backing this.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smachteam/smach-z-the-handheld-gaming-pc

I was getting my post cleaned up, you ninj'd me with the GPD Win
When he needs something like a switch this could work, but forget running GTA V or similar on this.
Maybe when they release the next ittiration, who knows what they came up with ;)
SteamBoy/Smach-z seems like a hoax, backed it a while back no info just lies upon lies.
Feel free to attempt, but good luck & ... well no fun.

[13308838]

biao shi kan bu dong !!!

[Sfekke]

Originally posted by 13308838:

biao shi kan bu dong !!!

Are you okay mate?
Not doing any drugs I hope

[Priteli]

Thank you for those ideas. Possibly in the future they can make something smaller but still able to run heavy duty games. For now, I shall wait :/

[贪狼星君]

啊盛大盛大盛大速度

[Priteli]

Originally posted by 小乳沟:

啊盛大盛大盛大速度

Lol

[Sfekke]

Originally posted by Zac:

Thank you for those ideas. Possibly in the future they can make something smaller but still able to run heavy duty games. For now, I shall wait :/

It'll happen eventually, just keep an eye out for fakes

[Priteli]

Yes, good point