Valve, the company behind the popular Steam platform and the innovative Steam Deck handheld, quietly revealed three new Steam devices today.
The new Steam Machine is a powerful gaming computer with a six-core AMD processor and a custom graphics card. It can play games in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, especially when using AMD’s image upscaling technology. Think of it like a game console, but with access to the entire Steam library of PC games and running on the SteamOS operating system.
This new device builds on Valve’s previous effort from 2015, which didn’t quite catch on before being discontinued in 2018. Whether this second try will be more successful remains to be seen, but the popularity of the Steam Deck shows Valve is skilled at creating both hardware and a connected gaming experience.
Valve is expanding its Steam ecosystem with a new VR headset called Steam Frame, and a redesigned Steam Controller. Both are designed to work seamlessly with all of Valve’s latest hardware, as well as standard PCs.
Valve hasn’t revealed how much its new hardware will cost. While they’re aiming for a Spring 2026 release, potential issues like tariffs and supply chain problems could still affect things in the coming months.
Considering comparable devices and Valve’s history of offering competitive pricing, we can make a reasonable guess about how much the Steam Machine will cost when it’s released.
Valve didn’t reveal a price for the Steam Machine — Here’s what I think it will cost
Since Valve hasn’t announced the Steam Machine’s price yet, everything I’m about to say is just an educated guess.
When the Steam Deck first came out in 2022, Valve prioritized affordability and a user-friendly experience – with its own operating system and a huge library of games – over having the most powerful hardware.
From my analysis, the Steam Deck didn’t boast the absolute latest technology – its AMD chip wasn’t groundbreaking, and the screen was fairly standard. However, the initial $399 price point was incredibly attractive, and that’s what really drew a lot of gamers in. It was simply too good a deal to ignore.
The new Steam Machine will likely follow a similar pattern as the Steam Deck. It uses an AMD processor and graphics card that are one generation older than the newest versions, but Valve claims it will still be over six times more powerful than the Steam Deck.
Here’s a quick look at the raw specs of the Steam Machine.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Models | 512GB model and 2TB model. Can ship bundled with or without a Steam Controller. |
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4, 6C / 12T, up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP |
| GPU | Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3, 28 CUs; 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP; Supports 4K gaming @ 60 FPS with FSR; Ray tracing supported; Over 6x more powerful than Steam Deck. |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| Storage | 512GB & 2TB SSD models; microSD card slot for expanded storage / portable catalog. |
| Power | Internal PSU, AC 110–240V |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K @ 60Hz; HDR, FreeSync, daisy-chaining |
| HDMI 2.0 | Up to 4K @ 120Hz; HDR, FreeSync, CEC |
| Networking | Ethernet 1 Gbps; Wi-Fi 6E (2×2); dedicated BT antenna |
| USB | USB-C 10 Gbps (3.2 Gen 2); 4× USB-A ports (2× USB 3 front, 2× USB 2 rear) |
| Controller Radio | Integrated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio |
| Compatibility | Works with other controllers, accessories, and PC peripherals |
| Wake Function | Wake with Steam Controller |
| OS | SteamOS (like Steam Deck); Gaming-first UX; Fast suspend/resume; Steam Cloud saves + full Steam features. |
| LED Bar | Customizable colors & animation; Reflects system status (downloads, booting, updating) |
Aside from the option to include a large 2TB hard drive, the Steam Machine doesn’t seem to have any expensive components. It avoids costs by not needing licenses for technologies like Thunderbolt or USB4, doesn’t include the cost of Windows 11, a screen, a unique case, or built-in controllers, and uses standard performance parts.
Now that the Steam Deck with its OLED screen, four-core processor, capable graphics card, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage is available for $549, I expect the new Steam Machine will likely cost between $650 and $750.
Currently, the Xbox Series X Digital Edition is priced at $599.99 in the US, while the standard Xbox Series X with a disc drive costs $649.99. The PlayStation 5 Pro is quite expensive at $749.99, though the standard PS5 Slim with a disc drive is available for around $550.
The next generation of gaming consoles will likely cost more, as Microsoft tries to make them work more seamlessly with PCs, but that’s still some time in the future.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the new Steam Machine debut somewhere between $650 and $750.
As a fan, I’m really hoping Valve gets the Steam Machine’s price just right. If it’s too expensive, console gamers will probably just stick with Xbox, and honestly, PC gamers like me will likely just build our own machines or grab one of the increasingly awesome mini PCs that are out there. It’s a tough spot, but getting the price point right is key for them to succeed!
Steam is planning to sell the Steam Machine by itself or as a package deal with its new Steam Controller. Considering its features – like a long-lasting battery, magnetic thumbsticks, and dual touchpads – I estimate the Steam Controller will likely cost between $100 and $200. It’s still unclear if buying the bundle will offer any savings.
Valve’s secret weapons: free online play and affordable games
It’s easy to miss just how valuable Valve’s gaming system is. Devices like the Steam Deck and older Steam Machines use SteamOS, a simplified version of Linux designed for fast performance and a user-friendly experience.
Steam, the world’s biggest online store for PC games, is a major benefit for gamers. There are tons of games you can only get on PC that I wish my friends with consoles could play, and Steam’s frequent sales often make games incredibly affordable.
Steam isn’t just a game store; it also helps you connect with friends and play games together. Plus, unlike most consoles, you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription to play online.
Will tariffs, supply chains, and memory shortages drive up the Steam Machine’s price?
For months, the technology industry has faced challenges like tariffs, disrupted supply chains, and a lack of available parts, and things aren’t expected to improve soon. While it’s hard to say what will happen with international trade in the coming year, artificial intelligence could potentially create further difficulties.
A major concern for the Steam Machine’s planned 2026 release is the rising cost of memory and storage. A significant shortage of DRAM, driven by the rapid expansion of AI technology, is currently pushing prices up, and this isn’t likely to change soon. We’re now seeing a similar price increase for hard drives as well.
I don’t know the details of how Valve gets its parts, but it’s likely they’re facing the same supply chain problems that are causing the price of PC components, like RAM, to skyrocket – some RAM modules that used to cost around $100 are now selling for $500 or even more.
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2025-11-12 21:54