The Return of Backyard Sports: A Nostalgic Comeback and Expanding Horizons for the Steam Deck
The gaming landscape is abuzz with exciting news for passionate players and nostalgic fans alike! As Playground Productions gears up to reignite the beloved Backyard Sports franchise, Valve is finally bringing the Steam Deck to Australia. Let’s dive into these thrilling developments that promise to bolster the handheld gaming experience.
Backyard Sports: A Nostalgic Fragrance
Earlier this year, Playground Productions set the stage for nostalgia with the remaster of Backyard Baseball ‘97, marking a significant revival of the fan-favorite series. This July, the game launched successfully on Steam, capturing the hearts of both old gamers and a new generation eager for wholesome sports entertainment. The excitement doesn’t stop here as Playground Productions revealed plans to remaster five additional titles from the Backyard Sports catalog: Backyard Soccer ‘98, Backyard Football ‘99, Backyard Basketball ‘01, Backyard Baseball ‘01, and Backyard Hockey ‘02. Each of these titles can now be found on Steam’s wishlist, though release dates are still under wraps.
“This quality seal certification by the platform is a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into bringing this highly popular title back to life for today’s generation of gamers,” stated Playground Productions regarding the remastering of Backyard Baseball ‘97.
A glimpse into the world of Backyard Sports
In addition to their remastering efforts, Playground Productions has teamed up with Mega Cat Studios and Crowd Control to host a charity stream featuring Backyard Baseball ‘97. Scheduled for Sunday, October 13 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET, this streaming event, hosted on the BackyardSportsCenter Twitch channel, aims to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The livestream will showcase various game developers, content creators, and special-guest professional athletes, promising an entertaining and meaningful event for a noble cause.
The Long-Awaited Steam Deck Arrival in Australia
In what has been a tumultuous wait for Australian gamers, Valve recently announced that the Steam Deck will officially become available in the country this November. Known for its powerful performance packed into a portable form factor, the Steam Deck helped usher in a new era of handheld PC gaming when it debuted in 2022.
Valve explained, “We’ve been working on bringing Steam Deck for Australia for a while. It took a bit more time than we expected, and we’re pleased that we can finally make this announcement.” The commitment signals a promising expansion for a device that was only accessible through grey import channels in the past.
Pricing and Model Variations
The Steam Deck is set to launch in three appealing models, catering to varying gaming needs and budgets:
- 256GB LCD: $649
- 512GB OLED: $899
- 1TB OLED: $1,049
Let’s break down the specifications:
| Model | Display | Battery | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 256GB LCD | 1280×800 LCD - 7” | 40Whr | 256GB | $649 |
| 512GB OLED | 1280×800 OLED - 7.4” | 50Whr | 512GB | $899 |
| 1TB OLED | 1280×800 OLED - 7.4” | 50Whr | 1TB | $1,049 |
The epitome of portable gaming power
This unveiling comes in a highly competitive landscape where products like ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are already vying for attention. Additionally, Nintendo’s anticipated successor to the Switch could further invigorate the handheld market. The entry of Valve’s Steam Deck at competitive pricing raises hope for positive outcomes for Aussie consumers.
Getting Ready for November
Although Valve hasn’t provided a specific release date yet, Steam Deck fans in Australia can wishlist the device, gearing up for what promises to be an exciting launch later this month. The device’s popularity is expected to soar, given the anticipation surrounding its arrival.
A Future to Look Forward To
The revival of Backyard Sports and the coming of the Steam Deck to Australia reflect a thrilling time in handheld gaming. From engaging sports titles that spark feelings of nostalgia to powerful devices that promise a rich gaming experience on-the-go, the landscape is changing.
As gamers, we should keep an eye on these developments, as they carry great potential to reshape our gaming experiences for years to come. Whether you’re dusting off your controllers for a dose of Backyard fun or preparing your wishlist for the Steam Deck, the future of portable play is rich with promise!
Related Articles
