Mobile gaming options - Switch OLED, Steam Deck, retro?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking into maybe getting a handheld console that I can use on flights, on the train and whilst on the sofa in the evening.
Right now I'm not entirely sure what to do. I've been looking at the Steam Deck but I've heard mixed things. A Switch OLED is tempting, but not sure if it's got the catalogue of games that I'd really want (GTA V on it would be awesome!).
An outside option is one of the retro handhelds and just emulate stuff. Open to the idea of this and happy to set up either Android or Linux on it.
Other option is I say screw it and just buy a new iPad...
What would people recommend? Max budget is probably £500 for this which rules out some of the pricier PC handhelds (unless they're awesome).
Cheers!
I'm looking into maybe getting a handheld console that I can use on flights, on the train and whilst on the sofa in the evening.
Right now I'm not entirely sure what to do. I've been looking at the Steam Deck but I've heard mixed things. A Switch OLED is tempting, but not sure if it's got the catalogue of games that I'd really want (GTA V on it would be awesome!).
An outside option is one of the retro handhelds and just emulate stuff. Open to the idea of this and happy to set up either Android or Linux on it.
Other option is I say screw it and just buy a new iPad...
What would people recommend? Max budget is probably £500 for this which rules out some of the pricier PC handhelds (unless they're awesome).
Cheers!
https://www.pcgamer.com/best-handheld-gaming-pc/
Been eyeing up a steam deck for on the long distance train commutes.
Been eyeing up a steam deck for on the long distance train commutes.
Had a Steam deck for over a year now, really cool bit of tech and I've a dual boot into windows too when I need to do work stuff that doesn't play nice with Steam OS.
For gaming Steam OS is fantastic. Most played on mine are Elite Dangerous, Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley and Breath of the Wild.
Battery life is the only shortcoming as far as I'm concerned and that's very sensitive to the games you choose to play and the graphics settings. AAA with the shiney on and it will chew through the battery in less than 2 hours.
The absolute curb stomp win of the SD over anything else for me is controller flexibility; dual sticks, dual trackpads, gyro, front abxy and arrow buttons, four back paddles and touchscreen mean you really can play anything in any way you want. Shooter, strategy, adventure, racing, platformer.
For gaming Steam OS is fantastic. Most played on mine are Elite Dangerous, Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley and Breath of the Wild.
Battery life is the only shortcoming as far as I'm concerned and that's very sensitive to the games you choose to play and the graphics settings. AAA with the shiney on and it will chew through the battery in less than 2 hours.
The absolute curb stomp win of the SD over anything else for me is controller flexibility; dual sticks, dual trackpads, gyro, front abxy and arrow buttons, four back paddles and touchscreen mean you really can play anything in any way you want. Shooter, strategy, adventure, racing, platformer.
I feel the switch oled is a great piece of kit and is relatively easier on the budget (comparing my oled to the top of the range steam deck I bought). I'd be happy with either system but I wouldn't feel the need to stretch to a steamdeck if I was trying to watch my pennies.
I bought an unused, brand new in box Switch Oled for £220 from gumtree. That is a lot of system for the price. In my eyes.
I bought an unused, brand new in box Switch Oled for £220 from gumtree. That is a lot of system for the price. In my eyes.
Narcisus said:
Switch is great if you like Nintendo games I’ve never really gelled with them I have tried !
I know you can get other stuff as well … I suppose it also depends on your Steam library I have loads of older games that run very well.
I completed Dark Souls again the other day but this time on the switch. Was very good to be able to just pick it up and keep playing instantly. I then played Dark Souls 3 through on Steam Deck. Again a really positive gaming experience. I know you can get other stuff as well … I suppose it also depends on your Steam library I have loads of older games that run very well.
Mostly I just fire up the steam deck once my Vampire Survivor itch returns and burn through a few rounds then put away for a few months/weeks.
I have a switch and a ROG Ally, I guess it depends the games you want to play.
The All combined with a pair or Nreal airs is a pretty great experience, I tend to play on that my PC and Xbox just depending on where I am fancy being.
Looks like the new lenovo legion might be trying to be the best of both worlds.
Davie
The All combined with a pair or Nreal airs is a pretty great experience, I tend to play on that my PC and Xbox just depending on where I am fancy being.
Looks like the new lenovo legion might be trying to be the best of both worlds.
Davie
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