Last year, Valve revealed that Steam OS had collaborated with a number of manufacturers to develop console-inspired gaming devices that were easy to operate and featured a standardised control scheme.
These initial plans have encountered significant delays, however, to the point where other interested partners have decided to make their own individual move into the market. More specifically, Alienware has released its own Windows-based OS that essentially created a console-sized gaming PC with a single, responsive joypad.
Hardware and Software with the Alienware Alpha PC
In terms of hardware, the device is oblong in its shape and boasts a smooth, shiny exterior. It is marginally bigger than a Wii U and approximately half the size of a PlayStation 4, meaning that it offers a convenient and portable console solution for the modern age. It also has the unique distinction of being almost entirely silent in operation, which is an impressive specification claim that is far removed from its competitors.
In terms of the supporting software, the Alienware Alpha PC is supplied with an upgraded Windows 8.1 version which has been customised to suit the device. These modifications include a simple set of menus that can be easily controlled from the responsive Xbox 360 joypad, which is suitable for all types of gaming experiences. So whether you wish to enjoy classic PC games or jump into the real-time gambling world with Kerching casino, the Alpha PC will adapt to optimise the overall playing experience.
The Ultimate in Contemporary Gaming
By building on existing technology and striving to make PC gaming simple and accessible, Alpha has made a giant step towards embellishing the burgeoning market for dedicated gaming devices. Sitting alongside the Nvidia Shield Tablet, it will stream more than 600 Steam-controller supported games directly to your living room.
This also taps into the trend for cross-platform gaming, as players can now access their favourite titles simultaneously across PC’s, laptops and mobiles. They can also be shared in real-time with a big screen, bringing gaming into the 21st century and creating a genuinely satisfying experience. It will be interesting to see how the landscape changes when the official Steam gaming machines are released onto the market, although by then there is a strong possibility that the Alienware’s Alpha PC will have already begun to dominate the market and forge a strong consumer base.