if it isn’t running Linux I’m not very interested but it’s cool hardware
If it’s not running Linux could one not just… install Linux? I wouldn’t be surprised if drivers were out before long.
Most likely. Official support is nice though, as with Steam Deck.
I think most people now when looking at portable gaming devices like these want a seamless experience (like with the Steamdeck)
Windows has proven to be problematic with these devices, where when you use the Steamdeck it’s pretty much pick up and play. The ROG ally uses Windows + it’s own armory crate software and from what I’ve heard it’s been pretty hit or miss
The problem is that if it ships with Windows then you are paying for a Windows license that you won’t be using.
Hopefully they dont make the same mistake ASUS did. The fanciest hardware in the world won’t help if the software doesn’t work out of the box.
I’m excited for this new PC/Console hybrid market to start becoming something big. Hardware competition will drive progress up and prices down while openiNg access to games to many. I do really hone the market lands on Linux as their main OS instead of Windows11.
It looks sick. I actually have no problem that it’s thicker if that means that the battery life is longer (although weight is a concern over thickness, of course). Lenovo hardware is hit and miss though (and I say this having used a Legion laptop for the past few years).
Also, Steam Deck will still remain king until the other companies can make a good track record of consistent software improvements which are needed on a device like this. I see all of these other clones - the Ally, the 50000 Aya devices - and I still am not tempted until I know that they will be supported long term. I really think that this support sets the tone for these devices - is this market going to be a ‘it’s a year old and already outdated so I’ll just buy a new one’ kind of thing? Or will it be ‘this is good for a quite a few years and I’m happy with my purchase and not immediately getting fomo’? I really hope it’s the latter.
Another thing is that, and maybe I’m misremembering, but didn’t Nintendo patent some part of the detachable controller design that scared companies from doing anything similar for a long time? I could have sworn that was happening for quite a while…
I think the even bigger advantage Valve has is the business model.
I don’t know how much the Deck costs Valve to manufacture. And yes, it’s pretty easy to run non-Steam games. But the bottom line is that the Deck does not have to be a profit center for Valve, it just has to drive more sales on Steam without losing too much money. Logitech, Lenovo, Asus, etc have to make money off of the hardware.
Support is important, but being a PC, you can get that from 3rd party solutions like ChimeraOS
I am someone who mods every console that I have. I even mod https://lemmy.world/c/linuxcracksupport here. But fiddling with the Deck can be very tedious and tiring. It’s like modding a game - you’ll spend hours getting it right, only for your will to play the game be gone.
I’ve even taken to not doing beta updates anymore on the Deck because the uncertainy that they cause just gets into my playtime. It somewhat ruins the concept of the Deck, which is ‘pick up for a few minutes and play’ in my mind.
Could some sort of dual boot be an option? Have a clean version of the OS that boots by default for the quick gaming sessions, then a modded version for when you feel like playing with the console itself. When your tweaks are solid, copy them to the gaming version.
I don’t know enough about the Steam Deck or modding to know if it’s plausible though.
I don’t really like the design of those joy-cons clones. From the images it feels they could snap out from the screen if you put too much pressure. Maybe I am wrong though, I should test it.
Mostly I’m just enjoying all the competition in this sector - it’s good for consumers
The Pimax Portal uses magnetic snap-on controllers and the reviews tend to be pretty positive on it.
Wonder what Linux distro it’ll choose to run on
Will say it’s an interesting idea to put a scroll wheel on the back of the right grip. On the deck and steam controller I’d sometimes use track pads to just be scroll wheels, but sometimes I wish there was just a physical tactile scroll wheel instead.
My wallet would support Steam if it had any sort of bills in it. Lenovo is a lousy company in the gadgets market. I own a marvelous Yoga Tab 3 Pro with an Intel Atom CPU and a built-in projector. An expensive device that received the one clunky Android upgrade and no source code. I modded the firmware enough to make it still usable, but God, do I hate their “support” service. Good riddance!
They lost me when they said it was going to run Windows.
Like seeing the competition. I got the Rog Ally right now and loving it. Not sure I would want the joy cons type form factor though that might make portability easier.
The product designer for this needs to be fired. Anyone who’s held a controller for an extended period of time knows these hard corners will kill your hands.
Same with any product designer who releases a phone with sharp edges just because it looks clean.
Phones are a slightly different story. Edges do help grip, and ensure product stability (which is essential on a phone). Additionally their smaller form factor means ergonomics don’t come into play as much as a game controller.
Once again the consumer electronics industry proving that it has essentially zero imagination.
Those who want a Steam Deck can probably just buy a Steam Deck. Or a Switch. 13.2% faster processor, 8.3% more colors, 9% faster refresh… all those endless specs don’t speak to me, which is all any company can do if they are just copying some existing design.
How about different form factors? I think the idea of a Steam Deck is great, but I hate how bulky it is. I am willing to sacrifice CPU power and even screen size for something a little more pocketable. Something in a portrait orientation rather landscape, maybe.
Wow, that looks awful as a handheld.
Why are the back buttons on the right controller aligned horizontally while the left controller back buttons are aligned vertically?
Also there are two side bottoms shown as well. I’d love to see a demo of this in action.
