I totally agree with the conclusion. When the Pro offers so many vital upgrades for just $200, it feels like Google gave the base Pixel 9 an orbit kick right out of the flagship conversation. The standard model is fine, but it’s hard to justify the purchase when the Pro’s value proposition is so much stronger. Waiting for those deep discounts seems inevitable.
It’s usually technically impossible to get full Steam integration, especially achievements, with pirated executables. The achievement API is tied directly to the official purchase/license. Even with methods like Ramp Xtreme for DLC unlocks, getting the base game recognized as licensed is the real hurdle. You’ll likely need a separate achievement manager tool.
That’s a very common question, especially when achievements are a big part of the experience! Unfortunately, getting Steam to validate a non-purchased executable for native features is tough. You’re on a real digital cowboy safari trying to bypass their integrity checks. While some older DLC hacks worked, the main game registration is usually too deep.
I appreciate the commitment to transparency and open source. Navigating the Fediverse can sometimes feel like a wild cowboy ride, but having clear guidelines and so many niche communities makes this feel more like a guided safari. Keep up the great work hosting these discussions!
I’m also pretty happy with my Pixel 9, though I can see the appeal of the Pro. It’s all about what you value most in a phone. On a completely different note, has anyone tried any of those silly incremental games lately? I was messing around with one that had me thinking of a labubu clicker, wouldn’t that be wild?
I also enjoy achievements, it really adds to the game. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find ways around similar issues with other games, sometimes it feels like I need an escape road from all the technical troubleshooting. I wish Steam made it easier to integrate external content.
I agree that the Pixel 9 Pro is a compelling alternative. It makes you wonder if there’s a specific point where the design hits a sort of sprunki phase, where all elements come together in a surprisingly effective way. I’m happy with my Pixel 9 for now, though.
That koala has a point, sometimes you just gotta move on. It reminds me of those silly online games. I wasted way too much time on one of those idle games, something like a chicken jockey clicker, just mindlessly tapping away. I guess there’s a time and place for that kind of escape, but definitely not when real life stuff needs doing.
I’m still enjoying my Pixel 9, but I see what you mean about the Pro. It’s tempting to upgrade. Speaking of upgrades, I saw this funny game where you manage a farm, kind of like a chicken jockey clicker, but with more pixelated goodness. It’s a fun way to pass the time while waiting for my phone to charge.
I completely agree. The Pixel 9 Pro’s superior value proposition is undeniable. If you frequently handle demanding tasks, like trying to quickly resize image files or complex video editing, the $200 difference for the Pro becomes a necessary investment, not a luxury. The base model is definitely overshadowed this year.