EmuDeck Machine - Update
Hi everyone!!
I've decided to step back a bit on the hardware project, I'm gonna start doing a small device of about 14cm x 14cm / 5.5" x 5.5" 100% oriented on emulation, not general gaming.
This should retail for less than $300 and it should be able to play up to WiiU with some light Switch games being playable too. It will use SteamOS ( bazzite ) so indie games will work just fine too.
Right now I'm looking for some help creating the 3D model of the case and looking for companies to make it.
When I have more details regarding costs I'll open a kickstarter campaign to try and get funding.
That's all for now, stay tuned!
Comments (32)
I agree with most everyone. The market for mini PCs with Ryzen U processors is flooded. However if you were able to get first party Nintendo Switch titles running at 100% speed, for just under 300 dollars, that would be a whole different story. Whatever you make it needs to be able to handle Switch emulation to stand out.
I feel like theres already enough NUC/Mini PCs in that price range that we can install bazzite onto already.
For that price range I think I'd rather have a Steam Deck. Something in the $150 or less range, with support for up to PS1 or PS2 (not sure what's possible for that price) would be more interesting. That said, good luck either way - can't wait to see what you come up with. :)
I would be very interested in this will there be a way to have it with hdmi output with usb c or nah?
regular hdmi
I think this would grab my interest more if it was a handheld device and it supported up to the Switch.
Just gotta voice my opinion here, but really not sure about moving into supporting another device and creating new hardware when theres already bugs and issues with all the versions of the software at the moment (this is still the best product out there for what I want though). I would really love to see a smoother experience on all currently supported platforms before seeing hardware that most people won't need considering this all started as software for a handheld. But either way if you do go into this good luck! Just dont wanna see the software support dwindling
The hardware thing is just a side project, a hobby to take my mind off things a bit. Those bugs you mention are hard on my sanity :)
From a marketing standpoint how are you considering competing against existing boutique brands like minisforum that make hardware in this price range? Is the only differentiator with emu machines that it will come preloaded with Linux and emudeck?
a SteamMachine-like comeback
I prefer a lighter version of a deck more because of commuting. Easier to put it in your pocket and use it as a phone. I still love my deck, but I only use it at home.
Why not make it a hair more powerful for a little more money. Get solid Switch support and light 360/PS3 emulation. I think in the game here, I think that would be the best bang for the buck if you can keep it in the $350-400 range...
also thinking about this... that could be maybe something in the 400 range yeah
I was chatting the other day with my gf that I wish steam would release a light version of steamdeck. This is amazing news, specially, about using Linux as the operating system and not android.
Steam did try a "Steam Box" for a while (this was years before the deck), and it didn't do well at all. It had some strange touch controllers (you might remember this). You could always find a SteamDeck used with a broken display and use that on a Dock to give the same experience just on a TV. A Deck with a broken display (maybe eBay or something) should be under $150-200... Based on the quoted specs here, a broken Deck would be more powerful....
I’m just curious as to why someone would buy this instead of paying just $50 more for a steam deck?
Not even, the 64gb referb deck is back for $279 and a dock is like $25....
Why exactly won't this be a handheld device and why is it stopping at WiiU rather than Switch? Also not gonna lie all this talk of dipping into hardware has me really concerned for the software front. Even if it's not your intention, I feel like this push towards hardware would NECESSARILY push the development of the software to the back which is what we're all supporting here.
I feel very similarly
This sounds kinda cool. While I don't do 3d modelling I do 3d printing and would be up to print enclosures for prototyping to help if you need.
If you were to target the price at $200… what’s the most juice you think you can get? I would also discourage Switch emulation… cause… you know… Ninjas 🥷
for $200 all I'll get is debt :D
This sounds really cool
I’m picturing an emu box with some streaming apps to replace a Roku
Will the whole device be 5.5 or just the screen?
it won't be a handheld
I‘m ALL IN, you got my money. 👍🏼
Good luck
Interesting
This is very risky business….
no pain no gain
This is exciting!!