Gaming PCs have long been the go-to platform for gamers due to their versatility, customization, and raw power. However, as gaming consoles have become more advanced, gaming PCs have struggled to keep up with the simplicity and stability of consoles. That is until the Steam Deck arrived on the scene, showcasing the advantages of a gaming PC that is more like a console.
One of the biggest advantages of the Steam Deck is its stable specification. By having a set specification that developers can target and QA extensively, it ensures that games run smoothly and are optimized for the hardware. This means that gamers can expect a consistent experience across all games, without worrying about compatibility issues or system requirements.
While the Steam Deck is relatively low-powered compared to high-end gaming PCs, it demonstrates the benefits of having a stable and targetable specification. If a similar higher-powered PC were to be released with a stable and targetable specification, it could provide the same benefits to developers and gamers alike.
Another important consideration is that simply having a high-powered gaming PC does not necessarily guarantee a better experience. Developers often optimize their games for specific hardware configurations, so having the latest and greatest components doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best performance. In fact, you may experience issues with certain games if developers haven't specifically tested your configuration.
Moving away from Windows and towards gaming-specific Linux distributions like ValveOS could also provide benefits for gamers. Linux is known for its stability and security, and with Valve's support, it's becoming a more viable option for gaming. ValveOS is optimized for gaming and provides a streamlined experience that's similar to a console. By using Linux, gamers can also avoid some of the issues that come with Windows updates and driver compatibility.
In conclusion, the advantages of a gaming PC that is more like a console are clear. By having a stable specification, developers can target and optimize their games for a specific hardware configuration, leading to a more consistent experience for gamers. Moving towards gaming-specific Linux distributions like ValveOS can also provide benefits such as increased stability and security. While gaming PCs will always offer more customization and raw power than consoles, the Steam Deck has shown that there's a lot to be gained from simplifying the gaming PC experience.
@gpowerf Wholeheartedly agree. I find it hilarious how much better Dead Space runs on the deck, perfectly smooth. Meanwhile, on my "superior" desktop, it took 10min to load, then managed 5-15fps max. Clearly the popularity of the Deck did encourage targeted optimization.
At the same time, on the software side I can customize KDE so much more than WinMac without compromising that performance.
@hollerpots basically the advantages of consoles without being tied to a restrictive Sony, MS, or Nintendo ecosystem.
Wins all round :)
