Tag: Steam Deck

The RAM crisis also affects Valve and puts its Steam Deck at risk

The RAM shortage, known in the industry as RAMmageddon, is generating growing concerns in large tech companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Valve. This phenomenon is affecting these companies’ ability to meet their future plans and has led to significant adjustments in their product availability strategies. RAMmageddon altering plans Valve has been one of the most impacted companies, revising its shipping schedules and prices due to the lack of critical components. The company has informed its customers that the current restrictions have caused the 512 GB OLED model of the […]

The RAM shortage, known in the industry as RAMmageddon, is raising growing concerns among major tech companies like Sony, Nintendo, and Valve. This phenomenon is affecting these companies’ ability to meet their future plans and has led to significant adjustments in their product availability strategies.

RAMmageddon altering the plans

Valve has been one of the companies most affected, reviewing its shipping schedules and prices due to the lack of critical components. The company has informed its customers that current restrictions have caused the 512 GB OLED model of the Steam Deck console to be unavailable in Spain, forcing consumers to opt for the 1 TB model. This change arises in a context where prices and availability of RAM and storage are in constant fluctuation.

Despite the acute memory shortage in the United States, in other regions like the United Kingdom and Australia, the OLED models of the Steam Deck are still available for sale. This highlights the disparities in supply that the industry is facing, causing uncertainty among consumers and manufacturers. Valve has not specified when this situation will normalize, adding an additional layer of instability to the market landscape.

Valve’s recent statements highlight the critical situation at hand: The limited availability and rising prices of these critical components mean we need to review our exact shipping and pricing schedule, especially regarding the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame. With this evolving situation, the tech sector will need to adapt to an uncertain future marked by a shortage of RAM and other essential components.

A modder does what Rockstar doesn't want to do: make the original GTA playable

Independent developer LukeStorm has created a package called GTA Ready2Play, which allows players to enjoy the classic Grand Theft Auto from 1997 on PCs and Steam Decks without installation hassles. This project, which started as a digital preservation effort, has been enthusiastically received by the gaming community, generating a wave of positive feedback that has led to continuous improvements in the game. Compatible with modern systems, GTA Ready2Play includes the base game, all expansions, language options, support for widescreen displays, audio fixes, and a portable launcher designed to be intuitive

Independent developer LukeStorm has created a package called GTA Ready2Play, which allows players to enjoy the classic Grand Theft Auto from 1997 on PCs and Steam Decks without installation hassles. This project, which started as a digital preservation effort, has been enthusiastically received by the gaming community, generating a wave of positive feedback that has led to continuous improvements in the game.

Compatible with modern systems

GTA Ready2Play includes the base game, all expansions, language options, support for widescreen displays, audio fixes, and a portable launcher designed to be intuitive. “My goal was to provide a way to play GTA with the best possible compatibility and without the complications of a classic installation,” says LukeStorm. This approach has allowed many players, including those using Linux and Steam Deck, to enjoy the game smoothly.

One of the highlights of Ready2Play is its ability to preserve the essence of the original game while enhancing its compatibility with modern systems. Despite technical challenges, such as the lack of sound in the menu and the need for patches to handle DirectDraw, LukeStorm has continuously worked to address these issues, highlighting collaboration with other modders. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and updates have arisen from community suggestions,” he adds.

Ready to play, this package has exceeded the expectations of many, being favorably compared to official remasters and other unofficial projects. As we approach the highly anticipated release of GTA 6, fans will appreciate the opportunity to relive nostalgia with GTA Ready2Play. LukeStorm concludes that, although the project is considered complete, future updates will depend on the relevance of stability and new features.

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Hollow Knight will have an update so you can play it better than ever on Steam Deck and Switch 2

On February 5, Team Cherry released an update eagerly awaited by many, which introduces support for ultrawide screens in Hollow Knight, as well as fixing several bugs. This is the first patch for the game since 2022, and it arrives just before the ninth anniversary of its release, which is celebrated on February 24. The new functionality allows players to enjoy an enhanced visual experience, eliminating the annoying black bars that were common in widescreen setups. An update for handhelds and not-so-handhelds The update also optimizes gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck, where […]

On February 5, Team Cherry released an update eagerly awaited by many, which introduces support for ultrawide screens in Hollow Knight, as well as fixing several bugs. This is the first patch for the game since 2022, and it arrives just before the ninth anniversary of its release, which is celebrated on February 24. The new functionality allows players to enjoy an enhanced visual experience, eliminating the annoying black bars that were common in widescreen setups.

An update for laptops and not-so-portable ones

The update also optimizes gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck, where the popularity of Hollow Knight has seen a resurgence thanks to the imminent arrival of its highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong. Many players have decided to revisit the original title in preparation for this release, which has significantly increased interest in the game. The improvement in support for the Steam Deck is an attractive incentive, allowing more players to enjoy this masterpiece on a portable platform.

Before this update, players had to resort to mods available on Nexus to play with ultrawide support, which was not the ideal solution as it required manipulating the game. Additionally, the inclusion of the 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easier to play under optimal conditions for many, especially as more fans seek new ways to experience the title. Although ultrawide adjustments were first introduced in the beta branch in December, their official arrival complements the anticipation surrounding the announcement of the Sea of Sorrow expansion for Silksong.

The renewed interest in Hollow Knight highlights not only the quality of the original game but also the cultural impact it has had on the gaming community. Together with the offering of specialized newsletters in video games, technology, and cinema, players are more connected than ever with trends, analysis, and relevant content in the realm of digital entertainment.

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If you're missing a new Dark Souls, this one entrusts you with an important mission: to kill Merlin

The next video game The Bearer & The Last Flame, created by the studio Dark Reaper Studio, is a new Soulslike title that draws inspiration from the foundations of Demon’s Souls, promising a more linear and less exploratory approach. In the game, players will face the iconic villain Merlin and his acolytes, with a gameplay scheme that emphasizes direct combat rather than the open exploration characteristic of titles like Elden Ring. Merlin here wants to kill you Javi, the lead designer of Dark Ripper Studio, has commented that his goal has been to eliminate aspects that he was not convinced about from […]

The upcoming video game The Bearer & The Last Flame, created by the studio Dark Reaper Studio, is a new Soulslike title that draws inspiration from the foundations of Demon’s Souls, promising a more linear and less exploratory approach. In the game, players will face the iconic villain Merlin and his acolytes, with a gameplay scheme that emphasizes direct combat rather than the open exploration characteristic of titles like Elden Ring.

Merlin wants to kill you here

Javi, the lead designer of Dark Ripper Studio, has commented that his goal has been to eliminate aspects he was not convinced about from the original, creating a system where confrontations focus on parries and dodges. The game will not have difficulty levels; however, players should prepare to face demanding challenges, especially against the final bosses, who will mostly be wizards, turning magic into an enemy to defeat.

The narrative design of the game also reflects a clearer structure, influenced by The Lord of the Rings. Each level will be followed by a narrator who will explain what happened, enriching the narrative experience. Javi has assured that the game will eliminate common frustrations of the genre, such as long journeys to return to a boss, ensuring that the bonfires will be close to crucial confrontations.

With a pre-order campaign scheduled to start on February 2 and the game’s launch on March 6, The Bearer & The Last Flame promises to attract both Soulslike enthusiasts and those who feel disappointed by the recent direction of From Software titles. The game is expected to run smoothly on Steam Deck and perform at 60 fps on consoles and PC. With four years of work behind it, the gaming community eagerly awaits the chance to face Merlin in this new proposal for the genre.

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Valve wants the Steam Machine to be like a console, and for that, it is pushing for a highly requested accessibility measure by fans

Valve is working on the new Steam Machine, a device that promises to offer PC gamers a gaming experience similar to that of home consoles. From the very beginning, users will be able to turn on the machine, log into their Steam account, choose a game, and start playing without complications. To achieve this accessibility, Valve is modifying the conditions for a game to obtain the ‘Verified’ stamp, which has been a distinctive element of the Steam Deck. Verified easier than ever According to statements from Lawrence Yang, a designer at Valve, the upcoming Steam Machine […]

Valve is working on the new Steam Machine, a device that promises to offer PC gamers a gaming experience similar to that of home consoles. From the very beginning, users will be able to turn on the machine, log into their Steam account, choose a game, and start playing without complications. To achieve this accessibility, Valve is modifying the conditions for a game to obtain the ‘Verified’ stamp, which has been a distinctive element of the Steam Deck.

The easiest verification ever

According to statements from Lawrence Yang, designer at Valve, the next Steam Machine will have “fewer restrictions” for a title to receive verification. This is significant as the new system will have more power and will not be limited by the technical restrictions of portable devices. If a game is already ‘Verified’ on Steam Deck, it is very likely that it will also be on Steam Machine, which translates to greater clarity for consumers when making purchases.

Currently, more than 13,000 games are compatible with Steam Deck, and the Steam Machine catalog is expected to be even broader. This will allow players to enjoy a rich library without worrying about configuration issues or inconsistent performance, something that has historically been one of the frustrations of PC gaming.

In addition, Valve has paid special attention to hardware, introducing the Steam Controller Puck, a wireless receiver that also serves as a charging base for the remote control. This innovation aims to reduce interference and complications, allowing users to play “without touching anything,” thus reinforcing the idea of simple and accessible gaming.

While the price of the Steam Machine has not yet been revealed, it is speculated that it should be set below 500 euros, maintaining a competitive focus in the current market of consoles and gaming devices.

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Valve will stop producing one of its most popular models of Steam Deck

Valve has made a significant decision in the hardware sector by suspending the production of the most affordable model of the Steam Deck, which featured a 256 GB LCD screen. This action was taken quietly and is already reflected in the Steam store, where it has been indicated that the available units correspond to a final stock. Once they are sold out, this model will completely disappear from the company’s catalog. Only the version with the OLED screen will remain. Valve’s immediate focus is now on the new OLED version of the Steam […]

Valve has made a significant decision in the hardware realm by suspending the production of the most affordable model of the Steam Deck, which featured a 256 GB LCD screen. This action was taken quietly and is already reflected in the Steam store, where it has been indicated that the available units correspond to a final stock. Once they are sold out, this model will completely disappear from the company’s catalog.

There will only be the version with OLED screen

Valve’s immediate focus is now on the new OLED version of the Steam Deck, which is priced higher, starting at 569 euros for the 512 GB variant. This financial leap from the LCD model, which was offered at 419 euros, means that players looking for a more affordable option to enter Valve’s ecosystem will be immediately excluded.

Despite the price increase, the OLED model offers several notable improvements: a higher quality and larger screen, better connectivity, and a longer battery life. These improvements are especially relevant at a time when gaming hardware continues to face production challenges due to the semiconductor shortage.

However, many players hoped that Valve would consider more aggressive discounts to clear the remaining inventory of the LCD model, especially during the Steam Winter Sale, a period traditionally associated with deals on both games and hardware.

With the elimination of the LCD model, Valve seems to be planning its next significant move: the introduction of new Steam Machines, scheduled for 2026, as well as new models of Steam Deck in the future. However, a clear pricing strategy has not yet been defined, unlike the one used by Nintendo, leaving fans with questions about the future accessibility of Valve’s hardware.

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It is possible that you will be able to play computer games on your mobile in the future, and all thanks to Valve

Valve has taken a significant step by investing in emulation technology for Arm-based devices, a move that comes with the announcement of its first device using an Arm chip: the Steam Frame. This device will implement the FEX emulator, an open-source tool initially developed by Valve, which could facilitate the execution of PC games on mobile devices and tablets without the need for specific adaptations. Valve has been funding the technology The FEX project began under Valve’s guidance, which has been funding its development from the start, as confirmed by Pierre-Loup Griffais, engineer […]

Valve has taken a significant step by investing in emulation technology for Arm-based devices, a move that comes with the announcement of its first device using an Arm chip: the Steam Frame. This device will implement the FEX emulator, an open-source tool initially developed by Valve, which could facilitate the execution of PC games on mobile devices and tablets without the need for specific adaptations.

Valve has been funding technology

The FEX project began under the guidance of Valve, which has been funding its development from the start, as confirmed by Pierre-Loup Griffais, an engineer at Valve, in an interview with The Verge. Griffais emphasized that they started exploring the potential of Arm in 2016, acknowledging that it would require nearly a decade of work to create robust and reliable technology for developers. This approach has led Valve to seek alternatives that avoid the mistakes of the past, such as the limited game library that affected the original Steam Machines.

FEX is not only designed for internal use by Valve; it also aims to become an open resource that other developers can adapt for their needs. Ryan Houdek, a member of the FEX team, thanked Valve for the trust placed in him to lead this effort, emphasizing the desire to make the tool available for a wide range of applications.

Although Valve seems to be focusing on living room, portable, and desktop devices, it has left open the possibilities that its development in emulation could also impact the mobile realm. While it is still unclear whether the company has specific ambitions in this sector, the work they are doing could be a precursor to a future where playing Windows titles on mobile devices becomes an unprecedented reality.

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Guild Wars returns with a remaster of its three original campaigns at an unbeatable price

ArenaNet has surprised the MMORPG community with the announcement of Guild Wars Reforged, a remastering of the influential game released in 2005. This new title will be available on Steam starting December 3, at a price of 19.99 euros, and will include the three original campaigns: Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall. Players who already own the original game will be able to access the remaster for free, which is an incentive for veterans who want to relive the experience. One of the most beloved MMORPGs in history The goal of ArenaNet with Guild Wars Reforged is to modernize […]

ArenaNet has surprised the MMORPG community with the announcement of Guild Wars Reforged, a remastering of the influential game released in 2005. This new title will be available on Steam starting December 3rd, at a price of 19.99 euros, and will include the three original campaigns: Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall. Players who already own the original game will be able to access the remaster for free, which is an incentive for veterans looking to relive the experience.

One of the most beloved MMORPGs in history

ArenaNet’s goal with Guild Wars Reforged is to modernize gameplay and make it accessible to current players, especially those using hardware like the Steam Deck. The update includes significant improvements to the interface, such as larger text and full controller support, which will ease the adaptation to new gaming styles on portable consoles.

Visually, the remastering introduces advanced graphical effects, including bloom, ambient occlusion, and improvements in lighting and textures, optimized for modern GPUs. Additionally, a new quest tracking system has been implemented, designed to guide players through their adventures with ease. Enhanced audio is also promised to enrich immersion, a key aspect of the gaming experience.

ArenaNet has emphasized that these improvements will be accessible to all players, without the inclusion of exclusive content for the new edition. This aims to simplify purchasing options for new players and attract a new generation to a title that, since its launch, has left an indelible mark on the world of MMORPGs.

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Valve says that "for the moment" it is impossible to make a Steam Deck 2

Valve has confirmed that there is currently no suitable silicon to develop a next-generation Steam Deck, and this is not expected to change before 2027. The company continues to seek significantly higher performance without compromising battery life, which is complicated with the chips available on the market. The situation is partly the result of AMD’s conservative roadmap, the supplier of the Steam Deck’s APU, which does not offer substantial advancements in terms of hardware. We should not see a new Steam Deck until 2027 The next AMD APU, called […]

Valve has confirmed that there is currently no suitable silicon to develop a next-generation Steam Deck, and this is not expected to change before 2027.

The company continues to seek significantly higher performance without compromising battery life, which is challenging with the chips available on the market.

The situation is partly the result of AMD’s conservative roadmap, supplier of the APU for the Steam Deck, which does not offer substantial advancements in terms of hardware.

We shouldn’t see a new Steam Deck until 2027

The next AMD APU, named Medusa, is expected in 2027 and features notable improvements, including Zen 6 cores and RDNA 5 graphics. Despite its capabilities, it is still unclear whether this chip will meet the demands that Valve has for the next version of the device.

According to Pierre-Loup Griffais from Valve, the company will not settle for performance improvements of less than 20 or 30% while maintaining the same battery life.

In the current context, the Steam Deck remains a popular option in the portable gaming market, having more than met expectations since its launch. However, as technology advances, the need for a true successor becomes more urgent. Valve has indicated that it may explore the option of using Arm chips, such as those from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon line, but this would require long-term development, and there is still no solid foundation for this.

Therefore, it is estimated that the next Steam Deck will not arrive before 2027, which would mean that the original device would have been on the market for more than five years, aligning with the typical life cycles of consoles. Although the wait is considerable, many see this strategy as appropriate to maintain the platform’s relevance in a constantly changing technological environment.

Valve confirms the launch of Steam Machine, a new console-like computer for your living room

Valve has officially confirmed the launch of Steam Machine, its new console aimed at revolutionizing the world of video games. This device promises to provide users access to their entire Steam library from the comfort of the living room, making the gaming experience more accessible and powerful than ever. A machine with the specifications of a PS5 Equipped with an AMD Zen 4 CPU and an RDNA3 GPU, Steam Machine will offer significantly superior performance compared to the Steam Deck, with the ability to play in 4K at 60FPS. The machine will also feature 16 GB […]

Valve has officially confirmed the launch of Steam Machine, its new console that aims to revolutionize the world of video games. This device promises to provide users access to their entire Steam library from the comfort of the living room, making the gaming experience more accessible and powerful than ever.

A machine with the specifications of a PS5

Equipped with an AMD Zen 4 CPU and an RDNA3 GPU, the Steam Machine will offer significantly better performance than the Steam Deck, with the ability to play in 4K at 60FPS. The machine will also feature 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and storage options that include slots for high-speed microSD cards, all in a design that allows it to seamlessly integrate into any home environment.

The launch of Steam Machine is scheduled for early 2026, although Valve has not yet specified a specific day or published an official price. Interested users can add the product to their wishlist on Steam to receive notifications about its future availability.

One of the most notable features of Steam Machine is its compatibility with games verified for Steam Deck, which will ease the transition for many users. Additionally, this device will not be limited to the world of video games; it will also allow the installation of other operating systems and applications, functioning as a conventional PC.

This launch comes in a context where Valve continues to expand its product ecosystem, such as the Steam Controller and Steam Frame, which will allow streaming to other devices. The purchase of the Steam Machine will include an adapter for the Steam Controller, simplifying its use from the couch. With these innovations, Valve aims to maintain its position as a leader in the sector and provide players with a cohesive and seamless cross-platform experience.

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