Imagine how much better they could make a dedicated xCloud handheld, they would be able to make it run on kinda shit internals because it’s just streaming. They could have it be super small like the Switch or even thinner and weigh less too. They could have a really good screen + amazing battery life + 5G modem with a good wifi chip.
I’d say this would have to be much later down the line though as xCloud isn’t 100% reliable right now. The massive advantage that a xCloud type device would have is they would be able to always be up to date and will pretty much last forever because it streams the games.
What you’re saying is viable…but yeah not now. Xcloud is no way near as popular as people think. Once it is…MS can easily put out a cheap Streaming only device.
I think if you want a small form factor handheld console with great battery life and in a Switch size body with graphics of a next gen console or something current streaming is probably going to be the only way. Another thing is the Steam Deck almost weighs the same as a iPad Pro 12.9" also nearly 2x the weight of the Switch so imagine trying to hold that up if you were on your back in bed.
The reason why the Switch works so well is because the games aren’t made to look insane and you could really play them on a mobile most likely. People who buy a Switch don’t tend to care about graphics so they got it easy on that front but people who buy a Steam Deck will most likely care a lot more.
But yeah I don’t see the xCloud dedicated Switch like HW being a thing for a while. MS might just try partner with Nintendo and try get it on there and see how it works out. I also wouldn’t be shocked if MS and valve worked out something with xCloud being a bit more native on there.
Right now playing native is best for sure but we don’t know how well xCloud can improve. Native is always going to be the best but how much better in the end will it be in say 10 years time the gap between native and streaming will get smaller and smaller imo. I don’t think xCloud adoption right now really matters considering it’s as in they’re not really marketing it and it is tied to a $15 subscription, they haven’t even launched it in all countries that support Xbox nor have they fully upgraded it yet.
A little chonky but the price/perf/formfactor is pretty close to top tier for the growing handheld PC market. GPD Win et al blazed a trail and this looks like a great entry there.
Native in 720p, I’d argue, doesn’t top xCloudd at 1080p. The idea that this can be played “anytime” is an illusion too, ~2 hours battery life on modern games (they quoted 4 hours on a 2011 game) is extremely inhibitive and it’s bulk means it barely even qualifies as portable.
For now it’s the best for PC handheld. I wonder if Valve has a xbox/PS kind of approach or are they break even or in profit selling this day one. There open approach does indicate break even or profit approach although.
I also think it’s finally time from Microsoft to release a gaming windows OS only. Or maybe Gamepass OS.
If I can get free genuine Gamepass OS for this device then I will definitely buy it as my secondary device. It will increase my engagement even more with games.
For a start, we know nothing about how this device will perform with Windows installed. Will it tank the already middling battery life (maybe) will it be supported and have Windows games optimised for it (probably not) and does it mean the 64gb model is worthless (yep)
A handheld series s would have had none of those concerns
the 400 dollar 64 gb eMMC model feels more and more like its just there to not scare away the fact of the actual 500+ dollar 256gb SSD model being the more future proof one.
Man, I don’t need this, but it’s so tempting to access my whole Steam, Game Pass, Origin, GOG, EGS, Battle.net, etc. library on an actual portable device that isn’t clunky to use during travel like a laptop. The price is very close to impulse buy, too. What do, what do.
One of my friends says you need to buy the dock separately and you only get a pouch with it. But isnt this just a matter of connecting a HDMI cable from the Steam Deck to a display and done? Maybe a actual to let it rest in indeed isn’t included but meh, not a hig deal.
