Valve has announced a new line of devices and the one that caught the public's attention the most is the Steam Machine, a small gaming PC that can replace console gaming. Although some product details are still unclear, the company has provided full information to the media. Portal eurogamer.net speakWhat is known about the Steam Machine.
Steam Machine release date
At this time, Valve has not announced a release date for the Steam Machine, Steam Controller or Steam Frame. But since the first two products will also be sold as a set, they will likely go on sale on the same day.
At the same time, Valve has clarified that the products will be released in early 2026. That is, you can count on a period from January to March – or the first quarter. However, the date can change at any time, so all that remains is to keep an eye on Valve's official statements.
Regarding the distribution model, a representative of Valve's PR department commented that Steam Machine will be sold in a form similar to Steam Deck. In other words, all new items will be available to purchase directly from Steam and Komodo, depending on the region. Additionally, Valve said it is working to improve Steam distribution, with the hope that the launch of Steam Machines will be smoother than the release of Steam Decks.
Steam engine price
Up to now, Valve has not officially announced the price of Steam Machine, Steam Controller or Steam Frame.
The Steam Machine will likely have several pricing options, as Valve plans to sell the device in two variants – 512GB and 2TB storage. Additionally, the Steam Machine will be available for purchase separately or with the Steam Controller.
Valve explains that it is working on finalizing “the final details” on manufacturing, SKUs, and exact pricing. At the same time, Steam Machine designer Lawrence Young said on a podcast that the price of the device will be “comparable to prices in today's computer market.” According to Young, the Steam Machine will cost the same as a PC with similar power.
Design and features of Steam Engine
Steam Machine allows you to play PC games directly on your TV. Essentially, this is for people who don't want to invest in a gaming PC and aren't interested in a Steam Deck. Although the new product bears the same name as the original Steam Machine, launched nearly 10 years ago, this new platform is completely developed by Valve itself.
The Steam Machine is similar in size and shape to the GameCube, which will allow it to fit on any TV, unlike bulky consoles like the PlayStation 5. Additionally, according to Valve itself, the platform is designed around a fan that takes into account the laws of thermodynamics – for better cooling and style.
So the Steam Machine is a small black cube with an LED panel on the front; Each user will be able to customize it themselves. The backlight can show the game's loading status and serve as an indicator for other processes. The front panel is held on by magnets so it can also be removed and personalized. Valve plans to make the cover 3D printing files publicly available so anyone can print their own version.
Features of steam engine
Valve positions the Steam Machine's power on par with a low-end PC; The company hopes that the platform will be able to deliver a good gaming experience in 4K at 60 fps with the help of FSR upscaling technology. Although no one has conducted independent testing, Valve representatives say the Steam Machine is capable of running Cyberpunk 2077 at twice the fps of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Regarding the operating system, the Steam Machine will have Steam OS installed by default, just like the Steam Deck. But after unpacking the platform, no one prevents the user from installing any other axis. Valve will also let you install third-party apps and games on the Steam Deck, and the memory can be expanded using a microSD card – there's a special slot for them.
In terms of ports, the Steam Machine will offer a surprisingly wide range of connectivity options given its small size, especially when you compare the device to modern PCs and current consoles. Additionally, the integrated power supply eliminates the need for a third-party solution, making the Steam Machine an easy addition to your existing gaming setup.
