I feel like it would push devs to optimize for better performance on low-end hardware and to create graphics settings for that hardware like Cyberpunk 2077 did in patch 1.52.

While a majority of handheld gaming PCs do run Linux and that has led to some devs putting more thought into Linux compatibility I’d be wary of some new device coming into the spotlight and shifting the tide back towards Windows.

The uniformity and lifespan of traditional consoles also leads to some interesting modding communities, a lot of peripherals, and the extended availability of parts for repairs which is also nice to see. The Switch and Vita being examples of this to different degrees.

I know the Steam Deck is still one of the top handheld gaming PCs but I guess what I’d want to see is a lack of competition or revisions for a couple years so that it has a chance to saturate the market.

I feel like marginal improvements like you see in SBC gaming devices (shout out to !sbcgaming@lemmy.ml) such as the RG350 to RG351 lead to a lot of buyers remorse and e-waste.

  • Coreidan@lemmy.world
    3·
    9 months ago

    Without competition you won’t have advancements. If you want better products you need competition.

    • Corroded@leminal.spaceOP
      1·
      9 months ago

      Yeah I’ve heard that line. I also think innovation can come from working creatively within restrictions. It’s just a different kind of progress.

      I am not talking about an indefinite pause. Just a stall long enough for the Steam Deck to do what I mentioned above and so that there’s substantial improvements between models and revisions.

      • Coreidan@lemmy.world
        1·
        9 months ago

        It’s the same reason the Madden video game sucks. They have a monopoly on it. There is no one to challenge them or out do them. So the game sucks with zero incentive to make it better.

        It’s just how capitalism works. Without competition there is no reason to get better. If they are still making money then that’s all that matters.

        • Corroded@leminal.spaceOP
          1·
          9 months ago

          Yeah I feel like most people know the capitalism aspect of it. I am saying if you put the hardware aspect of it aside I feel like it could lead to some interesting stuff kind of like how we ended up with neat source ports and homebrew for the PS Vita.