Tag: Steam Deck

  • Conflicting Reports on New Valve Steam Hardware with AMD RDNA 4

    Conflicting Reports on New Valve Steam Hardware with AMD RDNA 4

    YouTuber eXtas1s has recently shared his thoughts on what might be Valve’s upcoming Steam console. He, alongside HandleDeck, has noticed connections between AMD and Valve in the latest Linux driver updates for the Radeon RX 9070 and other RDNA 4 desktop graphics cards.

    Speculations About Valve’s Console

    This has led them to speculate that Valve could be working on a home console that might compete with the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 Pro (currently priced at $699 on Amazon). It’s important to mention that neither of them has offered any solid proof to back up their assertions, even though the drivers are open-source.

    For now, it would be wise to regard any hints about Valve creating a new Steam Machine with caution. eXtas1s has a somewhat patchy track record regarding leaks of this nature, having missed the mark several times after initially detailing last year’s Xbox Games Showcase.

    Counterarguments from GamingOnLinux

    In response, Liam Dawe from GamingOnLinux completely denies the claims made by eXtas1s and HandleDeck. He points out on GamingOnLinux that Valve has been hiring developers for many years to update AMD Mesa graphics drivers to maintain Linux compatibility for both current and future AMD hardware.

    Dawe argues that eXtas1s and HandleDeck have misread the recent driver modifications, likely influenced by earlier rumors about the Valve ‘Fremont’ linked to the so-called AMD Lilac platform. To support his argument, a senior member of Valve’s Linux graphics driver team noted in the documentation for a recent Mesa driver patch regarding AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture that:

    This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.

    DCC is still under active development but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.

    The Validity of the Rumors

    In summary, this new rumor seems just as credible as the one about an AMD Ryzen Z2 refresh for the Steam Deck that VideoCardz discussed. For context, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a well-known designer of the Steam Deck, publicly dismissed this rumor. While the future of new Steam hardware is still uncertain, some third-party hobbyists have successfully transformed the Steam Deck into a home console experience.

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    Conflicting Reports on New Valve Steam Hardware with AMD RDNA 4
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  • Facebook Bans Linux Posts, Labels FOSS as Cybersecurity Threat

    Facebook Bans Linux Posts, Labels FOSS as Cybersecurity Threat

    With the Valve Steam Deck increasing in popularity, conversations about Linux are booming among PC gamers. However, it seems that Facebook and its parent company, Meta, are not keen on these discussions continuing.

    Ban on Linux Mentions

    DistroWatch, a well-known site that focuses on various Linux topics, has reportedly faced a ban on posts that mention Linux. After DistroWatch appealed to restore its removed content, Facebook reviewed the posts but decided not to reinstate them. Furthermore, a post from Tom’s Hardware suggests that DistroWatch is not the only one experiencing this issue. Other communities and pages have also been shut down, and some users have even had their personal accounts disabled for discussing Linux.

    Reason Behind Removal

    The alleged justification for these removals is that Linux content “may facilitate the sharing, creation or hosting of malicious content.” Initially, it appeared that Linux-related posts would be completely banned. However, posts have been made on DistroWatch’s Facebook page since the ban on January 20. A simple test was conducted by posting a public message containing a DistroWatch link and the word “Linux,” which surprisingly was not taken down. Thus, the exact cause of these bans and removals remains uncertain.

    A Contradictory Situation

    Interestingly, this situation arises just weeks after Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook announced that the platform would ease its content moderation rules to encourage discussions on more “controversial topics.”

    Meta’s community standards outline what constitutes “malicious software” and related issues:

    We prohibit:

    Unauthorized attempts to access accounts, including trying to get into accounts or profiles that don’t belong to you through deceptive means or without permission from the owner.

    Acquiring or asking for another user’s login or sensitive information to gain unauthorized access, which includes tactics like phishing—creating fake communications to trick users into giving private information.

    Attempts to share or create harmful code, which means encouraging users to download files or applications that can compromise their security, like malware, spyware, or ransomware designed to harm systems or steal money.

    Lack of Clarity on Violations

    It’s not clear if DistroWatch’s posts have broken any of these Meta community guidelines, but none of the recent posts appear to be particularly harmful upon initial review.

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  • Modern RPG Game Earns Steam Deck Verified Rating Before PC Launch

    Modern RPG Game Earns Steam Deck Verified Rating Before PC Launch

    Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was initially released on PS5 in February of last year, and just before the PC version’s debut, Square Enix revealed that the RPG has earned the Steam Deck Verified compatibility rating. This indicates that it will function seamlessly on the handheld gaming device without the need for any further tweaks.

    Launch Details

    For those who may have missed the news, the PC version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is scheduled to be released on January 23, 2025. The PS5 version has been praised by critics, achieving an impressive 92 points on Metacritic. Reviewers have particularly lauded its breathtaking graphics, and as Square Enix has shown, the game performs beautifully on the Steam Deck as well.

    Storyline Continuation

    If you haven’t had a chance to experience the game on PlayStation 5, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up where the original story left off. It brings in fresh twists while featuring recognizable places and characters. Each character’s background is further developed in this latest installment of the franchise.

    Gameplay Improvements

    Naturally, the narrative takes significant departures from the original Final Fantasy VII. This introduces a layer of surprise regarding the story’s events and the destinies of its characters. The new version also brings in additional characters, enriching the overall narrative.

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  • Custom Steam Deck Case Transforms Handheld into Mobile Workstation

    Custom Steam Deck Case Transforms Handheld into Mobile Workstation

    Most handheld devices aren’t designed for productivity. The Legion Go, which features detachable controllers, could potentially serve as a makeshift workstation, but that’s the charm of PCs. Users often discover applications that the creators never envisioned.

    Productivity Limitations of the Steam Deck

    The Steam Deck isn’t the best choice for heavy work tasks. If you find yourself bringing along a separate keyboard and mouse, you might as well just take a laptop instead. There’s no kickstand, and trying to manage a 10,000-line spreadsheet isn’t exactly enjoyable, especially on the Deck’s modest 800p display. However, the community hasn’t let that stop them. The Deck can definitely handle a few emails and offers much more once you dive into the extensive library of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) that’s accessible on Linux.

    A Handy 3D-Printed Solution

    If you’re not keen on lugging around multiple gadgets, you can use Natter_LT to 3D print your own Steam Deck “Play&Work” case for just $9.25.

    This case has some strong Steam Punk aesthetics, which only adds to its appeal. It includes several clever features, like the ability to easily insert a standard Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s (you can find this on Amazon) and detach it. It also has cutouts for all necessary ports and buttons, a handle for transport, and a built-in kickstand that opens up for air circulation around the Steam Deck’s vents. When it’s closed, the entire product is quite similar in size to the case that Valve provides.

    Great Value for 3D Printing Enthusiasts

    If you have access to a 3D printer with a minimum bed size of 300mm squared, spending $9.25 on the CAD files seems like an excellent deal for crafting the ultimate portable gaming and mobile office solution. If only we could create something similar for those who don’t own a Steam Deck.

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  • Civilization 7 Verified for Steam Deck: Manage Empires on the Go

    Civilization 7 Verified for Steam Deck: Manage Empires on the Go

    Guiding a civilization through three ages takes a lot of time. Luckily, owners of the Steam Deck will have the chance to play Civilization 7 wherever they go. This was confirmed by an announcement on the game’s official Steam page, stating that it’s now verified for the Steam Deck. The turn-based strategy game from Firaxis is set to be released on various platforms, including the handheld Nintendo Switch, on February 11th.

    Steam Deck Compatibility

    It’s not surprising that Civilization 7 works with the Steam Deck, as previous versions have run on this portable PC. Yet, while Civilization 6 is only marked as “Playable,” some user interface elements appear cramped on the 7.4-inch screen. Older versions of the game were also available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, but the gaming experience was often inconsistent. This time, Firaxis aims to introduce its award-winning strategy series to new players by providing better controller support.

    Rising Competition

    Valve’s gaming system is facing more competition from various Windows 11 portable computers. The latest competitor is the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, which features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and is expected to launch in Q2 2025. Its 11-inch display will be useful for strategizing attacks against rival civilizations. Other competitors, such as the Nitro Blaze 11 and Asus ROG Ally, offer greater raw power and native support for Windows games. However, the Steam Deck still holds a strong fan base among fans of strategy games.

    Performance Expectations

    Games compatible with the Steam Deck don’t always run perfectly. Civilization 7 is ambitious in its scope, featuring more legendary leaders who make important strategic choices that change the course of history. While it remains uncertain how well the game will perform, reasonable minimum PC requirements give mobile gamers a glimmer of hope for a smooth experience.

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  • Steam Deck 2: Valve Designer Talks Rumored AMD Ryzen Z2 Update

    Steam Deck 2: Valve Designer Talks Rumored AMD Ryzen Z2 Update

    Rumors about Valve possibly launching new hardware have been floating around for the past month or so, partly due to some leaks from databases. To summarize, information about the rumored Steam Controller 2 came out in late November. In addition, new details about Valve’s much-speculated ‘Deckard’ VR headset also surfaced, quickly followed by a leak regarding a gaming device codenamed ‘Fremont’.

    AMD Confirms Steam Deck Update?

    Today, VideoCardz published an article that claimed AMD had ‘confirmed Valve Steam Deck update’ as part of the Ryzen Z2 series announcement. This lead to various news outlets resharing the information, even though there was no clear reference to a new Steam Deck in the leaked documents shared by VideoCardz. Instead, the Steam Deck was mentioned alongside other devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, which use older Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme APUs.

    Valve’s Clarification

    However, Pierre-Loup Griffais, a key figure in the Steam Deck’s design, has stepped in to clarify Valve’s stance. He directly stated that ‘there is and will be no Z2 Steam Deck’, putting an end to the speculation right there.

    As for Valve’s official position, they have only mentioned plans for a next-generation Steam Deck to be released in ‘a few years’. Since the Steam Deck performs similarly to the Radeon 890M in benchmarks, it seems unlikely that the Ryzen Z2 series would be used for a device that Valve wants to deliver with ‘a significant bump in horsepower’.

    Upcoming Devices

    Meanwhile, there is solid evidence indicating that a SteamOS-powered Legion Go gaming handheld is nearing its launch. Lenovo has strongly suggested that this device will be revealed later this week at CES 2025. However, it won’t be a direct successor to the original Legion Go gaming handheld that Lenovo launched last year (currently priced at $619.99 on Amazon). Instead, it may come as a more affordable option with fixed controllers and a lower price point, aimed at meeting lesser performance targets.

    Source: Link

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  • Jsaux 7-in-1 Docking Station with Cooling for Handheld Consoles

    Jsaux 7-in-1 Docking Station with Cooling for Handheld Consoles

    Jsaux has introduced a new Docking Station, marking the first in its line to feature built-in fans that attach magnetically to align perfectly with the back of the user’s handheld device.

    Features of the Docking Station

    This docking station comes with dual fans that showcase Dynamic 7-Color Gradient RGB lighting. The base, which also serves as a cradle for the console, supports various RGB modes including Breathing, Chasing, Gradient, Monochromatic, and Stacking. Additionally, it maintains the same design as its 6-in-1 predecessor, enabling users to utilize the main dock body without the fans and base.

    Connectivity Options

    offer data transfer speeds of 5Gb/s

    However, the manufacturer only lists compatibility with specific consoles, namely the Steam Deck, Steam Deck OLED, and Lenovo Legion Go. Unfortunately, others, like the MSI Claw, may not work with this docking station.

    Pricing and Availability

    The 7-in-1 RGB Cooling Docking Station is currently available for pre-order directly from Jsaux for $59.99. In comparison, the non-RGB 6-in-1 version can be found on Amazon for a reduced price of $36.80, thanks to a 20% discount coupon, as of today, December 26, 2024.

    Source: Link

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  • Ayaneo Flip KB Handheld Console: Great Functionality & Performance

    Ayaneo Flip KB Handheld Console: Great Functionality & Performance

    While the Steam Deck console and its clones feature a sleek design that merges a screen with game controllers on either side, they can appear rather bulky, particularly with models boasting screens larger than 7 inches. To address this issue, manufacturers have looked back to the Nintendo DS clamshell style, which allows users to open and adjust the screen. Although this design isn’t as trendy as the Steam Deck’s right now, more console creators are beginning to embrace it. Ayaneo has recently introduced its version with the new Flip KB / DS model.

    Testing the Flip KB Model

    We had the chance to try out the Flip KB version, which swaps out the lower screen for a mini keyboard. The clamshell design is not only stylish but also more compact than typical Steam Deck clones, even if it does have a bit more thickness. It runs on AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840U, housing eight Zen 4 cores and sixteen threads alongside the Radeon 780M integrated GPU. This console impresses with solid functionality and respectable graphics performance, all while keeping its thermal design power (TDP) capped at 30 W.

    Display and Features

    On the bright side, the console boasts a 7-inch IPS display with a glossy finish and an average peak brightness of 720 nits. Since the reviewed model was a pre-mass-production version, the resolution was limited to 1080p, so we couldn’t test lower resolutions that could use less power. Other advantages of this model include top-notch game controllers, future-ready connectivity through USB4 and OCuLink ports, a speedy microSD card reader, and the AYASpace 2.0 control center.

    Downsides to Consider

    However, there are certain downsides as well. The CPU performance lags a bit behind other chips like the Z1 Extreme or the older R7 7840U that aren’t restricted by a 30 W limit. Additionally, the overall power efficiency doesn’t quite match the TDP limit. Under full load, the fan noise is noticeably higher than average, even though the cooling system employs a vapor chamber. Battery life is also impacted by the smaller 45 Wh capacity and the previously mentioned locked resolution.

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  • Playtron OS Alpha 2: Enhanced Hardware Support Features

    Playtron OS Alpha 2: Enhanced Hardware Support Features

    For those who don’t know, Playtron OS is a gaming-focused operating system based on Fedora Linux. Since the launch of Steam OS, many companies have been trying to produce their own OS to rival Valve’s offering. The Playtron OS development team aims to create a lightweight and secure distribution which works well with popular gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and AYANEO devices, while also ensuring compatibility for games that are not just on Steam. Interestingly, the OS isn’t just for handhelds; the alpha two version includes features that will also assist laptop and desktop users.

    Key Updates in the Alpha Two Release

    The main focus of the Playtron OS alpha two release is on hardware support. Here are some key highlights from the latest update:

    The Playtron OS Alpha Two introduces several new features and significant updates to various components.

    Known Issues in Alpha Two

    However, as this is still an alpha version, there are several bugs that need to be fixed. Many of the problems from alpha one persist, and users may encounter some entirely new issues in alpha two. Those interested in trying out the OS should take note of some critical problems, such as:

    As expected with an alpha release, the list of bugs is ongoing. For further information on the update or to download the OS, please check out the official announcement linked below.

    Source: Link

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  • Sony Developing Handheld Console for Native PS5 Game Play

    Sony Developing Handheld Console for Native PS5 Game Play

    A previous speculation suggested that Sony was closely monitoring the handheld console scene after the Steam Deck achieved great success. Although Sony did release the PlayStation Portal, it’s not really a direct rival to the many Windows-based consoles available today. Now, a report from Bloomberg reinforces the idea of Sony possibly re-entering the handheld gaming market.

    Sony’s Future Plans

    Sony’s concept “builds on” the PS Portal and aims to allow players to enjoy PlayStation 5 games while traveling. Of course, this project is still in the initial phases of development, so it likely won’t be available for some time. Creating a handheld device that can deliver PS5-level graphics will require significant advancements in technology that simply aren’t ready yet.

    Technical Challenges Ahead

    To begin with, high-bandwidth memory will be necessary to supply the GPU with data efficiently. This might be somewhat addressed with LPDDR6 modules. Then there’s the challenge of finding a CPU and GPU combination that can produce PS5-quality graphics without excessive power consumption. A Zen 4/Zen 5 along with a UDNA chip could potentially make this happen, but that won’t be anytime soon.

    Additionally, for Sony and AMD to succeed, they will need access to TSMC’s advanced manufacturing processes. Traditionally, AMD has lagged by one node, so if that trend continues, they might not have access to TSMC N2 until 2026, which could set the stage for a 2027 launch. All these elements, along with AI image upscaling techniques like PSSR, should make the concept feasible, at least in theory.

    Developer Support Challenges

    However, there’s also the hurdle of developer backing. Game studios will have to release toned-down versions of their titles to function on the PlayStation handheld, complicating the entire process. Ideally, Sony would benefit from positioning this device as a companion to the PlayStation 6. This separation actually makes sense, as it provides two distinct ways for users to engage with the same games.

    An earlier statement from Phil Spencer of Xbox indicated that Microsoft is also developing a handheld console that is “a few years away.” There’s a strong possibility that both devices could launch within weeks of each other, escalating the competition in the console market. Plus, we can’t forget about the Steam Deck 2, which has been said to not be launching soon, but Valve could disrupt Sony and Microsoft’s plans with its next-generation handheld.

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