Steam Deck
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Deck.
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Companies Should Provide Physical Releases if People Want Them, Says Rockstar Games Co-Founder
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that companies should continue to offer physical game releases if fans desire them, despite his personal preference for digital convenience. Former writer Jeffery Jones also discussed the experience of owning physical copies versus the utility of digital downloads. The conversation arises amidst discussions about the future of physical media, including Grand Theft Auto 6's lack of a disc and Sony's planned end to PlayStation discs in 2028.
Rockstar co-founder says 'I don't know if I personally care' if games release on disc, adds 'I love…
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate between physical and digital game media, stating he doesn't personally care if games are released on disc but acknowledges the appeal of physical copies. He also highlighted the benefits of digital distribution for game updates and the convenience of downloading games on devices like the Steam Deck for travel.
Rockstar Games co-founder and GTA co-creator Dan Houser says he loves physical media, but digital releases have their…
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed his personal indifference towards physical game media but believes companies should continue offering it if consumers desire. He highlighted the benefits of digital distribution for developers, citing the ease of updating and fixing games. Houser's comments come as PlayStation plans to cease disc production and concerns arise about the ownership and accessibility of digital libraries.
Dan Houser shrugs at physical media — then admits he loves it
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed conflicting views on physical media, stating he doesn't personally care but believes companies should provide it if consumers want it. He acknowledged the utility of digital updates for game quality while also admitting a personal fondness for physical products, particularly in the context of his new venture, Absurd Ventures.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several gaming journalists share their plans for the weekend, with titles like Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children, Othercide, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Lords of the Fallen, Replaced, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Assassin's Creed Rogue, and Assassin's Creed 3 being mentioned. Some express a desire to play tactics RPGs or action RPGs, while others are catching up on older Assassin's Creed titles.
Don't Play Halo: Campaign Evolved on Steam Deck or Xbox Ally
Halo: Campaign Evolved exhibits poor performance and image quality on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, falling short of the older Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Players seeking a handheld Halo experience are advised to stick with the Master Chief Collection for better results.
A night of Walkabout Mini Golf with friends reminded me of one of the biggest flaws with the Meta Quest VR headsets
A virtual reality session playing Walkabout Mini Golf highlighted a significant design flaw in Meta Quest headsets, specifically the single USB-C port. This limitation prevents simultaneous PC connectivity via Link Cable and charging, a problem affecting both the Meta Quest 2 and the newer Meta Quest 3, potentially impacting future devices like the Steam Deck.
Scanlines will help give your retro consoles a visual edge, but not all CRT effects are equal
This article discusses the effectiveness and nuances of scanline effects in retro gaming emulation. While scanlines can enhance definition and pixel separation on modern displays, they do not perfectly replicate the visual experience of original CRT televisions due to factors like shadow masks and aperture grilles. Modern hardware and software solutions offer more advanced CRT emulation, but the author emphasizes that understanding these underlying technologies is key to achieving desired retro visuals.
Steam's latest update finally brings order to the chaos of your wishlist, and might even nudge people into buying you some new games
Valve has released a significant update for Steam, introducing enhanced customization options for wishlists, including custom categories and tailored notifications. The update also improves Steam gifting features, allowing for easier digital gift card and game purchases, including guest checkout and email gifting, with improved cross-region gifting functionality.
I played the Halo: Campaign Evolved remake and original Halo back-to-back, here's my review
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a modern remake of Halo: Combat Evolved that aims to update the classic shooter with Unreal Engine 5 visuals and gameplay inspired by later Halo titles. While the remake boasts impressive graphics and smoother controls, the reviewer finds that many of its changes, such as the addition of a sprint button and altered vehicle physics, detract from the original's unique design and tension. The package is also criticized for lacking PvP multiplayer and offering a sparse selection of content compared to The Master Chief Collection.
GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud
Nvidia's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding several new titles, including Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and Battlefield 6 Season 4. Members can also revisit classic Capcom games like Breath of Fire IV and Dino Crisis, with advanced access for Halo: Campaign Evolved for Premium Edition pre-purchasers. The service emphasizes instant play across various devices without downloads.
This Switch 2 gaming pillow is the weirdest accessory I've tested so far, but it's on sale should you want a…
The Lululook Gaming Pillow Stand for the Nintendo Switch is a unique and comfortable accessory that suspends the handheld for lap play, offering relief for joint pain. While its full price is high, a current UK discount makes it a more appealing, albeit niche, option for those who enjoy gaming in bed.
New estimate suggests Valve's Steam Deck sales have decreased by 82%, and the reason shouldn't be a surprise
Valve's Steam Deck has reportedly seen an 82% decrease in unit sales, attributed to price increases for both LCD and OLED models. Analysis suggests a 72% revenue contraction and a 54% price hike have significantly reduced demand, pushing the device down in Steam's top seller rankings. The discontinuation of the LCD model and ongoing RAM shortages for OLED variants further impact availability and value proposition compared to more powerful alternatives.
Final Fantasy X and X-2 on Switch 2 get the job done
The Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster has been released for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering improved resolution and performance compared to the previous Switch version. While not a massive upgrade, it brings the portable experience up to par with PC and other console versions, featuring enhancements like 4K output in TV mode and 1080p in handheld mode, along with gameplay speed-up options. The review notes that while save transfer issues and the lack of upgrade paths for existing Switch owners are drawbacks, it's a solid way to experience these classic RPGs on the go.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 reveals Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch frame rate, resolution
Konami has detailed the performance and resolution specifications for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and a rumored Nintendo Switch 2. The collection will feature different frame rates and resolutions depending on the platform and whether it's in handheld or docked mode.
Steam Deck sales are estimated to have plummeted by around 80% since the massive price hikes earlier this year, back of…
Sales estimates suggest Steam Deck unit sales have plummeted by approximately 80% since price hikes were implemented earlier this year. This significant drop in demand is attributed to increased costs, making the handheld a less attractive value proposition for consumers.
Steam Deck sales are seemingly down an estimated 82% - Bear with me while I put on my surprised face
Steam Deck sales have reportedly dropped by an estimated 82%, with weekly unit sales falling between 1,400 and 3,000 following Valve's price increases. While the author acknowledges pricing as a major factor, they also suggest the age of the hardware and competition from devices like the ASUS ROG Ally may be contributing to the decline. Despite the dip, the author believes the Steam Deck remains a strong contender in the handheld market.
Evening Mobilization
Sales of Valve's Steam Deck have reportedly declined following a recent price increase. The article from Ars Technica suggests a correlation between the price hike and the drop in sales for the handheld gaming device.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved Steam Deck Verified?
Halo: Campaign Evolved has been confirmed as Steam Deck Verified and optimized for handheld PCs like the ASUS ROG Ally. The game will feature cross-platform four-player co-op and will be available on Game Pass from day one for certain subscription tiers.
Written off for its price, Valve’s Steam Machine is now beating Palworld on Steam
Despite initial skepticism regarding its price, Valve's Steam Deck is reportedly selling strongly, with estimates suggesting weekly sales between 12,000 to 15,000 units. The device currently ranks second on Steam's top-grossing chart, surpassing popular games like Palworld. The recent release of official Windows drivers has further boosted its appeal, allowing access to a wider range of games.
