Valve might be looking to create a whole ecosystem of hardware devices for Steam OS. After announcing the Steam Machines and Controller late last year, we are now getting a first look at the SteamBoy, a new handheld gaming console that will apparently run the majority of PC games on Steam.
The SteamBoy appeared on a YouTube video and now has a Website, showing off the handheld console capable of running Steam games. SteamBoy Machine will be the team developing the handheld device, Valve will partner with the group and offer help, but will not be a first party manufacturer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM63RuEhgHU
Details are still scarce on the SteamBoy, the name is an obvious take from Nintendo’s GameBoy and points to a handheld system. Sources have told The Escapist the SteamBoy will run a quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and a 5-inch 16:9 ratio touchscreen, not the best specs for PC games.
This is a low performance setup but enough to run the majority of the Steam library, according to sources familiar with Valve’s plans. The SteamBoy will use the same controller technology the Steam Controller uses, allowing the touch-pads to map the same controls original Steam games were built on.
Steam OS might also have a big part to do with the SteamBoy, allowing less system resources to be taken up by other Windows and Mac applications. This could potentially make games run faster with less power in the rig, allowing the SteamBoy to play most of the Steam library.
Handheld Consoles Running PC Games
Handheld consoles like the PS Vita have become more about their own lower resolution games for the systems, alongside the Nintendo 3DS that takes in more casual gams. The SteamBoy wants to change the idea of handheld gaming, offering more variation when it comes to games.
We are not sure how the SteamBoy will handle multiplayer and co-op, the Nintendo 3DS does offer some local co-op for games and the PS Vita has some co-op titles, but they haven’t tackled offering genuine multiplayer. Hopefully the SteamBoy will integrate some multiplayer games and have WiFi and LTE options available.
Steam OS, Building an Ecosystem
If Valve is looking to expand the form factors for Steam OS, in a few months we might see cheaper set-top box TV units like the Roku and Apple TV come running Steam OS. This will run by connecting to the user’s computer and stream games to the TV downstairs.
Steam HDTVs could be another venue for Valve to check out, especially if they plan on fleshing out the Steam OS ecosystem to include popular apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Spotify. If Valve wants to win the battle for the living room, perhaps opening up the platform to third parties on a software and hardware front would be the first step.