Steam Deck vs Vectrex
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The Steam Deck and Vectrex are two vastly different gaming consoles from different eras. The Steam Deck is a modern handheld device that offers powerful hardware and access to a wide range of games, while the Vectrex is a vintage console known for its vector graphics and unique gaming experience.
General information
Steam Deck
Vectrex
Introduction :
The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, set to release in late 2021. It runs on a custom AMD APU and features a 7-inch touchscreen display. With the ability to play PC games on the go, the Steam Deck has generated a lot of excitement among gamers. It is expected to be a popular choice for those looking for a portable gaming experience with the power of a PC.
The Steam Deck is a highly anticipated handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, set to release in late 2021. It runs on a custom AMD APU and features a 7-inch touchscreen display. With the ability to play PC games on the go, the Steam Deck has generated a lot of excitement among gamers. It is expected to be a popular choice for those looking for a portable gaming experience with the power of a PC.
Introduction :
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
Advantages :
- Portable design allows for gaming on the go
- Powerful hardware for smooth gameplay performance
- Extensive library of games available on Steam platform
- Customizable controls for personalized gaming experience
- Ability to connect to external displays for larger gaming sessions
Advantages :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to established consoles.
- Potential hardware issues due to new technology.
- Higher price point compared to other handheld consoles.
- Limited availability and potential shipping delays.
- Uncertainty of long-term support and updates.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
Year launched : 2021
The Steam Deck was launched in 2021, offering a new and innovative handheld gaming experience for players looking to enjoy their favorite PC games on the go.
The Steam Deck was launched in 2021, offering a new and innovative handheld gaming experience for players looking to enjoy their favorite PC games on the go.
Year launched : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Manufacturer : Valve Corporation
Valve Corporation, known for the popular gaming platform Steam, is the manufacturer of the Steam Deck. This handheld gaming console combines the power of PC gaming with the portability of a handheld device.
Valve Corporation, known for the popular gaming platform Steam, is the manufacturer of the Steam Deck. This handheld gaming console combines the power of PC gaming with the portability of a handheld device.
Manufacturer : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Steam Deck has generated moderate interest among gamers and tech enthusiasts. While not as popular as mainstream consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, it has carved out a niche market due to its unique features and capabilities.
The Steam Deck has generated moderate interest among gamers and tech enthusiasts. While not as popular as mainstream consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, it has carved out a niche market due to its unique features and capabilities.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Steam Deck is designed as a portable console, allowing gamers to take their favorite games on the go with a handheld form factor for gaming on the move.
The Steam Deck is designed as a portable console, allowing gamers to take their favorite games on the go with a handheld form factor for gaming on the move.
Form factor : Home console.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/steamdeck
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
Steam Deck
Vectrex
Console markets :
The Steam Deck is available for purchase worldwide, with shipping options to most countries. However, availability may vary depending on demand and production capacity, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The Steam Deck is available for purchase worldwide, with shipping options to most countries. However, availability may vary depending on demand and production capacity, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Console markets :
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
⚪ Collectible : Unknown.
The Steam Deck is a new console, so its retro/collectible status is currently unknown. Depending on its popularity and longevity, it may become a sought-after item in the future.
The Steam Deck is a new console, so its retro/collectible status is currently unknown. Depending on its popularity and longevity, it may become a sought-after item in the future.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Steam Deck is relatively new, so availability may vary. While new units may be limited, secondhand market options could be more accessible. Keep an eye out for listings from reputable sellers.
The Steam Deck is relatively new, so availability may vary. While new units may be limited, secondhand market options could be more accessible. Keep an eye out for listings from reputable sellers.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
⚪ Console cost : Unknown.
The relative cost of the Steam Deck is currently unknown as it is a new release and availability may vary. It is recommended to compare prices with other gaming consoles for a better understanding.
The relative cost of the Steam Deck is currently unknown as it is a new release and availability may vary. It is recommended to compare prices with other gaming consoles for a better understanding.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Game availability : Good.
Steam Deck has a wide range of games available through the Steam platform, offering a diverse selection of popular and indie titles. Additionally, the console's compatibility with PC games enhances its game library.
Steam Deck has a wide range of games available through the Steam platform, offering a diverse selection of popular and indie titles. Additionally, the console's compatibility with PC games enhances its game library.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Steam Deck is average compared to other games consoles. While some games may be more expensive due to exclusivity, overall prices are reasonable.
The relative cost of games for the Steam Deck is average compared to other games consoles. While some games may be more expensive due to exclusivity, overall prices are reasonable.
🔴 Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
Steam Deck
Vectrex
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Steam Deck uses a 64-bit architecture, providing powerful performance for gaming and multitasking. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and efficient processing of graphics and data.
The Steam Deck uses a 64-bit architecture, providing powerful performance for gaming and multitasking. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and efficient processing of graphics and data.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
CPU : AMD Zen 2 architecture
The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU based on the Zen 2 architecture, offering powerful performance for gaming on the go. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it provides excellent processing power.
The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU based on the Zen 2 architecture, offering powerful performance for gaming on the go. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it provides excellent processing power.
CPU : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
Memory : 64 GB
The Steam Deck comes with 64 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing games, apps, and other content. This allows for a wide variety of games to be downloaded and played.
The Steam Deck comes with 64 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for storing games, apps, and other content. This allows for a wide variety of games to be downloaded and played.
Memory : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
Video output : HDMI
The Steam Deck is equipped with an HDMI output connection, allowing users to easily connect the console to modern TVs and monitors for an enhanced gaming experience.
The Steam Deck is equipped with an HDMI output connection, allowing users to easily connect the console to modern TVs and monitors for an enhanced gaming experience.
Video output : RF and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Steam Deck is equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for gaming. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality compared to integrated graphics solutions.
The Steam Deck is equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for gaming. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality compared to integrated graphics solutions.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
🟢 Internet connected : Yes.
The Steam Deck is internet connected through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, allowing for online gaming, downloading updates, and accessing the Steam store for new games and content.
The Steam Deck is internet connected through both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, allowing for online gaming, downloading updates, and accessing the Steam store for new games and content.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Download.
The primary game format for the Steam Deck is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Steam platform onto the device for convenient access to their gaming library.
The primary game format for the Steam Deck is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Steam platform onto the device for convenient access to their gaming library.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
Steam Deck
Vectrex
Controllers : Up to 4 controllers/players
The Steam Deck supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console simultaneously, allowing for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family.
The Steam Deck supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console simultaneously, allowing for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Steam Deck allows for multiplayer online gaming, providing a seamless experience for playing with friends or other gamers around the world. Enjoy competitive matches and cooperative gameplay on this portable console.
The Steam Deck allows for multiplayer online gaming, providing a seamless experience for playing with friends or other gamers around the world. Enjoy competitive matches and cooperative gameplay on this portable console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Steam Deck have been released consistently with a wide variety of options available. The console's popularity has also led to a strong secondhand market for games.
Game titles for the Steam Deck have been released consistently with a wide variety of options available. The console's popularity has also led to a strong secondhand market for games.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
⚪ Featured games : Unknown.
The Steam Deck does not have any exclusive games announced at this time. It is primarily designed to run PC games and offer a portable gaming experience.
The Steam Deck does not have any exclusive games announced at this time. It is primarily designed to run PC games and offer a portable gaming experience.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
Ultimately, the choice between the Steam Deck and Vectrex comes down to personal preference and gaming needs. If you’re looking for a portable, versatile gaming device with modern capabilities, the Steam Deck is the way to go. However, if you’re a retro gaming enthusiast who appreciates the nostalgia and charm of classic consoles, the Vectrex may be the perfect choice for you.