730°

Sony And Microsoft Should Be Worried About The Steam Box. Very Worried.

Kotaku - The future of home gaming. The next generation. For years now, the anticipation and excitement over what's to come has been dominated by speculation over what would come next from Microsoft and Sony.

In one day, Valve has changed all of that.

It's been hard to get excited about PC gaming in the way you do about a new console. The nature of the PC means it gets a little better all the time. You don't really notice how powerful the platform has become until you stop and look back at the games and hardware that have come before.

LackTrue4K4135d ago

if it was price at 600 or less then ya, 1,000 is toooo much.
only hardcore gamers will get it at that price.
im interested in getting this, if no ps4 this year...then there's a 50/50 chances im getting this.

4135d ago Replies(8)
Pandamobile4135d ago

I don't think there's a confirmed price for the Steam Box yet.

But yeah, ideally, they'd want to price it around (max) $600 USD.

pandaboy4134d ago

Ideally? It wasn't ideally when sony did it with the ps3...

zebramocha4134d ago

@pan That's because Sony went a bit over board with the ps3.

hakis864134d ago

The Steam box seems interesting, although we don't know enough yet.

IT is a "PC", since Gabe stated it's linux based - but you can install Windows.

Will that mean it will run a normal PC game?
Because I already have a decent PC for gaming.

What I don't have (and WANT) is a next-gen console with awesome exclusive titles.

Will Valve create exclusive games for Steam Box, that won't run on PC as well? I kind of doubt it...

Not hating on the SteamBox here, just not sure why we should want one?

Rubberlegs4134d ago (Edited 4134d ago )

@hakis86

Of course it will run normal PC games but it won't be locked down to just Linux and that's why they mention Windows. They are trying to build Linux up so that it can support a majority of the games offered on Steam.
They just started supporting Linux on Steam so its something they still working on and improving. You won't see this Steam box until they finish with the Linux support.

If you already game on a PC and have something built up for games, no you probably won't need this. They are aiming this for console gamers with the added controller and big picture mode. This is something you will be able hook up straight to your HDTV and won't have mess around with anything else just like how consoles are.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4134d ago
Kur04134d ago

Not even hardcore gamers will get it. You can get a much more powerful PC for that price. You're only really paying for the size of the thing. I'm not even sure it comes with a GPU. Just isn't worth it. Its for people with extra money lying around who don't know how to mess with computers but want to get into PC gaming.

yeahokchief4134d ago

i agree.

i also agree with the director of resident evil 2. kotaku are douchebags.

DA_SHREDDER4134d ago

It's priced at $1000?! I would rather just build my own pc for half the price, and then again, I really want a Tablet cause I hate the problems that come with pc's so there goes my hopes on maybe getting into pc gaming this year, or any year for that matter.

DudeJets4134d ago

Problems what problems its 2013 pc gaming is so easy now days

HappyGaming4134d ago

Yeah but even now days you get the odd few driver issues etc and you have to fend for yourself in forums to find solutions. I have never had a problem that I couldn't solve myself but I know many people who wouldn't be able to resolve them themselves.

Rivitur4134d ago

It doesn't cost $1000 btw that's the XI3 7a gaming series they haven't even shown the Steam box off what the hell have you people been reading?

nukeitall4134d ago (Edited 4134d ago )

What I haven't seen addressed (vaguely remember seeing a Steam controller pad?) are a few things with this steam box:

* price
* convenience
* controller? Are we still stuck with mouse/keyboard? Don't get me wrong, they are needed, but lets face it, the reason I use my console is because I don't have to type a lot or require very precise movements. It's fast, it's easy.

To the people that care, they likely already have the ability to build one probably much cheaper and already probably has.

To the others, they want the console experince (i.e. people like me, who don't want upgrades, don't want settings and etc....)

I welcome competition, but I hope it's going to be stronger. There are already too many gimmicky devices such as the nvidia Shield and now this.

JsonHenry4134d ago

If you have read any of the articles or paid any attention to the news you would know that there is no confirmed price yet. Convenience? It is a console like all other consoles. And finally, yes, it comes with its own controller which is why steam has made such a big push lately with big picture mode and controller support for their existing library of games but also has all the ports you need to support keyboard and mouse should you choose.

CapsLocke4134d ago

Who said $1000? Valve said it would be accessible, low price.

LackTrue4K4134d ago

I seen a video saying 1,000 and 700 for the budget one. But was not Valve, it was the builders of the Piston. Valve supports it, but dose not build them.

Rivitur4134d ago

No these people can't get their facts straight Valve has yet to even show off this "steam box" all they have shown is XI3's 7 series Piston which runs Big screen mode of steam. That is what costs $999 Gabe said in an interview that ideally they will release 3 types of steam boxes starting at $99

nirwanda4134d ago

Its a shame valve wont be able to compete with ms and sony on price as sony and MS will have there own factorys manufacturing plants making most things themselves rather than have to outsource everything

NoFanboyRequired4134d ago

Erm, both microsoft and sony outsource their hardware...

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4134d ago (Edited 4134d ago )

According to this interview with Gabe Newell steam box could start at free or at least $99 and have 3 tiers.

" He says the goal for a "Good" platform is a free device, but that one would probably start around $99 and eventually come down. Newell says a midrange device should cost around $300, and that the top-tier is only limited by how much someone is willing to spend."
http://www.theverge.com/201...

nirwanda4134d ago

Thats great news if they want to mass market it but im not keen on a tiered system it makes it harder to optimize code and splits the user base up, hopefully they will make games for top tier only and optimize for them specs.

miDnIghtEr20C_SfF4134d ago

Uhm... why would this article even matter? I just got done reading everyone's post in the Bayonetta article that Kotaku is crap and should never be read.

Why no Kotaku bashing in this article?

chukamachine4134d ago

Already have a pc with more power then that box will contain.

Halflife 3 is missing in the wind,

Sales for this will be nothing compared to PS4/720.

Steam is ok, but I prefer real media tbh. I don't mind d/l content from digital, but full games, no thanks.

Veni Vidi Vici4134d ago

You'd better get used to not having tangible media. Everything will eventually go that way. It kills the used game market, hurts piracy, and gets rid of the costs of producing the disks, cases, covers, shipping, etc.

dedicatedtogamers4134d ago

My problem with Steambox has nothing to do with Steambox but rather with Steam itself:

If you aren't online, and if Steam can't check for updates for a few days, you are completely locked out of your games until you can get back online. Yes, even single-player games that do not require an online connection. Steam says "cannot access key server". In other words, Steam will pretend that you don't have valid registration keys for your games, and you won't be able to play them. If you hate the idea of "always online" gaming, Steambox will likely have it for every single game. I worry about that.

HappyGaming4134d ago

I believe when I had gone to visit my grandparents my steam account still allowed me to play offline for the 2 weeks I was there. Have things changed or am I mistaken?

Mounce4134d ago

I hear a rumor that the lowest starting point could be $99. Course, it is just a rumor, but if true then that'd be pretty awesome, there are many models being questioned and many types of builds that could be possible, but at the very least the RAM and CPU being upgradable, unsure of GPU but it too should be likely.

Rivitur4134d ago

Read shutupandtakemymoney's comment theirs you "rumor"/announcement .

frankiebeans4134d ago

its still more money than a pre built computer spec for spec.
it has to have some sort of software advantages on the steam side that would justify someone getting into computer gaming that would sway someone to it rather than buying a "real" computer which would have significant advantages in terms of upgradeability and price.

in my opinion they're hoping to have that apple effect with the fine tuned hardware and releasing an upgrade every year or so but with pc gaming. I don't think its going to happen unless they can be competitively price with a xbox or a playstation and $1000 is not the way to do it, the market for this is very small and I would buy it and scratch the next xbox off my list if it was priced at $400-500 because the only games I play on my xbox are also on pc and being able to have mods and controller support on games would be that thing to justify paying $500 over an xbox.

WeskerChildReborned4134d ago

Yea it's gonna need to be cheap enough to attract the masses if this is gonna be any threat to Playstation or Xbox.

showtimefolks4134d ago

not happening, do you think Valve name is as big as xbox,playstation or nintendo's brands?

seriously i know valve fans will hate me for saying this but he market valve is targeting knows about games and are corer gamers where they are gonna loose is when someone walks into a store to buy a new console and who doesn't come to gaming sites daily what you think he will buy? a $800 valve box or $400 xbox or playstation?

its the other way around valve should be worried about ps4 and next xbox.

price matters look at PS3 and how much hate it got so all of a sudden $600 was way over priced yet $1000 is ok? don't look at your self as a consumer we are buying because we know the tech and don't mind paying for our hobby but casual market who only buys COD and madden/Fifa each year isn't about to spend $1000 on a machine when $400 ps4 or xbox720 will be able to do both of those things

HardCover4134d ago

$1000 is the expensive option.

It's not the only option. Not at all.

And it's modular, so it's DEFINITELY going to be a better deal than consoles if they're still as limited as they've always been with hardware.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 4133d ago
iNathan4135d ago

Running Linux ?

It will die as soon as 720 hits the market.

Pandamobile4135d ago

You can install Windows on it if you choose.

cee7734134d ago

Who told you that?

#in my king jaffe joffer voice

I_am_Batman4134d ago

Linux is a way more efficient OS. That means you have more recources left for games than on Windows.

Cueil4134d ago

You're assuming that this guy knows how to compile Linux for his machine specifically... and the driver support for Linux is substandard... that in itself makes it less "efficient" for gaming. I don't mind Linux as an OS, but it's not a desktop OS that I would use on an every day basis as a gamer.

Waddy1014134d ago

But there's a lot less games on linux though, the support for it just isn't there.

frelyler4134d ago

What's wrong with Linux? Does all the same things as Windows and then some,plus it's free.

Mounce4134d ago

Yea, 720 will totally destroy everything, both consoles and PC...Totally....

360 destroyed the market enough, like, damn, look how far ahead it is of Sony[/sarcasm]. Look how many people aren't supporting Windows 8 as it's likely to be another Vista. Since somehow when 720 comes around and if it's Kinect oriented, it will totally die since 360 and 720 will sell like hot cakes....because 360 totally sold like hotcakes....

PffffftLOL.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4134d ago
Just_The_Truth4135d ago

I like the idea. I think it's aims more towards PC gamers.

Pandamobile4135d ago

Or console gamers on the fence about getting into PC gaming due to the perceived complexity of the platform.

boybato4135d ago (Edited 4135d ago )

looks like a next gen.... oil filter.
or you could say, MegaMan's energy pack.

EliteDave934134d ago

Neither Microsoft or Sony should be worried.

BrianG4134d ago

Definitely agree. Within the past week I've seen 3 computer hardware and software companies show off their entry into the home console and portable console market.

Valve, Nvidia, and Razer.

The problem with all three is the price or limitations. Steam box rumored at up to $1,000. The Razer tablet is $1,000 and up with weak hardware. And the Nvidia Shield is basically an Android phone that can stream your PC games to a TV with a major exception, you need a GTX 650 or up.

Show all comments (124)
300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest5d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares5d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer4d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole4d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning774d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast4d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

Show all comments (44)
290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7210d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle9d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18819d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio9d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga9d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19928d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21839d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga9d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier8d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan8d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 8d ago
purple1019d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos9d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac9d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1019d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic9d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 9d ago
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