Valve, the company behind Index, Steam, Half-Life, and many other gaming properties is reportedly working on a Switch-like PC device. The project is codenamed SteamPal which is designed to run many games via Linux and is supposed to be an all-in-one PC with a gamepad and a touchscreen. Just like Switch, it will also feature a USB Type-C port to connect with larger monitors however, there are no details about a SteamPal docking platform.
This report comes through Ars Technica, who also mentioned that the platform might be revealed by the end of the year as teased by Valve co-founder Gabe Newell during a panel in New Zealand. When asked about Valve’s plans for future console video games he replied “You will get a better idea of that by the end of this year… and it won’t be the answer you expect. You’ll say, ‘Ah-ha! Now I get what he was talking about.”
Valve is also quite well known for keeping its projects under wraps for years and unveiling the mystery only when the time is right. Keeping in with that tradition, it has been reported by multiple sources that Valve has been working on this platform for quite a while now and the project is still in its prototype phase.
Earlier this week, Steam Database operator Pavel Djundik also pointed out a new device named “SteamPal” in the store’s hardware related code. The codename is a secondary term for “Neptune” a previously datamined code term which was discovered back in September 2020, leaving data miners wondering what it was for a while.
Previously, Alienware too had revealed its Switch like gaming console back at CES 2020 but it is still a concept rather than a commercial product.
The price of the console might also be the most concerning detail as Valve not only has to compete with Nintendo’s Switch but also remain profitable or it will take on losses for every unit sold just like Microsoft’s Xbox. As the project is still in its prototype phase many details such as price, battery size, screen size, pixel resolution, memory, and storage capacity still remain obscure.
However, all of this should be taken with a grain of salt as Valve has a habit of delaying or cancelling their projects. Coupled with the fact that there is a worldwide semiconductor shortage going on, the future of this console is shrouded in mystery.
Are you excited for this new handheld gaming device by Valve? Do let us know in the comments below.
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