Alienware plans to release a series of Steam Machines whenever Steam OS and the Steam controller are finalized, but Dell's gaming PC sector isn't waiting around for the completion of Valve's living room platform and has released a console-like PC to help gamers enjoy the dream of the "big picture" now.
The built-to-order Alienware Alpha uses a customized version of Windows 8.1 to connect users to Steam's Big Picture mode, rather than using a beta version of the incoming SteamOS. Alienware has deactivated non-essential system processes in the Alpha's version of Windows 8.1, allowing users to boot into Big Picture mode and navigate their libraries using only the packaged Xbox 360 controller.
"The Alienware Alpha merges the open ecosystem and flexibility of PC gaming with the ease-of-use and intuitive interface of consoles," stated Alienware. "This enables gamers to choose what and how they want to play, whether it's a competitive online FPS with the bundled Microsoft Xbox 360 wireless controller for Windows, or having their friends bring their controllers of choice for a fragfest in the newest indie side scroller."
The base model of the Alpha, which has an MSRP of $549, was fitted with an Intel i3, 2GB of RAM, 500GB of hard drive space and a custom Nvidia graphics card. Much like the custom graphics processing units AMD derived from mobile GPUs to power new gen consoles, Alienware has partnered with Nvidia to release a custom graphics unit for the Alpha.
While the base model's specs may seem closer to an entry-level laptop than they are to system that's capable of running the latest games, Alienware said, thanks in part to the custom GPU, the Alpha will be able to run all currently released titles at the 1080p, 60 frames-per-second gold standard.
While streaming hasn't been mentioned in early reports about the Alpha, it's a Steam feature the users can rely on if the console/PC hybrid struggles to deliver smooth renditions of the most demanding PC games. The Alpha has a wireless AC card built into it and, just like Nvidia's Shield tablet, the gaming console has the hardware and software required to stream games from a workhorse PC into living rooms.
The Alienware Alpha has been slated for a holiday 2014 release, though the console can be preordered now.
"The Alienware Alpha is purpose-built for living room gaming, and represents a new direction for a truly open console platform," said Alienware General Manager Frank Azor. "With the Alpha, Alienware has made playing fun, new games with your friends in the living room not only simple, but affordable."
