Translation: On March 20th, Playtron, founded by former Cyanogen founder and CEO Kirt McMaster, recently released a dedicated operating system for handheld consoles named PlaytronOS, built on Linux. By the end of this year, products pre-installed with the native PlaytronOS operating system from AYANEO will hit the market.
Playtron has secured an investment of $10 million and has approximately 18 employees. The company plans to challenge Microsoft, Valve, and Apple for the future market of 100 million “core casual” gamers.
Like SteamDeck, PlaytronOS is a Linux-based operating system that supports playing Windows games. However, it is not tied to the Steam platform, and games purchased from the Epic Games Store will not be treated differently.
Currently, the alpha version of the system supports games like “Death Stranding,” “Diver Dave,” and “Joker Card,” but its compatibility still falls short compared to SteamOS.
Playtron believes that within the next year, they will compete with Windows. Founder Kirt McMaster stated:
“We are in talks with several OEM manufacturers and mobile operators to deploy Playtron devices globally by 2025.”
Playtron also revealed that AYANEO will launch native Playtron handheld devices by the end of this year.
PlaytronOS will support both X86 and ARM platforms, and the company will release operating systems for devices like SteamDeck, ROG handhelds, and Savior handhelds later this year. Regarding the upcoming Snapdragon XElite platform, McMaster believes it will take a few more years for the ARM platform to catch up with X86 in gaming performance, but he is optimistic about the prospects.
However, Playtron has not yet determined the degree of its open-source availability or to what extent it will cater to Linux enthusiasts. McMaster indicated that Playtron would definitely lean more towards the ease of use of the Nintendo Switch, without a Linux desktop mode. In collaboration with Perplexity, they have developed an AI artificial intelligence agent that prevents “core casual” gamers from giving up on games too early due to challenging levels.
Playtron’s ambitious vision extends beyond mere hardware. The company’s commitment to creating a seamless gaming experience is evident in their strategic partnerships and innovative software developments. With a focus on accessibility and user-friendliness, PlaytronOS is poised to revolutionize the way we think about gaming on the go.
The operating system’s compatibility with a wide range of platforms signifies a new era of cross-platform gaming, where the barriers between different gaming communities are dismantled, fostering a more unified gaming ecosystem. This inclusivity is not just limited to the hardware but also extends to the gaming titles available, ensuring that there is something for every type of gamer.
As Playtron continues to navigate the competitive waters of the gaming industry, their approach of prioritizing the gamer’s experience could very well set a new standard for others to follow. With the promise of a global presence and a dedication to innovation, Playtron is not just playing the game; they’re changing it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.