Latest Comments by _Mars
Beelink have open-sourced their Multi-Functional EX Docking Station for mini PCs
30 October 2024 at 12:04 pm UTC Likes: 2

An eGPU for a mini PC is probably a bit too niche for most users. But if you have something like that for a handheld PC...
Aside from that, it actually looks pretty good and it doesn't seem that expensive either. Builtin power supply is also pretty nice.

This is what I would love for the next Steam Deck. A dock with eGPU support, NVMe slot for a SSD and also provides enough power by itself? Sign me up!

Ubuntu Summit 2024 highlights - Linux gaming talks on UMU and Heroic Launcher
29 October 2024 at 1:53 pm UTC Likes: 1

Quoting: CorbenFirst time I hear of Maxima. Interesting!
Well, as interesting as getting EA games running on Linux can be. They are working hard on making them unavailable for us with their EA Anti Cheat solution. Currently I can still enjoy Star Wars: Squadrons and Titanfall (1+2 Servers for MP are working again) on Linux, even on Deck. I used to play the Plants vs Zombies games with my little one, no more since their Anti Cheat. I guess Valve is in talks with them already and I hope they can find a solution to make it available in general, like EAC and BattlEye and then the devs also cooperate to enable it, if not working ootb for Linux/Proton.

I'm cautiously optimistic on that front. Unless Valve specifically come up with a drastically different approach to anti-cheat on Linux, we will only have userspace solutions. While this will turn off developers of "highly competitive games", most EA games don't really apply to this label.
So, I'm somewhat hopeful that they might do this at some point if market share keeps rising. Fingers crossed.

AYANEO tease the AYANEO 3 as a 'revolution' and a 'completely new concept'
24 October 2024 at 10:49 am UTC

Bold claims. While the "revolution" part is probably gonna be debatable, it might still be interesting.
It makes it at least sound like there is slightly more than just the latest APU. But it could also be relatively boring like "the first handheld to support AutoSR" or something.

EA Anti-Cheat arrives for Battlefield 1 breaking it on Steam Deck / Linux
23 October 2024 at 3:02 pm UTC Likes: 8

Quoting: Grimy1540Damn. I bought this game a few months ago and had no idea they planned to bring the anti-cheat to this game. Didn't even get the chance to start it up, any chance Steam would refund something like this? I think their refund window is under a month, sadly.

You can make multiple refund attempts. The first one is usually done by a bot but later ones are done by support.
Mention the situation with anti-cheat and that you haven't played it yet (I imagine they can check the play time). You'll probably have a good chance for a refund.

EA Anti-Cheat arrives for Battlefield 1 breaking it on Steam Deck / Linux
23 October 2024 at 2:57 pm UTC Likes: 2

A shame, given that it's the only game I would really miss when I get rid of my Windows 10 installation after support runs out.

But honestly, I can't really blame them. After seeing the very pathetic state of Counter-Strike's attempt at an server "anti-cheat" from the biggest company pushing Linux gaming, it really doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Valve still waiting on a 'generational leap' for Steam Deck 2 - but it's coming
15 October 2024 at 5:33 pm UTC Likes: 2

The Switch 2 will steal any attention for a good while, anyway. Better to just wait for a better launch window.

I'm very curious what hardware they're gonna choose, though. Currently, AMD is the obvious choice but a lot could happen in 1-2 years.

Intel has impressive upscaling technology and Lunar Lake seems pretty great but drivers need to mature. GPU especially.

With enough investment they could also push for ARM. The pieces are there, they just need more work. But it could be doable until the Deck 2.
And with the Mediatek/Nvidia collab, there might be even a chance for an RTX handheld. Although, I'm unsure if Valve would give up control of the GPU drivers.

Really interesting time for speculation.

Gaming on Linux with Apple Silicon now becoming a very real thing
11 October 2024 at 10:04 am UTC

I don't follow the project too closely but it's always exciting to see just how much it improves in such a short time. Not to mention how this will contribute to general ARM (or even other architectures) improvements.

The ever increasing power requirements for modern GPUs (the GTX 1080 only needed 180 W) makes me more interested in the developments in integrated graphics and ARM improvements. I could see myself getting an used Mac Mini in a few years or we maybe finally get some good competition in that space.

Steam Deck officially comes to Australia in November
11 October 2024 at 9:09 am UTC Likes: 1

Given the Switch 2 being around the corner, I expect a Steam Deck 2 release at least a year after that. The release in Australia strengthens this suspicion, because announcing a new Steam Deck right after finally releasing the old one would not have the best reception.

But now that Valve expands delivery to a new country, it makes me wonder if they already made preparations to sell in other less mentioned areas or if they do it slowly one by one.

Proton Experimental fixes up issues for Final Fantasy XVI and multiple other games
8 October 2024 at 3:42 pm UTC Likes: 2

QuoteListed as now playable with this release:

  • Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

Pretty much have zero interest for this but it's always nice to have another anti-cheat supported on Linux.

QuoteFixed Unreal Engine Crash Report Client not launching properly.
Silly every time

Humble Choice for October is stacked full of good stuff
3 October 2024 at 4:05 pm UTC Likes: 1

Remnant 2 and Persona are definitely the main highlights of this but Jusant is also a really nice addition.

A relatively short and relaxing experience while also having some decently tricky climbing passages as well.