SteamBoy Machine Wants To Make PC Gaming Portable
While we have already seen something similar by way of Razer's Edge and Edge Pro, startup developer SteamBoy Machine Team is currently working on something lighter for PC gaming on the go: the SteamBoy.
As the name implies, the device looks like a combination of the PlayStation Vita and the Steam controller. There's a touchpad on each side of the rectangular screen along with eight action face buttons (directional, ABXY), four trigger buttons and two additional action buttons on the back of the device.
SteamBoy will also run Valve's SteamOS platform, which should keep the overall cost to customers somewhat low given that there is no licensing fee for SteamOS. The team indicated that the final specs will feature a good balance between cost and performance, allowing gamers to play the majority of PC games on Steam.
"I think people will get shocked by SteamBoy potential and possibilities," said SteamBoy Machine Team. "SteamBoy is the first device that allows [you] to play Steam games on the go, you will keep playing your favorite games at the bus, the office, the school or the doctor's waiting room."
As for the specs, the team hints that SteamBoy may have a quad-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage and a 5-inch 16:9 touchscreen. The first version is expected to launch in 2015 with Wi-Fi (likely Wireless AC) and 3G connectivity.
"SteamBoy won't be as powerful as other announced Steam Machines in the same way [the] Nintendo 3DS or PS Vita performance is not comparable to Wii U or PlayStation 4," a representative admitted in an emailed statement. "However, it will be possible to play the majority of current games in Steam."
What will be interesting to see is whether or not Valve Software will make the SteamBoy Machine team choose a different name, and not use the Steam name and logo. There may be an agreement already in place, so this possible infringement is just speculation. The website clearly states "Steam name and logo are property of Valve Corporation," and that "all trademarks are property of their respective owners."
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If the specs are decent enough to play Skyrim on the default medium settings, would you purchase this device? We're hoping that the console will have HDMI output just in case the gamer wants to connect to a larger screen. Nvidia's Android-powered SHIELD already does this, turning the portable controller-like device into a console.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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ferooxidan ReplyHow about a laptop? Or do we have to literally be walking and gaming?
can a laptop do nicely without adapter pulgged in? powerful enough to be playing on a plane/train w/o adapter? nope, i don't think so. plugging your laptop while traveling on your car? such hassle. waiting for someone on the cafe for just about 30 mins then have to open laptop first, waiting it to boot (or not if it is sleep mode), then playing games just for 15 mins literally, the person you wait come, then all those hassle putting it back on your bag and go. portable? yeah, right. got a long time waiting on the cafe, playing with laptop on battery, not powerful enough then set performance to be 100%, battery dies forgot to bring adapter, while this thing/ vita/ ds just need powerbank. portable enough? meh.
On a side note, the only thing that makes me curious is whether Valve can put real pc components on that, or it's just another compact notebook components. if it is as powerful as PS4 or even more, then I'm interested. -
RoxasForTheWin I'm curious to how this performs. Will we be able to play this on the go without having to worry about battery life.Reply -
Conrad Pinto SteamBoy! Thought I heard this somewhere....Oh wait, that's the name of a Japanese Animated film.Reply -
outlw6669 If I had to venture a guess; it will either have an A10 Micro-6700T or A4 Micro-6400T and it will be able to play the vast majority of (controller supported) Steam games...... if you are streaming them locally from your gaming build.Reply
While an interesting idea, it is definitely vaporware and not really practical for serious gaming. -
Greg Williams I think they mean 'A majority of the linux PC games on steam', not the actual majority :)Reply -
UVB076 Remember this is like a 5" sscreen, meaning the device will be small and incapable of holding either a powerful battery or powerful componentsReply