I feel like it would push devs to optimize for better performance on low-end hardware and to create graphics settings for that hardware like Cyberpunk 2077 did in patch 1.52.
While a majority of handheld gaming PCs do run Linux and that has led to some devs putting more thought into Linux compatibility I’d be wary of some new device coming into the spotlight and shifting the tide back towards Windows.
The uniformity and lifespan of traditional consoles also leads to some interesting modding communities, a lot of peripherals, and the extended availability of parts for repairs which is also nice to see. The Switch and Vita being examples of this to different degrees.
I know the Steam Deck is still one of the top handheld gaming PCs but I guess what I’d want to see is a lack of competition or revisions for a couple years so that it has a chance to saturate the market.
I feel like marginal improvements like you see in SBC gaming devices (shout out to [email protected]) such as the RG350 to RG351 lead to a lot of buyers remorse and e-waste.
If game studios can’t be assed to optimize for the steam deck, what makes you think they are for any other devices? Steam deck having competition or not, I don’t think has any influence here.
Anecdotally I know many people with a steam deck, and nobody with any of the windows based ones.
If game studios can’t be assed to optimize for the steam deck, what makes you think they are for any other devices? Steam deck having competition or not, I don’t think has any influence here.
Because it would set a bar. There wouldn’t be the slow marginal improvements you frequently see with devices. There would also be a unified community that can say “X game runs poorly on the Steam Deck; don’t buy it”.
Anecdotally I know many people with a steam deck, and nobody with any of the windows based ones.
Yeah that’s why I said a majority of devices do run Linux but I’m be wary about a new device to the scene changing the trend. For example if Windows 11 continues to get gaming related updates and a competitor like AYENEO decides to ship their devices with Windows instead. Financially it might not make sense but there are a good chunk of people who want Windows and do things like install it on their Steam Decks.
I feel like a lot of people simply use the OS that comes with their device whether it’s Linux, Android, or Windows.
The Deck is by far and away the most popular device in that space, and we’re already seeing developers targeting the Deck’s specs to make games run well on it.
Competition in this regard is great for users, not because it pushes developers to raise their game, but because it’s going to push Valve to raise theirs.
I can’t think of a product that was improved by a lack of competition.
I get what you are saying. It’s mostly to keep developers targeting those specific specs and so people don’t need to upgrade to something new for a while.
It’s kind of like the mentality some people have of not wanting a new version of the Switch because the version that’s available now works well enough for them and they still want to see game releases for it.
Though personally I think seven years might be a bit much and backwards compatibility not really being an issue with PC games (compared to Nintendo games) kind of makes it a bad comparison.
That said I posted it here because it’s an unpopular opinion. I feel like most unpopular opinions aren’t totally logical
Without competition you won’t have advancements. If you want better products you need competition.
Yeah I’ve heard that line. I also think innovation can come from working creatively within restrictions. It’s just a different kind of progress.
I am not talking about an indefinite pause. Just a stall long enough for the Steam Deck to do what I mentioned above and so that there’s substantial improvements between models and revisions.
It’s the same reason the Madden video game sucks. They have a monopoly on it. There is no one to challenge them or out do them. So the game sucks with zero incentive to make it better.
It’s just how capitalism works. Without competition there is no reason to get better. If they are still making money then that’s all that matters.
Yeah I feel like most people know the capitalism aspect of it. I am saying if you put the hardware aspect of it aside I feel like it could lead to some interesting stuff kind of like how we ended up with neat source ports and homebrew for the PS Vita.
without competition we wouldnt have gotten the steam deck oled and that thing rocks
It’s still a marginal improvement that led to a lot of people selling their year old devices. I’d rather see third party screen mods like DeckHD’s 1200P mod.
I can’t
Can’t wish it?
