That's not a high bar. Qualcomm is almost legendarily bad at producing software.
The problem is that the cheating is not something you can reasonably solve on the client-side. Games with aggressive ring 0 anticheat are routinely exploited anyway and even outside of that, advanced peripherals coupled with ML-powered cameras can give anyone access to aimbot, no DMA required.
Honestly same if for no other reason than having a machine in my livingroom that i can use to play minecraft/indie games with my wife.
Personally I was already in the market for getting a Linux gaming PC that wouldn't be very different from the GabeCube and when that was announced I decided I'll wait and get that next year, it's exactly what I'm looking for and now I don't have to fiddle with fitting parts together, which is the part I'm not interested in. I don't get the "under-powered" argument at all. I don't care about or want "4K60 gaming" and the enthusiast games that require better hardware than what Valve is going to ship don't interest me either. Most of the games I'm interested in I can already play with low settings on my laptop, but I want a desktop that's a bit more powerful and dedicated for games at a desk + works as an actual PC running PC software. The Steam Machine appeals to me exactly.
It's a shame the Steam Machine won't be available for christmas, it would've made for a killer gift for every cool youngsters, compared to a PS5 Pro or Hexbone sex, you can justify its price just by its library alone.
My XSX controller is yet to drift and I doubt that it'll ever drift given that they seem to have a very good record in that regard. What I'm more excited about when it comes to the Steam Controller is that it's more than just another Xbox controller. The Deck haptic touchpads and gyro makes me feel like I could use it do comfortably play shit like GTA, Saints Row and Cyberpunk with analog car steering and precise aim. Also BeamNG.drive where I can bind bazilion of it's inputs to the controller, something I can't do on the Xbox controller so a mouse and keyboard with mouse steering is the next best thing. Technically you could use the gyro to turn the controller into a Wiimote-esque steering wheel.
I was quite disappointed when I bought a 8bitdo ultimate controller. Yeah it's super convenient to turn on your gamepad and have it work instantly, but you couldn't even map keyboard buttons on their back triggers, alongside the unwanted chinkware that only works inside a Windows VM. I had to map one of the buttons to joystick click and then use another software for making different macros, compared to steam input who let's me put whatever I want.
They feel premium but from experience the quality is questionable. I bought 3 8bitdo controllers and two developed problems within a few months - one had an analog stick getting stuck and the other had one of the face button getting stuck and not registering inputs.
I'm curious who has actually had good experiences with any of their products. I've tried both the ultimate 2 and the pro 2 and in addition to feeling unbelievable flimsy and lightweight, the pro 2 was either designed for someone with absolutely bizarre hand proportions or my hands are the most handicapped hands around.
Their retro consoles accessories are pretty good, being able to use a DualShock 4 with your Super Nintendo can be super convenient to many. Their SN30 Pro is flimsy, yes, but it can fit in my bag without any issues. People expecting the Ultimate 2 to be the second coming of Christ will definitely be disappointed. As for their keyboards, mice and accessories, I don't see the point except of being a good goy.
Off-topic but we got a new contender (courtesy of @Techmoan).
If you don't mind wired I've been using this thing with my living room PC. Didn't get it too long ago so can't say it won't fall apart with time but so far so good. It has a good feel, the buttons are nice and it has hall effect sticks. Oh and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg like some of 8bitdo's products.
There's a very simple solution, one that has existed for decades and if Valve implements it, will solidify them as the best console option; private servers.
