Steam's Console-like Big Picture Mode Now Live

Skyrim Dragonborn details leaked!

Available now, Big Picture Mode allows players to access Steam via their television, supporting controllers in addition to keyboard and mouse controls.

[Jaymz]

Big picture is a fantastic idea. Being able to alternate between m+k and controller is great, if i want to put my feet up without the keyboard and mouse then i can just use big picture mode :) and im very impressed by Valve incorporating splitscreen into their PC games, this is definitely a step in the right direction for PC gaming, which will eliminate the need for consoles entirely in social gaming.

[Zar_]

agreed, everyone forgets that Valve basically started the online FPS with Counterstrike and Half Life connecting via LAN networks in the same room and look at what we have now for gaming. XBOX Live PS network and Steam. Without that we wouldn't see all the multiplayer shooter games we see now. Thank you Valve!

[darvender]

You have to think of it as more like a valve test bed. They have said in interviews that they made it just to see how people use it. It's not really that useful at the moment but with hints that valve is working on some hardware I can see why they would want to test things like this.

[taszx]

Big picture has been available for months, I checked it out a long time ago and no I haven't opted into steam betas at all. I have had the big picture button at the top right for months

[darvender]

I do sometimes if I'm playing a game that's good with a controller. It's actually a nice little addition that just gives people some extra choice on how they use the interface. I was testing the beta so I've used it a few times. Don't get me wrong it's niche for sure.

[MrOboehobo]

This is going to be amazing, because now any PC game on Steam can have splitscreen and controller support all the more available. Now aside from exclusives like Halo and Uncharted there is no reason for me to buy a new console. I can have a "from the couch" gaming session with my PC now. This is awesome!

[Zar_]

@tanner1ie fair points I won't disagree with you on them. However in regards to the whole thing like iTunes as u stated interrupting, u can easily use the msconfig on the computer to have it boot up with those applications not running. Plus another point to add, it's a lot more convenient to be able to fix the pc urself than that of s console where it can take weeks for the company to either fix or send a new one, just throwing it out there.

[ornsharkfin]

0:48 - THIS, is actually REALLY cool.

Why don't ALL consoles do this?!

[AlexanderZ]

The new interface works great with a keyboard and mouse and its looks really good on a TV!
Its build for the use on the TV not on a computer monitor!

[Zar_]

I'm actually a PC major, I've been working with this stuff quite literally since I was 10yrs old. I'm 24 now and if you knew enough about PCs you'd know that a good desktop PC out lives both consoles and even laptops for that matter, at least laptops that run windows not sure about Macs. Desktop PCs last on average about 6+ yrs, even a good laptop on average only lasts about half that. If you know what your doing when building a new PC then you shouldn't have any issues compared to new consoles.

[northyboy]

i think this console will be a pre big success considering its a console and with steams cheap game prices you'll save alot on buying a gaming pc

[vnhcoltridge]

Agreed. Also the Steam Big Picture is so nice and well designed :D

[jtbrig]

3 major consoles dose not make it a flooded console market. "Not counting handhelds and evens till not flooded"

[taszx]

only just recently rebuilt my PC and double checked that I was opted out of Steam Beta's to avoid instability issues on the new build lol

[tannerie]

That makes no sense, companies don't hate each other they just compete with each other.
As it is Valve aren't competing with Sony, they're selling games, not consoles.
Particularly if Valve did the former of the options, they'd just be like any other game publisher releasing multiplatform games.

[kleash]

I like my entire MMO and RTS genres. I like my emulators for wii and ps2. I like my PC exclusive games. I like to be able to customize my high graphics for PC and emulated games. I like my PC so much that my xbox is now in dust.

[bencheshire]

and its awesome. I been using a TV with my PC for ages and now i can finally see Steam! Windows should do this too.

[wakbijok]

We saw this coming, it's already in Steam for Linux before ported to Windows

[MeleeDatAzz]

exactly, the only difference is the typing flower thing

[tannerie]

How would it? - since Valve don't currently make hardware, they're basically just a games publisher - the former option would be no different to any publisher releasing a multiplatform game :) .