Remember the SteamBoy project? The idea was to create a portable console based on the Steam Machine concept, using SteamOS and giving you access to almost your entire Steam game catalog. Well, the team behind that project has decided to do a reboot, and now we're talking about the Smach Zero — only this time with clearer technical specifications, an official price, and a launch date.
Those who want an official Steam Machine will have to wait until November 10. Otherwise, the alternative remains as simple and effective as ever: build a PC and load Steam onto it. From a certain point of view, the systems that currently access the distribution service are actually glorified Steam Machines, with the small difference that most don't use SteamOS as their operating system. Despite all the media coverage and resources invested, we still aren't entirely sure about Valve's long-term plan for these systems. Many doubts will be resolved in November, but this apparent uncertainty doesn't stop some manufacturers from exploring slightly less orthodox designs.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/4TOUc-MCMUEA little over a year ago, the SteamBoy project appeared on the web, basically wanting to turn a Steam Machine into a portable console. The promises of a launch this year came to nothing, and for a moment it was believed that SteamBoy was history. However, its creators made an appearance at the latest Gamescom, where they shared the evolution of SteamBoy: Smach Zero. Unlike SteamBoy, Smach Zero offers slightly more solid details when it comes to hardware.
Hardware Specifications
- AMD SoC with Jaguar cores and Graphics Core Next video
- 4 GB of RAM
- 32 GB of internal storage
- 5-inch 720p screen
- HDMI output
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- SD card slot
- Touch controls similar to those seen on the original Steam Controller
The only detail left in the dark, and probably the most relevant, is the battery. Depending on configuration, an AMD SoC with these characteristics can devour up to 25W, a value that might require a huge pack inside the console.
Price and Availability
The pre-sale of the Smach Zero will begin on November 10, coinciding with the debut of Steam Machines, and its price will be 299 euros. As for the first deliveries? Last quarter of 2016, if we're lucky.
