HiTechEdge

Tag: Switch

  • Valve Delays Steam Deck by Two Months

    Valve Delays Steam Deck by Two Months

    Valve has delayed the release of its much-anticipated Steam Deck by two months as a result of global supply chain issues.

    Steam Deck is Valve’s Nintendo Switch-like gaming console, powered by Linux. Early access reviews have praised the device’s design and performance. 

    Valve had initially targeted December as the release window, in time to benefit from the holiday shopping season. Issues with acquiring semiconductors and other components have torpedoed those plans, however, with the company now targeting February 2022.

    The company announced the delay in a statement:

    The launch of Steam Deck will be delayed by two months. We’re sorry about this—we did our best to work around the global supply chain issues, but due to material shortages, components aren’t reaching our manufacturing facilities in time for us to meet our initial launch dates.

    Based on our updated build estimates, Steam Deck will start shipping to customers February 2022. This will be the new start date of the reservation queue—all reservation holders keep their place in line but dates will shift back accordingly. Reservation date estimates will be updated shortly after this announcement.

  • Nintendo Unveils OLED Switch

    Nintendo Unveils OLED Switch

    Nintendo has unveiled its latest Switch, a major upgrade that boasts an OLED screen.

    The Switch is one of the world’s most popular consoles, and the star of Nintendo’s current product lineup. The console accounted for 87% of the Japanese console market in 2020, and sold more than all other consoles combined in the UK. One of the biggest elements contributing to its success is its form factor, allowing it to be used as a handheld device, or a traditional docked console.

    Nintendo has now announced the latest version, featuring a 7-inch OLED screen.

    The new system features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio.

    The new model has a MSRP of $349.99 and will be available October 8.

  • Valve Preparing Nintendo Switch-Like Gaming Device

    Valve Preparing Nintendo Switch-Like Gaming Device

    Valve, the maker of the popular Steam gaming platform, is reportedly looking to release its own Switch-style gaming device.

    Valve is a household name in gaming circles, thanks to its Steam platform. Steam is a popular cross-platform game distribution service that includes some of the most popular titles in existence.

    The company is looking to expand beyond game distribution, with a foray into hardware, according to Ars Technica. The new device is code-named “SteamPal,” and appears to have a touchscreen and feature a wider profile than the Nintendo Switch. It’s believed the extra width will be used for an array of gaming controls.

    There’s no concrete information on price, but Ars believes the device is built with Linux in mind. This will hopefully help keep the cost down, as Valve will be able to avoid the licensing fees associated with Windows.

    While nothing is certain, it’s believed the device may make its debut later this year, as long as the supply chain and current semiconductor shortage can support it.