Re: Now Even Microsoft Is Making a SteamDeck

On 10/06/2025 16:57, Spalls Hurgenson wrote:

 So the first Microsoft Steamdecks are out*. Well, they're not actually
SteamDecks and, they're not really out (all we're getting is the first
official announcements and specs for the new devices) and,
technically, they're not even Microsoft devices.
 In actuality, these machines are handheld gaming PCs with XBox
branding being made by third-party OEMS... but they sure as hell look
like a SteamDeck. Like Valve's own device (and its licensed clones),
the Asus ROG XBox Ally is features AMD processors/chipsets and has
button placement remarkably similar to Valve's machine. The higher-end
model (the XBox Ally X) comes with 24GB too, as opposed to the 16GB on
Valve's hand-held.
 But basically it's just another fairly-standard hand-held PC with the
native XBox app featured front-and-center.
 Me, if I were Valve, I'd be working hard to make sure the SteamDeck OS
was 100% compatible with the new XBox Ally on its release day. I mean,
c'mon, you know that's what most people are going to be putting Steam
on there anyway. ;-P
 

I have seen some reviews of whatever Windows handheld it was that can now ship with Steam OS. The were a couple of interesting takeaways. Performance (FPS) was better on Steam OS although if I wanted a handheld raw performance just has to be good enough and not the best. The biggy though was battery life, it is a portable after all. It depends on which game was played but there were some dramatic differences in how long the Steam OS version lasted.