I already tried using Xbox controllers with it without success. This definitely isn't an Xbox.
Valve hasn't released a new Steam Console yet? Fine I'll make my own.
Irobot82
Member
The nice part it I don't have to do it. I can wait a long time
Onironauta
Member
The 780M GPU is very weak in real world performance, I'd expect more from a real Steam Box
The Mad Draklor
Member
Imo, Valve should release desktop SteamOS for AMD APUs first (and maybe also Intel CPUs w/ integrated graphics) and then slowly branch out to more hardware configurations.
The main thing that's missing is a Steam Controller 2. I want those thumb pads. But a regular game controller and the mini keypad/mouse in the picture will work for now.
If you're happy with the Deck's performance on a larger screen. Than the linked Mini PC that $365 from Amazon will meet your goals.
"Officially" they haven't, but in reality they already have. Just download the Steam Deck recovery image and AMD APUs just work. I know the recent Strix Point/Halo had issues. I'm not sure if it was updated to support those yet. The gotcha is if the included WiFi/Bluetooth is supported on Mini PCs, it's possible to install your own drivers, but it's not turn key.
The problem for Valve with an official release is then needing to provide support for a bunch of different hardware combinations. Maybe they will have a list of certified devices other PC manufacturers put out. And you'll be able to install it yourself, but you're also on your own tracking to solve compatibility issues with hardware.
It really depends on Valve's goals. I could see them using it if they were releasing a console style box today. It compares really well the Steam Deck in terms of performance and many people have those hooked up to their TVs.
The next step up the 880M/890M you are hitting $800 and up. They have soldered memory which gives you 8,000MT DDR5 which would also give a 780M a big bump if used there. The problem at that pricing is I posted a $940 PC with an RTX 5070 from NewEgg the other day. You could shave $250 off that and get an Arc B580 instead and still decimate the 890M at a $700 price point.
The PC gaming handheld market was even more niche than it is today back when Valve released the Steam Deck. So IMO it made sense for them to put out their own hardware. But I really feel that a Steam Box would take the same route as the original Steam Machines. Partner with MSI and/or Asus and have a certified box. You could either use an AMD APU, or go with an embedded RX 9060 on the single main board. The question would be at what price point, and the rumored Xbox PC would be major competition to it.
StereoVsn
Gold Member
I have one of these with Nvidia 8600GT 2GB VRAM card. I haven't booted up it in ages, wonder if it can be an emu box for older games.
Sure, the issue is that the hardware is a decade old so it's near the minimum recommended settings for PS2/Gamecube emulation. But below that is fine.
March Climber
Member
tl;dr above for the thread.
And thus OP was unable to make his own Steam console.
I listed an option that's cheaper than the cheapest Steam Deck and includes twice the storage (512 vs 256). While I have 1TB and more RAM at $40 more than the cheapest Deck.
I am struggling with Bluetooth wake from sleep for that real console experience. But I might just keep it powered off due to an annoyingly bright blue LED that remains on while it's sleeping. But about 10 or so seconds from being completely powered off it's at the menu to select which account to play with, and then immediately jumps into the Steam Deck interface that I navigate with a wireless controller to launch games, install them, whatever. Any system complaints are how Steam OS does things, like you can set a pin to secure the device, but not separate pins per account. This caused me to remove saved payments method to prevent kids from making store purchases as they can't access the store with their accounts. But as a gaming device, it's better than that struggle to make a PC work like a console. Using a launcher you can have it auto boot into Windows and have a controller driven interface, but something is always breaking or you need to jump into desktop to fix things. This happens much less with Steam OS.