When the hybrid PC and handheld console, Steamboy, changed
its name to be Smach Zero in last June, we were also presented with further
details and information related to the hardware specifications. But there were
still questions about this device: When will the product be launched and how
much is it?
It turned out that the developer of Smach Zero also
participated in the Gamescom Cologne 2015. They opened a booth, published a
press release, and also showed a short video about the price and a number of
features. From this even we finally knew that the SteamBoy aka Smach Zero will
be launched in the fourth quarter of 2016. If you order it on pre-sale period,
you will get a special price of US $ 300. It means that the retail price will
be potentially offered at a higher price.
The developer team had also explained that the Steamboy
project was not done by Valve Corporation, and even didn't have any connection
with the Valve or Steam - besides the SteamOS platform that's brought - perhaps
this was the reason why the Steamboy changed its name.
Smach Zero promises compatibility to 1,000 more games on
Steam, easy customization to the control scheme, wireless connectivity, as well
as efficient processor to ensure that the battery will last long. Based on the
hardware list, Smach Zero is able to run Cities: Skylines, Tropico 5, Dota 2,
Civilization V, and also shooter games such as Half-Life 2 and BioShock:
Infinite.
As the main brain, the developer gives on-chip system of AMD
G-Series 'Steppe Eagle' based on Jaguar CPU and Radeon graphics chip with
Graphics Core Next technology. This device is also equipped with 4GB RAM, 32GB
internal memory, plus SD card slot and USB port. Smach Zero is presenting a
5-inch screen with a 720p HD resolution, plus HDMI output, Bluetooth
connectivity, Wi-Fi and 4G mobile network in the Pro variant. Smach Zero runs
on Linux-based SteamOS platform.
Pre-order is planned to be opened on November 10, 2015. For the
updates directly from the developer, you can register your email address at the
official website of Smach Zero.