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General discussion (archive)Steam Box Xi3 code name Piston entering the console wars.(41 posts)(41 posts)
(41 posts)
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This is my favourite topic
Posted January 11, 2013
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orcishgamer: I thought that's why they were putting so much focus on controller enabled games, a Steam client that doesn't need a keyboard, and that alternate method of key input from a controller.
I'd like also a gamepad with a trackball. It can't be that bad? Apple Pippin tried it already.
Posted January 11, 2013
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jamyskis: That's the thing - retail is cheaper in general pretty much everywhere except for the US. In fact, while the Steam prices generally do tend to drop below retail for a day or two during sales
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buktu: Hmm? Far Cry 3 for Xbox 360 - 2599 rubles (~$85). Far Cry 3 for PS3 - 2599 rubles (~$85). Far Cry 3 on Steam - 799 rubles (~$25). And it's not even on sale, on sale the difference will be even more ridiculous. Honestly I can't see how anybody in their right mind would buy a traditional console with their exorbitant prices and antiquated physical distribution model after Steambox release. Hardcore Xbox/PS fanboys, few people who care about exclusives, and that's basically it.
Yeah, Russian console retail releases are hilariously overpriced (at least +$20 to the normal price), like all fresh hardware, mp3 players, phones etc. Heck , a Wii seems to cost twice as much here as it does in the rest of the world.
Posted January 11, 2013
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timppu: I'd like also a gamepad with a trackball. It can't be that bad? Apple Pippin tried it already.
A trackball is the best non-moving pointing device so far, yet laptop makers (and every other device maker) seem hellbent on using those annoying touchpads (whenever they're not using touchscreens, which are even worse for precision). For gaming though? Joysticks/analogue sticks are likely better for the most part (not many games use a "pointer" similar to a desktop/window management system).
Posted January 11, 2013
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Miaghstir: A trackball is the best non-moving pointing device so far, yet laptop makers (and every other device maker) seem hellbent on using those annoying touchpads (whenever they're not using touchscreens, which are even worse for precision). For gaming though? Joysticks/analogue sticks are likely better for the most part (not many games use a "pointer" similar to a desktop/window management system).
I was specifically thinking of e.g. FPS games (and why not also strategy games), ie. games where I'd normally prefer a mouse over a an analog thumbstick. The gamepad could still have a thumbstick or two on top of the trackball.

I don't have experience using a thumb trackball for FPS games though, so I am only assuming it gives better precision etc. for aiming.
Post edited January 11, 2013 by timppu
Posted January 11, 2013
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Miaghstir: A trackball is the best non-moving pointing device so far, yet laptop makers (and every other device maker) seem hellbent on using those annoying touchpads (whenever they're not using touchscreens, which are even worse for precision). For gaming though? Joysticks/analogue sticks are likely better for the most part (not many games use a "pointer" similar to a desktop/window management system).
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timppu: I was specifically thinking of e.g. FPS games (and why not also strategy games), ie. games where I'd normally prefer a mouse over a an analog thumbstick. The gamepad could still have a thumbstick or two on top of the trackball.

I don't have experience using a thumb trackball for FPS games though, so I am only assuming it gives better precision etc. for aiming.
Strategy games, yes, a trackball would likely come to its right there, I'm not sure about FPSes though but they should probably work well there as well.

I can only speak from my own experience, but I much prefer finger trackballs (like the MS Trackball Explorer) though they don't really fit the bill for joypad placement.

Then again, everyone at work shies away from my computer in fear of the trackball I use (the above mentioned Trackball Explorer), so I wouldn't know how the general gaming populace would react at trackballs.
Post edited January 11, 2013 by Miaghstir
Posted January 11, 2013
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jamyskis: That's the thing - retail is cheaper in general pretty much everywhere except for the US. In fact, while the Steam prices generally do tend to drop below retail for a day or two during sales
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buktu: Hmm? Far Cry 3 for Xbox 360 - 2599 rubles (~$85). Far Cry 3 for PS3 - 2599 rubles (~$85). Far Cry 3 on Steam - 799 rubles (~$25). And it's not even on sale, on sale the difference will be even more ridiculous. Honestly I can't see how anybody in their right mind would buy a traditional console with their exorbitant prices and antiquated physical distribution model after Steambox release. Hardcore Xbox/PS fanboys, few people who care about exclusives, and that's basically it.
$25?!?!?!
Here's what us Aussies must deal with. So yeah, saying Steam doesn't have exorbitant prices is a flat-out lie, unless you're from Eastern Europe (lucky bastards)
http://imgur.com/64Vp2,CrIG1#0

http://imgur.com/64Vp2,CrIG1#1

http://imgur.com/viNm1,juBkl

http://imgur.com/viNm1,juBkl#1
Post edited January 11, 2013 by FantasyNightmare
Posted January 11, 2013
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Heretic777: I think Microsoft and Sony should be a little worried. Imagine buying this console for probably around $500 and having your entire Steam library ready to play on launch day (the ultimate backwards compatibility feature).
Given that it's using Linux you can forget being able to play your entire Steam library on launch day... unless of course your Steam library consist only of Indy and Valve games.
Posted January 11, 2013
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buktu:
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FantasyNightmare: $25?!?!?!
Here's what us Aussies must deal with. So yeah, saying Steam doesn't have exorbitant prices is a flat-out lie, unless you're from Eastern Europe (lucky bastards)
http://imgur.com/64Vp2,CrIG1#0
http://imgur.com/64Vp2,CrIG1#1
Ouch I see EB's price is still pretty high.
Posted January 11, 2013
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FantasyNightmare: $25?!?!?! Here's what us Aussies must deal with. snip
Wow, that sucks. However, Dishonored on Steam was on sale for several times for the half of the price (and generally there is a little reason to buy anything on Steam that is not on sale), so Steam is cheaper anyway. http://www.steamprices.com/au/app/205100/dishonored
Posted January 11, 2013
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FantasyNightmare: $25?!?!?! Here's what us Aussies must deal with. snip
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buktu: Wow, that sucks. However, Dishonored on Steam was on sale for several times for the half of the price (and generally there is a little reason to buy anything on Steam that is not on sale), so Steam is cheaper anyway. http://www.steamprices.com/au/app/205100/dishonored
I have totally bookmarked that site, thanks for it!
Posted January 11, 2013
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buktu:
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FantasyNightmare: I have totally bookmarked that site, thanks for it!
I see that Mightyape Australia have dishonored going for about $35 - $40
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This is my favourite topic
Community
General discussion (archive)Steam Box Xi3 code name Piston entering the console wars.(41 posts)(41 posts)
(41 posts)