We will have to wait and see. We have no idea what the OS will look like, if anyone is even going to buy the silly thing (Steam Link, anyone? anyone?) or if it will run Windows, etc. Once we know more, we will be able to tell you more but we will not speculate at this time based on information we do not have.
If we can and it makes sense, then we will. That's about the best answer I can give you. We are hopeful.
[Edited by PWizard, 3/1/2022 7:23:55 PM]
I've got mine pre-ordered just waiting for my email from Valve.
Steam Deck runs the Steam OS/Linux, Proton works with it allowing non-Linux games/apps to run and Valve is working to get everything on Steam to work with Proton. You can even install Windows on it if you prefer.
So my 5500 game Steam library just became portable on a handheld device, I can use the Steam workshop with it. People already have non-Steam games running on it (Blizzard launcher/library). Even at launch most supported titles are running with no issues.
It will only be a matter of time before every emulator will be running on it. Valve just gave us the ultimate handheld device.
I reserved mine in the first 30 minutes and I won't get mine till Q2 2022 so sales appear to be looking good and all the positive reviews are only going to help.
Silly?......not for a PC gamer. A Linux version of Aurora would probably be a smart business move considering the popularity of mobile gaming but even if you choose not to I don't see any reason why it won't work as is with Wine installed on the Steam Deck for those with a little bit of tech know how.
@Criel: The popularity on mobile gaming is only true for smartphone games, because everyone has a smartphone, it fits into everyone's pants pocket. But so much less people own a gaming handheld, for a good reason. When SteamOS came up everyone was excited and people said we should make Linux trainers. We did, they were only downloaded by 5 people or so. And SteamOS became dead very short after. Even VR is still a niche and see how much devices are out there.
So let's be careful about Steam Deck and wait until the first two pre order waves have shipped.
I think the Switch is proof there is still a market for a handheld console. The Steam Deck is the first one targeted at PC gamers, our only option prior to this was a heavy, hot gaming laptop for gaming on the go.
The Steam OS failed because they didn't give us a good enough reason to use it. It was being pushed with the Steam Box that probably only appealed to a small segment of gamers that wanted to switch to PC gaming but keep the simplicity of the console but along with that came all of the limitations of a console.
The Steam Deck has been built as a open platform and we are already seeing things being run on it outside of Steam. My hope is that Wine or Proton will be at a point where Aurora and the trainers will run without you guys needing to do anything or since the Steam Deck supports dual boot just use Win 10 when I want to cheat.
So the TLDR for the people wondering if they'll be able to cheat on their Steam Deck...Yes. If you have Steam Deck now the only option would be to dual boot or launch Windows from an SD card and use Aurora as normal. Hopefully there will be an easier option for the less tech inclined in the future.