Hori's new 'Steam Controller' might be the first third party Steam hardware we've seen in years, but where are its trackpads, its adorable owl-like face? (Via: pcgamer.com)
Remember Steam Machines?
Blast from the Past
were these quirky little gaming PCs that Valve hyped up almost a decade ago. They were supposed to bridge the gap between console and PC gaming, promising the best of both worlds. Spoiler alert: they didn’t exactly take off like hotcakes. 🎮
Hori Steps Into the Ring
Now, fast forward to today,
is trying to resurrect that old vibe with their new Steam Controller. The crazy part? It’s the first third-party Steam hardware we've seen in ages. Almost makes you wanna dig up those old Steam Machines, right? 😜
No Trackpads, Seriously?
One major eyebrow-raiser: where are the trackpads, Hori? The original Steam Controller’s trackpads were like its secret weapon, making it feel super unique. Without them, this new controller kinda loses that special sauce. It’s still got that adorable owl-like face, though, so there’s that. 🦉
McScratchey's Thoughts
Steam Machines: A Blast from the Past
Remember Steam Machines? That ambitious project from Valve that aimed to revolutionize PC gaming? Let's take a stroll down memory lane and see where it all went.
Valiant Efforts and Big Dreams
Valve threw their hat in the ring with Steam Machines back in 2015. The idea was a simple yet bold one: bring the power of a gaming PC into the living room. It was the era when console wars were raging, and Valve wanted to carve out a niche.
The Hardware Gamble
The hardware side of Steam Machines was interesting. Different manufacturers made their own versions, leading to a diverse line-up. This was both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, it offered gamers a choice. However, it also created a fragmented market with varied performance and quality. Not every machine lived up to the hype 🥴.
SteamOS and Game Compatibility
SteamOS was another big part of the dream. It was a Linux-based operating system designed for gaming. While it showed promise, the library of games initially compatible with SteamOS was limited. This was a major stumbling block. Gamers wanted more choices and cross-platform compatibility, but many popular titles weren’t available.
Why Did Steam Machines Fail?
There are a few reasons why Steam Machines didn’t catch on. First, the price point was often comparable to high-end consoles but without offering the same level of seamless integration. Also, gamers who wanted the best possible performance still preferred custom-built PCs.
Another blow came from Valve’s own focus shift. They began pouring more resources into VR with the HTC Vive and software development, leaving Steam Machines to drift away into obscurity ⚓.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
Steam Machines might be a relic of gaming history now, but they did teach some valuable lessons. One big takeaway is the need for cohesive branding and user experience. Valve learned the importance of having a robust and enticing library of games for any new platform. Interestingly, concepts from Steam Machines can be seen today. Valve's Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device, builds upon some of these ideas but with a more refined approach. Learn more about it on Valve’s official
. Remembering Steam Machines is like thinking back to an old friend who had big dreams. They may not have conquered the world, but they certainly made a memorable impact on the gaming landscape. It shows that in the world of tech and gaming, even missteps can pave the way for future innovations.
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