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[Dacvak]

One of the biggest complaints I hear about modern handhelds is that they're not comfortable to use for long periods of time. While the Steam Deck and a few PC handhelds have decent ergonomics, nothing beats the feeling of a standard sized controller.

But I feel like Nvidia solved this a decade ago with the original Shield, which was basically a normal controller with a clamshell screen attached to it. And you know what? It was awesome. The form factor was admittedly more bulky than something like the Switch or Pimax Portal, but most handhelds being produced these days aren't exactly "pocketable" to begin with. The Nvidia Shield didn't even need a case, since the clamshell design protected its important bits. That thing felt RUGGED.

So why doesn't Ayaneo, GPD, Asus, Retroid, or (hell) even Valve use this unique but excellent form factor? It's got all of the benefits of a standard controller, and the clamshell design ensures that your screen is protected even without a case. Plus, there are fewer constraints for things like batteries and active cooling. It just seems like a no-brainer to me.

It's an underrated handheld form factor and I will defend it to the death.

 

[LakeOf9]

This shit was awesome. I never owned it but I played a friend's and I always wish I got one.

I assume the success of Switch is why this form factor died out, because every new handheld in the market tried to mimic Switch's general look rather than the look of an old niche obscure handheld that didn't do too well in the market

 

[Sleepwalker]

Because it looks like the thing my grandma used to store her pills in.

 

[ArtHands]

We got dualsense ducktaped to a screen

 

[Puscifer]

I feel like at this point if you want something like it there's plenty choice. It served it's purpose for better or worse.


I'd argue the steam deck is there for the people who *know* this is for them.

 

[nial]

Heh, I always loved that thing. But I'm probably also one of the few who like Project Q's goofy design, so...

 

[jshackles]

POWKIDDY X18S 5.5 Inch IPS Screen Black Version Android 11 L3+R3 Funct

X18s black version is optimized as follows:1、Added the pressing function of the joystick (L3+R3)2、The pressing feel of L1 R1 button is optimized.3、The feel of DPAD and function keys has also been optimized.4、The logo label of English powkiddy is cancelled, and the graphic logo label is...

powkiddy.com

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

Because it looks like the thing my grandma used to store her pills in.

 

[KXVXII9X]

I believe the Nintendo Switch was the successor to the Shield and I haven't really seen anything like it. I guess the Logitech G Cloud and the Razer Edge come close.

Things like the Steam Deck and Asus Rog Ally seem to be a "next gen" version of the NVidia Shield.

 

[LakeOf9]

I feel like at this point if you want something like it there's plenty choice. It served it's purpose for better or worse.


I'd argue the steam deck is there for the people who *know* this is for them.

I believe the Nintendo Switch was the successor to the Shield and I haven't really seen anything like it. I guess the Logitech G Cloud and the Razer Edge come close.

Things like the Steam Deck and Asus Rog Ally seem to be a "next gen" version of the NVidia Shield.

Guys OP is taking about the physical design

 

[joeygreco1985]

Man I loved my OG shield. Emulation beast back in 2014

 

[CamHostage]

Some cool shape could now be done with today's foldable screens.

I don't think we're going back to 5" screens though? It'd be nice, these 7 and bigger ones can really wrench your hands, but gamers measure by stats, and smaller isn't as sellable as bigger.

(BTW, I'm surprised that people lived the Shield ergonomics. I never owned one, kind of regret it, but I don't remember it feeling comfy in the demo models at stores. )

 

[Robb]

I don’t mind it but I can see why companies wouldn’t go for it. Looks cheap.

 

[smbu2000]

Don`t they have those similar game controllers that you just attach your phone to? Those seem similar to making your own "shield" using your smartphone as the system.

https://www.androidcentral.com/best-phone-mount-game-controllers

 

[Zheph]

was this real? design looks terrible but glad you enjoyed it

 

[Rentahamster]

Why isn't anyone Sidetalkin' anymore?