EmuDeck is a script that simplifies the process of using a Steam Deck handheld gaming PC as an emulation machine. You can use it to install emulators, set up folders, optimize settings, and keep everything up to date.
Now EmuDeck founder Rodrigo Sedano wants to try his hand at hardware. He’s launched a crowdfunding campaign to build mini PCs called EmuDeck Machines.
These little computers have a Sega Dreamcast-inspires design that makes them look like classic game consoles, but under the hood they’re full-fledged modern computers that run all the software you need to emulate older game consoles.
Since EmuDeck’s software was originally designed for the Steam Deck, it’s not surprising to see that these computers will also ship with a Linux-based operating system made for gaming. In this case though, they’ll ship with Bazzite rather than SteamOS (because Valve hasn’t yet made the latest version of SteamOS available for third-party hardware).
The EmuDeck team hasn’t actually produced hardware yet – the EmuDeck Machines are in the concept phases, but development is expected to begin if and when the campaign hits it crowdfunding goal of nearly $70,000. And if that happens, the Sedano hopes to begin shipping computers to backers in December.
There are two models planned. An entry-level EM1 features an Intel N97 Alder Lake-N processor, Intel UHD graphics, and 8GB of RAM. It’s expected to be fast enough to handle Game Cube, Wii U, and PSOne and PS2 emulation but doesn’t really have the power to handle modern PC games.
For that, there’s the higher-priced EM2, which has an AMD Ryzen 5 8600G processor, an overclocked AMD Radeon 760M integrated GPU, 16GB of RAM, and support for more recent games including Hades, CyberPunk 2077 and GTA 5.
Both measure about 8.7″ x 8.7 x 2.6″.
| EM1 | EM2 | |
| Processor | Intel N97 | AMD Ryzen 8600G |
| Graphics | Intel UHD | AMD Radeon 760M (overclocked to 3.1 GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5-6000 |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe | 512GB NVMe |
| WiFi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A |
1 x USB Type-C 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet |
| User upgradeable | No | Yes |
| Price | $331 (Early Bird) $398 (Crowdfunding) |
$675 (No Controller) $697 (Early Bird) |
Unless otherwise specified, most models come with a Gamesir Nova Lite game controller, and with four front-facing USB ports, you should be able to plug in additional controllers.
There are also plans for an EM2 Docking Station that will add a Radeon 7600 desktop GPU with 8GB of video memory. But the dock won’t be available at launch and it’s unclear how much it will cost.
via Overkill.wtf, The Verge, and /r/EmuDeck
