According to Ars Technica reports that Valve is developing a portable PC like the Nintendo Switch and could launch it later this year if the world’s volatile semiconductor supply chain cooperates.
The report cites a new device called “Steampool” after it discovered a change in the Steam client’s code on Tuesday. Pavel Djundiuk, SteamDB’s operator, first noticed the change this morning, stating that it was linked to a prototype controller code called “Neptune”.
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Valve spokesman Doug reached out to Lombardy for comment. Given the secret history of the company and the nature of this rumor, a response is unlikely. Ars Technica said the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to Ars sources, “Steampal” – its last name has not been confirmed – is an all-in-one, Linux-based PC with touch screen and gamepad controls similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite. It has the ability to link to large monitors via a USB Type-C connection, but it is not known if there will be a separate dock such as a switch light and switch, says Ars Technica.
This update also added a "quick access menu" and a "power menu"
I have a feeling all these strings related to "Neptune": https://t.co/Ih0K2y4E5A
Is Valve making a handheld Steam console?
— Pavel Djundik (@thexpaw) May 25, 2021
Earlier this month in New Zealand, Valve founder Gabe Newell spoke to a high school audience and asked if Steam could port any game to a console or if it was still on a PC. A Reddit user posted Newell’s recorded answer in a post (but not reported by Ars at the time) since he was fired. “By the end of this year you’ll have a good idea and it’s not the answer you expected,” Newell said.
However, Valve has an unequal history when it comes to hardware projects and their commitment. Steam engines, for example, console-like gaming PC valves were introduced in 2015 and then quietly de-listed in 2018.
The steam engine’s attempt to console the steam experience seemed to be cannibalized by the capabilities of the cheapest steam link device, which allowed users to stream games from their gaming PCs to their TVs. But Valve also stopped making steam link hubs in 2018.
Valve also developed the $999 Valve Index virtual reality headset, launching it in the summer of 2019 and developing Half-Life: Alix for it, launching the game in March 2020. COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the wide availability and attachment of the device.
