Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Eighth Generation Frenzy

As PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ready for release this Holiday season, another PC styled console was recently revealed just weeks ago. Google has yet to reveal their android console.

I've read on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_game_consoles_(eighth_generation) that Valve Corporation's recently revealed Steam Machine wasn't listed as being a major console, which is shameful since the Steam Machine is even more powerful than Wii U, Ps4, and XOne. While the Steam Machine won't see release until next year, some of it's specs are higher than even that of the PlayStation 4.

Also, Nvidia Shield despite having the best performance and greatest potential is stuck being in the Other category of handheld consoles. I know Nvidia Shield is lacking in game selection compared to it's potential to stream PC games from Steam for example. Shield is the future of handheld gaming as it not only provides a valuable handheld gaming experience, but makes it feel like the quality of a home console. 3DS and Vita can't do what Shield can. Plus, Shield plays android games too.

Why should Steam Machine be listed as being a major console? First of all, take a look at the specs:
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-4770, i5-4570, and i3
  • Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan, GTX 780, GTX 760, and GTX 660
  • Graphics card RAM: 3 GB GDDR5
  • Main RAM: 16 GB DDR3-1600
  • Hard drive: 1 TB storage/8 GB SSD cache hybrid drive
  • Power: 450 W power supply
  • Measurement: 12" × 12.4" × 2.9" high (30.5 cm × 31.5 cm × 7.4 cm)

These specs look more advanced than PlayStation 4 by double. Steam Machine will also be able to play major games such as Assassins Creed IV and Watch Dogs for example via Steam. Steam Machine will integrate PC gaming with console gaming as PC gamers will no longer have to worry about PC performance when playing games. This will however be digital media only via Steam. 

The Steam Machine will even have it's own controller that has the accuracy and works like a mouse/keyboard with a touchscreen in the center. The Steam controller will replace the analog sticks with touchpad functionality to increase accuracy. Just slide your finger towards the desired direction. I do feel however that the Steam controller has an unusual button placement as the 4 buttons on other controllers are made to the right hand in the shape of a +. the steam controller has the buttons centered around the touchscreen. Well, at least it isn't centered around the analog stick styled pads. However, I feel the Steam controller is an awesome concept meant to change the dynamics of console controllers, already making Dualshock controllers obsolete. I'll be willing to give the unorthodox design a chance.

The Steam Machine however is at prototype stage and will not be out until next year. Steam Machine however will bring PC gaming to the living room and do as no other home console has ever done before. Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam Machine have their own advantages in which some will be better than others in some areas such as games and performance while for example the PlayStation 4 is predicted to exceed competition overall.

Why can't Steam Machine be considered a major home console? Conclusion on this here is the Steam Machine is within the area of 8th generation specs, doubling that of PS4 and Xbox One while being 8 times more than that of Wii U. Steam Machine doesn't belong under Other along with the micro consoles such as GameStick and Ouya. Stop being so unfair to PC gamers by listing Steam Machine as Other! Steam Machine will be just as competitive as PlayStation 4 due to it's high hardware specs and long selection of games via Steam. Another thing to mention is Steam Machine will eliminate the worries of PC handling of games as Steam Machine will be the same hardware compared to the varying of PC hardwares. Now, it will cost less to play PC games as you won't need to buy a high end gaming PC. Developers will find it easier to develop PC games now that there's a single hardware available working like a gaming PC.
  Nvidia Shield is the future of handheld and even home consoles as it has huge potential in ways Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita couldn't fathom. Shield has the ability of not only an android but also to stream PC games to it. Numerous smash hit PC games can be played on Shield such as Dishonored, Bioshock Infinite, Need For Speed Most Wanted, Saints Row 3 & 4, Call of Duty Black Ops II, and many others. You can play Nvidia Shield on your TV like a home console. Shield has much more potential than the 3DS and Vita have combined as Shield has more button controls, lighter weight, and slicker design. Shield is a merge of handheld and home consoles but should be considered handheld because it's design is more handheld than home console despite having PC potential.

 As for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, eBay is your best way to find ones still available for pre-ordering, even launch day editions can be found on eBay.

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