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PayPalThe SMACH Z [Official Site] gaming handheld is still a thing apparently and they've now release the final specs along with a trailer and pre-orders start soon.
First up, here's their shiny trailer:
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There's still going to be two models, a standard and a "Pro" variant. Here's their final specs sheet:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen V1605B
- GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 2133MHz or 8GB DDR4 2133MHz (pro)
- 6" 1080p touchscreen
- 5MP Camera (pro only)
- 64GB SSD or 128GB SSD (pro)
- WiFi (b/g/n etc) and Bluetooth v2.1
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Micro USB, Display Port, SD card slot, Audio "minijack"
- SMACH OS Linux or Windows 10 Home
It's not going to be cheaper either, the standard model will set you back $699 and the pro model $899.
I'm happy they're still including the option to have Linux on it and it will be interesting to see how they've customized Linux for their needs, as a super nerd I'm quite interested.
I will still be surprised if this actually turns out to be 100% real and not completely awful. They say pre-orders will start on March 15th, although as usual I urge you to go for a "wait and see" approach.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Doc Angelo Mar 5, 2018
The Witcher 3 and Alien Isolation on a handheld for 900 bucks. This is ridiculous. Just as the logo and sound logo is.
Last edited by Doc Angelo on 5 March 2018 at 3:09 pm UTC
Last edited by Doc Angelo on 5 March 2018 at 3:09 pm UTC
0 Likes
Honestly, this would be much more appealing if it had cellular connectivity...
1 Likes, Who?
I don't really want one of these. But for some reason, I really want it to succeed. Hopefully the implementation will be good enough that it'll gain some traction. Then they can make a revised version for 66-75% of the price.
I'm not too sure about them making their own distro though. Steam OS is still the worst distro I've ever used and that was done by Valve ffs. Unless it turns out to just be debian with the necessary non-free software/proprietary drivers ready installed. But even if that's the case, I feel like not identifying the underlying distro throws some unnecessary ambiguity (and therefore doubt as to the quality of the implementation) in to the mix. :/
I'm not too sure about them making their own distro though. Steam OS is still the worst distro I've ever used and that was done by Valve ffs. Unless it turns out to just be debian with the necessary non-free software/proprietary drivers ready installed. But even if that's the case, I feel like not identifying the underlying distro throws some unnecessary ambiguity (and therefore doubt as to the quality of the implementation) in to the mix. :/
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If I got $1 for every time I see a new gaming handheld or any hardware "made" for running emulators on Kickstarter/Indiegogo, I would be able to buy 2 SMACH Zs...
4 Likes, Who?
slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
My opinion on this? If it had a dock like the Switch, I would buy this in a heartbeat. Even if it doesn't dock in the same way, if I can hook it up to a TV/monitor and play a game with a normal Steam Controller, then unplug it and play a game on the go, I'd get one.
That's really where the whole 'convergence' comes in handy, I think. Been thinking of getting a Switch or something because of that, but I'd MUCH rather get something where I can play Steam games! Plus this looks powerful enough to be able to hook a keyboard up to it and use it for other things.
That's really where the whole 'convergence' comes in handy, I think. Been thinking of getting a Switch or something because of that, but I'd MUCH rather get something where I can play Steam games! Plus this looks powerful enough to be able to hook a keyboard up to it and use it for other things.
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The Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.
Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
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slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
Hmm, can anyone think why they'd go for Bluetooth 2.1 instead of something made within the last decade?
1 Likes, Who?
Honestly, this would be much more appealing if it had cellular connectivity...Actually, there is.
there are 2 different version. the base one has got wifi only, while the more expensive version has 4g connectivity too.
...But it's pretty expensive. Probably is just a better idea to make a wifi hotspot using your mobile phone.
1 Likes, Who?
Of course it will be unplayable. It can barely run it on windows, and TW3 on Linux still has lot of problems even on high end PCs.The Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.
Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
The Witcher 3 and Alien Isolation on a handheld for 900 bucks. This is ridiculous. Just as the logo and sound logo is.Of course it runs at low-medium sopec and at pretty low resolution, but the screen is also pretty small, it should be still enjoyable.
Of course it will be unplayable. It can barely run it on windows, and TW3 on Linux still has lot of problems even on high end PCs.The Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.
Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
I'm not too sure about them making their own distro though. Steam OS is still the worst distro I've ever used and that was done by Valve ffs. Unless it turns out to just be debian with the necessary non-free software/proprietary drivers ready installed. But even if that's the case, I feel like not identifying the underlying distro throws some unnecessary ambiguity (and therefore doubt as to the quality of the implementation) in to the mix. :/Theit OS will most likely be just a modified Debian (or ubuntu, maybe), with steam and some drivers pre-installed.
Actually, SteamOS is just a modified Debian too.
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slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
Not sure why they wouldn't just throw SteamOS on it. If I recall the earlier articles said that would be the case (at least if you chose the Linux option).
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If this is real and not a scam it might be interesting but for that money you can almost buy a small 14 inch laptop that runs quite a few games decently.
The advantage it might have over a PSP for example might be it uses a standard OS (Win/Linux) so I guess no extra time to port stuff.
We shall wait and we shall see.
The advantage it might have over a PSP for example might be it uses a standard OS (Win/Linux) so I guess no extra time to port stuff.
We shall wait and we shall see.
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Not sure why they wouldn't just throw SteamOS on it. If I recall the earlier articles said that would be the case (at least if you chose the Linux option).
Vega is the reason. As of right now SteamOS ships with 4.14 still. Vega needs a newer kernel (4.15) and would benefit from a newer release of mesa than what SteamOS provides, at least currently.
2 Likes, Who?
Of course it will be unplayable. It can barely run it on windows, and TW3 on Linux still has lot of problems even on high end PCs.
Then I'm not sure why it was brought up.
Last edited by Shmerl on 5 March 2018 at 7:42 pm UTC
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Not sure why they wouldn't just throw SteamOS on it. If I recall the earlier articles said that would be the case (at least if you chose the Linux option).
That wouldn't be the best option, since UI is not FOSS. The system itself can be open.
Last edited by Shmerl on 5 March 2018 at 7:44 pm UTC
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I'm just imagining how much the weight with that size... And without physical keypad? And $900?
Nah.. not convincing at all.
Nah.. not convincing at all.
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Mountain Man Mar 5, 2018
looks like its a scam...This smells suspiciously like the infamous Phantom console.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d00I_3THLBQ
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_Entertainment
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I won't pre-order it, but if it turns out to be a decent handheld device where I could tinker on, I would be very interested in it!
Being able to play simple games (I don't _need_ AAA games, I often have much more fun with indie games, and I prefer to use my PS4 with 5.1 for AAA games anyway), and I'd like to know if it can run emulators decently.
Being able to play good 'ol SNES games on that could be very fun!
EDIT: Also, there is a display port, so maybe the possibility to plug it to the TV?
Last edited by Creak on 5 March 2018 at 8:56 pm UTC
Being able to play simple games (I don't _need_ AAA games, I often have much more fun with indie games, and I prefer to use my PS4 with 5.1 for AAA games anyway), and I'd like to know if it can run emulators decently.
Being able to play good 'ol SNES games on that could be very fun!
EDIT: Also, there is a display port, so maybe the possibility to plug it to the TV?
Last edited by Creak on 5 March 2018 at 8:56 pm UTC
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EDIT: Also, there is a display port, so maybe the possibility to plug it to the TV?
You can convert DP into anything, but not anything else into DP. So it would work.
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PublicNuisance Mar 5, 2018
I wouldn't touch it at that price. I would only be interested in the pro model and for that I could get me a Ryzen CPU, RAM and mobo for my desktop.
1 Likes, Who?
Kuduzkehpan Mar 6, 2018
This will fail twice price too high and League of legends, gta5 and many others only works under windows not linux.
Also there are much more better devices for mobile pc.
Also there are much more better devices for mobile pc.
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