What To Know About Hybrid Consoles

Valve will soon unveil the World's first Hybrid console dubbed Steam Box powered like Linux. It's as functional as a PC but as convienent as a home console. That's the console PC gamers will be talking about should it be as practical as it should. No need to worry about installation codes & long waiting times when you can have a mouse, keyboard & gamepad for one system.

Swapping between mouse/keyboard & gamepads will be as easy as 1,2,3. This system will have the hardware & technology of Windows but will feel like you're playing Playstation 3/Xbox 360. That's what gamers need. A console that feels like a home console but functions like a PC. The feature of modding could be big considering that I have modded The Sims 2 for awesome third party downloadable content, stuff you can't do for traditional home consoles.

Modding will be as easy as on PC/Mac computers. I've seen DLC not found on Playstation Store & Xbox Marketplace where you can include a free roam mode in Mafia II. For the PC version, you can download a free roam mod which allows you to play as Vito Scaletta but have the pleasures of complete free roam like in Grand Theft Auto. However, there won't be much to do though but you can enjoy driving in 1940's & 50's environment/city & enjoy driving 1930's-50's cars.

Advanced hardware. PC & Mac computers have usually been ahead of their time for hardware in gaming than traditional home consoles. Depending on what computer you have, you can see the different between Windows & Xbox 360. Could Steam Box be the most advanced console? Or will Sony's Playstation 4 outmatch Valve's Steam Box?

Windows & Mac are not considered consoles so they do not fit into the same classifications in terms of generation of gaming & specific platform. For example, Bioshock Infinite is clearly identified as a PC, Xbox 360, & Playstation 3 game yet a specific type of Windows platform is not specifically stated so you'd have to figure that out for yourself by reading the Windows requirement/recommendation. Most PC games use XP or 7. With Steambox however, you can use Steam & play your games without the worry of how your PC will perform.

Hybrid consoles are going to be those of the future & just like the 5th generation saw the end of cartridge based consoles(Nintendo 64) the 8th or 9th or even 10th could see the last of traditional consoles in favor of steam & android based consoles.