this post was submitted on 09 Nov 2023
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Seriously, at that point why not just build a PC?
What they need to do is release a widely compatible official SteamOS, as they promised they would do. There's plenty of affordable hardware you could use for that purpose at that point.
The formfactor, You could dock it and have a full power system or use it on the go. For Valve it also reduces overall SKUs and the need to support a wider range of products/controllers. A eGPU enclosure wouldn't even need new product development. They could probably rebrand an existing unit. It would extend the life of the SD by making it's graphics card modular and upgradable at least in docked mode.
But yes they should release the OS and PCs are great to. I just think it would be a nice addition to the SD ecosystem.
Asus is trying to do something like that, including compatibility with the Ally, and I frankly don't think it's great.
Decent software and less flaky integration would make things better, but honestly I don't think the value proposition is there. Then again, I also don't understand people trying to use PC handhelds as desktop PCs, either, so what do I know.
I do see your point but my use case is that I like to play casually in bed, I like that I have the option to bring it on the go, and I like to sit down at my desk and game with the boys or play FPS. I mostly use it in docked mode these days because I've been really busy.
My buddies and I want to play the new Baldurs Gate soon. Which doesn't run too hot on the SteamDeck. Perhaps with an eGPU it could.
I have a gaming PC as well in another room. Which I stream to the SD sometimes. But it's honestly a bit of a chore compared to using the SD.
As a side note I find the SD software pretty decent. Not sure if that was directed to the Ally.
I meant specifically Asus' eGPU environment. It does require plugging it in, using a physical lock, then switching over, hoping it doesn't crash, maybe rebooting if it gets temperamental...
It's honestly far more of a hassle than just having two setups. I'm writing this after playing a bunch of Spider-Man on a handheld while lying in bed. I get the appeal, but at the end of the day desktop PCs are better at desktop PC things.
Yeah, fair enough, that eGPU solution doesn't seem very convenient