Over time, Handheld PCs have become a lot more beefy, but at the moment, anything that's not Steam Deck costs an arm and a leg.
We published the performance optimization guide for Ghost of Tsushima earlier today. This is the second post in that series, recommending the optimized settings for the Steam Deck handheld console. Ghost of Tsushima was tested in the below scene using customized graphics settings that provide a stable 40-45 FPS at 720p.
Shaz from GL writes: "AMD could spur the beginning of a new era in handheld gaming with their upcoming APUs"
To me the most important hardware is the battery. Doesn’t matter how powerful the chips are.
Eh…. It’s a combination of multiple things.
The battery is hugely important as it allows you to have ideally 4 - 5 hour gaming sessions.
The more powerful the processor the more games developers can share to the handheld, nd of course the better said games perform.
From there display, software, and ergonomics matter, as a good display/software will allow games to be more vivid, run at variable fps 30/40/60 ideally, and good ergonomics means it’s comfortable to play for said 4 - 5 hours. Everything else is gravy at that point.
I know we all want more power. But it’s sad that 4-5 hours is considered good now. It really shows how batteries have progressed at a much slower pace than hungry components.
Of course it matters how powerful the chips are for it to be future proof. Don't you want to be able to play new games?
the Switch proves that you don't need the most cutting edge power out there to be successful.
@Neonrdr that doesn't prove anything because only Nintendo could get away with that. Their games aren't the most complex/graphically ambitious and Nintendo fans don't care.
@Neonridr
If anything, the Switch proves the exact point "redrum06" was making. Yes, it might be successful, but it's definitely not future-proof. Just look at how many games and franchises completely skip the platform.
I have a Switch, and recently got the Legion Go. I havent touched the Switch ever since, purely because of its inability to play even older games at a decent frame rate. For anyone wanting to play multiplatform games as well, people should skip the Switch.
There’s no way you’re getting that 40CU 16-core APU in a handheld. That’s too hot and power hungry for that. The highest end APU they’re suggesting is going to end up in gaming laptops that can cool a 100W chip.
I think these articles get things a little out of perspective, Steam Deck has sold around 3 million and Switch has sold 140 million. But if you are browsing certain parts internet you'd think the Steam Deck had sold over 100 million. If articles are going to continue to circulate like this and continue to put the Steam Deck in the same arena then I'm comfortable calling the device a flop.
Steam Deck, while considerably more popular due to it's lower barrier of entry, is still a niche device with the likes of the ROG Ally and others.
I own one and it's really nice to be able to play some games on the go or in bed, but it'll never fully compete with a system like the Switch.
Especially when they're not in the same price range, the Switch is considerably cheaper.
sure but theres still a limit to what u can put in there ha. power consumption would be the biggest hurdle. and cooling.
I wana try out a pc handheld but I would like to experience a steady framerate etc I don't wana have to keep going into my settings trying to make things smoother in gameplay, that's the only thing that's been keepin me from getting one I've heard others having to go into the settings time from time that'll be annoying
Streaming on the Steam Deck is even easier with a new beta installation method for GeForce NOW. Plus GeForce NOW brings 24 new games for May.
Well, it’s certainly much easier when you can sell the handheld for minimal margin of profit or even at a loss because you have the biggest PC storefront in the world to back it up.
For anyone else, they HAVE to make their profits on the hardware.
No one else but Microsoft will be in a similar position to launch a PC handheld like the steamdeck (putting aside that the MS Store doesnt really compare with Steam, but at least they have a storefront and gamepass)
I have switched from home consoles to exclusively handheld gaming with Steamdeck and Switch due to family constraints.
But you have to keep in mind, that at the price you pay, you get to game everywhere you want and have access to both MS and most Sony games along with PC games. Switch allows me access to Nintendo catalog (even though you can emulate switch games on the deck)
You lose in graphics and controller options naturally but this is something I am willing to trade to game on couch with earplugs.
Besides both consoles can connect to a TV or PC monitor.
It is really great to have these options these days.
Here's the problem with that. These handheld PCs already have really low specs at their current price point. If you lower the price you're lowering the performance so much that you're not going to be playing much of anything except indies and older games. Decent, usable hardware costs money.
There's also the fact that Valve literally prints money with Steam. They practically *are* the PC gaming market. None of the other companies like Lenovo, MSI, etc., can justify either razor thin margins or taking a loss.
Ummm…as someone who has recently entered that world for retro games, there are actually a lot of options in various price brackets. The ones shown above are in the highest price range.
Not every handheld PC is equally capable, mind you, and you do get what you pay for, but depending on your needs, you do not need to invest hundreds of dollars into one of these things. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a current favourite in the under $200 range.
Maybe you would need something really expensive if you’re planning to run current games. I for one have perfectly good mainstream consoles, and an admittedly older PC, for my modern gaming needs though.
These Nintendo Switch for PC devices kind of remind me of Netbooks and handheld PCs from the early 2000s. They were cheaper than PCs but overpriced for their functionality. They become obsolete with the rise of smart phones and tablets. I don’t see how Steam Deck and its competitors can break out of the niche handheld PC market and compete with phones, Nintendo Switch, or even PS Portal.