Comment by bitsoda | Hacker News Reader

Comment by bitsoda | Hacker News Reader

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Very nice guide. But I wouldn't build a Steam Box. There's something to be said about consoles and how they provide developers with one standardized specification that they can target over a span of 6+ years that enables them to optimize games so they run smoothly while squeezing out every last drop of power the console has to offer. Gaming PCs lack this standardization that consoles enjoy. Sure, there's infinite flexibility with what you're able to do with a PC -- such as using it as a HTPC -- but over time, a Steam Box built today won't be able to play the latest games that 2017 has to offer with any grace, while the PS3 will be running a title like "The Last of Us" nearly seven years after the console's introduction. Sure, you could always upgrade the graphics card, CPU, HD, and other components, but now you've already overpaid what you would have had you bought a PS4/Xbox 720.

Just something to keep in mind for anyone who decides to build a Steam Box in hopes that is can replace a console.

Yeah, but in 2017 your console games will completely suck versus what you will have your PC-Steam Box if you renew it every 2-3 years or so. And you will have access to literally thousands on games on it, while your PS4-Xbox720 will still be hard at work building such a library of titles. And online play is free on Steam (versus 50 dollars a year on Xbox), games are cheaper too and regularly on sale for a fraction of the original price - overall you are SAVING by playing on PC if you play many games. It only makes sense to own a console if you 1) want specific, exclusive titles 2) do not play many games at all (and then it becomes more economical than a PC).

That's why true hardcore gamers will remain on the PC no matter what consoles they bring on the market: best graphics, largest choice, and best use of your money is on PC.

It doesn't sound like you're the target market then. The Steam Box (at least in its current form) is targeted at PC gamers, who don't expect to have a single, static hardware platform that exists for a half-decade or more. This is more about taking what's great about PC gaming (the all-digital distribution system, customizability/flexibility of hardware, etc.) and bringing it to a living room, console-style gaming experience.

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