I can’t overstate how cool it is to have my own SteamOS “console”, under my TV. Might not feel like it’s a game changer, but being able to play my Steam games on Linux, on my TV, at high resolutions and details, with a controller friendly interface, it’s just… magical.
Haven’t really touched the PS5 since 😅
Plus, I can resume my games on the Steam Deck when I’m outside, or in bed. It feels like a complete ecosystem, and I love it. Now I want a Steam Controller 2, please.
@thelinuxEXP in my opinion, pc is better than console, as it’s not lockdown, unlike consoles, and it’s much easier to mod games. Oh and you can upgrade your hardware.
The steam deck gives the best of both worlds.
@Qwertypdeb Depends on what you’re looking for. If you just want to play games, not care about the OS, the drivers, potential issues, and almost universally get the best version of a game with an actual functioning port, consoles still have the edge.
They’re also insanely cheaper for the same performance for the first 3 to 5 years of their life cycle, and easier to pick up and play.
@thelinuxEXP I am surprise no 3rd party didn't do a stream controller 2 layout as Valve taking it sweet time, and I don't like xbox controller layout, ps5 controller is not bad but is not the same.
@thelinuxEXP What made you go with a dedicated box over a Steam Remote Play box connected to your gaming PC? I have an Nvidia Shield with the Steam Link app connected to my gaming tower (running Fedora 38) and it works great.
@eschguy Steam Link never worked properly for me, with content drops, some games never displaying anything, and latency being really bad (I can only do it over WiFi), so I was wary of Remote Desktop! Also, my main PC that also plays games wouldn’t run SteamOS / HoloISO, which was what I wanted to use ;)
@eschguy It’s not without issues (probably because it’s distributed unofficially as HoloISO for now), but it is a really good experience once you ironed out the kinks! Definitely console level ease of use
@eschguy I really hope so! I think they mise be waiting to make sure SteamOS is more « Steam deck independent », as for now, it makes assumptions about running on the Deck for default game resolutions, and a few other things (like the settings screen, the compatibility ratings, etc…). But I would be surprised if they didn’t offer a program for hardware partners to ship SteamOS PCs in console form factors!
@thelinuxEXP I have a steamos console as well, all i need now is to get rid of my 6 year old xbox controller and replace it with a better one, valve please release steam controller 2 and just be this (yes i know bad photoshop i put it together in 5 minutes)
@Bavuett It’s planned for the end of the month! It’s basically a PC with HoloISO, but I had a few issues that I want to point out, so I think it will be interesting!
@thelinuxEXP For the controller you should look at Gulikit Pro 2 (HAL-sensors/magnet switches) or Alpakka by input labs (100% DIY & no drivers on any platform, wireless and rumble still under development)
@thelinuxEXP I built a little Batocera box a couple years ago. While it wasn't long for this world it was such an enjoyable experience being able to play Steam games and emulated PS3 or Sega Saturn stuff in the same place 🤣
Probably nowhere near as good as SteamOS though, that file manager was a chore to deal with!
@thelinuxEXP I also would love a Steam Controller 2! I like my Steam Controller but having a second real joystick, the capacitive joysticks, and most importantly, full transfer of controls from Steam deck to the controller would be so great!!
@thelinuxEXP I may consider doing this in the future, its just such a great ecosystem. I love my steamdeck its so great being able to just seamlessly play my games anywhere
@kizaing@thelinuxEXP Yeah, for my next "desktop" PC I want to go with a mini low-power formfactor, and a separate dedicated Steam console sounds really awesome. I dock my Steam Deck, but it struggles with demanding games.
@thelinuxEXP@kizaing My thing is I don't want to keep something that huge & power hungry on all the time when all I'm doing is normal web browsing and light work, so separating gaming from my main PC like that is appealing
@thelinuxEXP do you have a post somewhere about the specs and setup and what not? I have an older SFF PC that I put pop_os on and have debated about moving it to my TV
@razze Yeah, no solution yet, I can suspend the computer from the SteamOS menu, but resuming means pressing the power button, unfortunately. The controller reconnects automatically, though
@thelinuxEXP I wish I had the money for a semi decent pc for games, most graphically intensive steam game I can play is portal 2, outside of that I recently only really play Pikmin (which I suck at), but Steam controller 2 needs to happen
@thelinuxEXP Game choice no longer dictating form factor or the reverse is a very nice evolution of gaming.
Also, one tool I would recommend for your toolbox: The steamback project does historical backups of your steam cloud saves - since Valve hilariously do not (so if a game botches your save then you’re just left with that state).
Very solid solution - enjoyed it to the point of packaging it for nix.
I have not tested the steam deck integration, but that looks very nice as well.
@thelinuxEXP I’m still using the SteamLink Hardware at my TV, and I love it so much! With wake-on-lan and Steam-autostart it works flawlessly. And as you say, picking up the SteamDeck and havin the savegame automatically synced is so nice
Add comment