Basically outside of the steam deck all x86 devices are large and cost $1000. However, android gaming devices have a wide range of form factors (clamshell, dual screen, etc) ranging from $200-$800ish.
In my experience, support is nowhere near steam deck (maybe half, if that) and you aren’t going to be playing many 3D games, but it’s great for indie titles.
So if you’re looking for a smaller form factor to play indie games (including some older/lightweight 3D games) on the cheaper side, the android handhelds are an interesting option.
I agree this device may not be worth it, but as I said other arm devices with the same capability and different form factors cost anywhere from $200-800 and have their own pros and cons.
Okay, I should have said similar, but you seem to just not want to acknowledge that there is a space/demand for these kinds of products.
Show me a non arm $200 range product that can run games like mewgenics, deadcells, megabonk, etc. The closest I can think of is a Nintendo switch, but that has a more limited (and expensive) library and will start losing support as the more expensive switch 2 takes over.
Why would you use an ARM/Android device to emulate x86/>Linux instead of the opposite?
My responses were answering your initial question.
If you’re asking, why buy this specific $600 device, then I agree with you, it seems inferior to a steam deck by most metrics (compatability and performance being the biggest issues).
Basically outside of the steam deck all x86 devices are large and cost $1000. However, android gaming devices have a wide range of form factors (clamshell, dual screen, etc) ranging from $200-$800ish.
In my experience, support is nowhere near steam deck (maybe half, if that) and you aren’t going to be playing many 3D games, but it’s great for indie titles.
So if you’re looking for a smaller form factor to play indie games (including some older/lightweight 3D games) on the cheaper side, the android handhelds are an interesting option.
Then get a Steam Deck (when they’re back in stock). This thing is $600, which is more than a Steam Deck.
I agree this device may not be worth it, but as I said other arm devices with the same capability and different form factors cost anywhere from $200-800 and have their own pros and cons.
A $200 device does not have the same capabilities.
Okay, I should have said similar, but you seem to just not want to acknowledge that there is a space/demand for these kinds of products.
Show me a non arm $200 range product that can run games like mewgenics, deadcells, megabonk, etc. The closest I can think of is a Nintendo switch, but that has a more limited (and expensive) library and will start losing support as the more expensive switch 2 takes over.
I have no doubt that there’s demand for all kinds of stupid shit. The question is if it’s stupid, which this appears to be to me.
There aren’t any $200 x86 handheld devices that I’m aware of, but that’s not what we’re discussing. This is a $600 device.
Your initial question was:
My responses were answering your initial question.
If you’re asking, why buy this specific $600 device, then I agree with you, it seems inferior to a steam deck by most metrics (compatability and performance being the biggest issues).