SteamPal is Most Likely a Switch-like Portable Console
It looks like Valve is indeed working on a portable console called SteamPal. Information has surfaced online about what the new device from Gabe Newell's company may be.
- According to an Ars Technica journalist, Valve is working on a portable console called SteamPal.
- It is supposed to be inspired by the Nintendo Switch;
- SteamPal would be based on Linux, an APU from AMD and have a "docking" option.
It was only yesterday that Pavel Djundik, the founder of SteamDB and Steam Status websites, discovered some interesting names in the code of the latest beta version of the Steam client. These included SteamPal, Neptune, SteamPal Games, and Callisto Developer Program. They were quickly taken as a hint that Valve is working on its own portable console. At the time, no one had any information that could confirm these claims.
But that was until now, as a journalist from Ars Technica claims to have reached reliable sources that have confirmed the earlier theories (there's still no official word from Valve, so the info should be treated with caution). According to his knowledge, Gabe Newell's company is indeed working on its own console, which is supposed to resemble the Nintendo Switch. In addition, he also shared other information about the mysterious device.
According to the article published by the website, SteamPal is actually more of a portable PC than a console. It will most likely be based on Linux, and will be enclosed in a form similar to the Nintendo Switch. However, the device from Valve is to be wider, making room for more buttons. In addition, it will have a touch screen and a small touchpad.
Like the console from Nintendo, SteamPal will offer users a "docking" option, so we can also play on TV. Unlike the Switch, however, its design will be compact. Controllers will not be detachable like Joy-Cons. Most likely, we will need separate pads to play on a larger screen. It is possible that they will be available in the set with the console. For now, however, there is no additional information on this functionality of SteamPal.
The author of the article also shared his knowledge about the interior of Valve's device. The console is supposed to use technology from AMD or Intel. However, no information was given about the battery, resolution, size or available memory. Some of them appeared on Reddit instead.
User amdbatman revealed that SteamPal is to use an energy-efficient APU codenamed Aerith (TDP at 9 watts). It is difficult to determine the credibility of such an informant, but his words were partially confirmed by another well-known leaker known as Kepler_L2. The user admitted that the codename Aerith belongs to AMD's Van Gogh APU. It is expected to include a quad-core Zen 2 processor with SMT support and a GPU based on RDNA 2 architecture with 8 CUs and 512 stream processors.
Amdbatman also reported that the console is expected to have a 7- or 8-inch display and will be priced at $399. SteamPal is expected to hit stores in the last quarter of 2021. This agrees with the information provided by Ars Technica. However, the website noted that this date depends on the availability of components needed for the production of the console. Its launch may therefore be delayed.
Unfortunately, no news was revealed about the official reveal date of SteamPal. Given the possible launch of the console at the end of the year, we should hear more about it soon. This is indicated by some of the statements of Gabe Newell. For now, we can only wait for further leaks or announcements from Valve.
