In 2025, Valve introduced its new hardware, a device that many classified as the PC gaming console. Everything indicated that it would arrive at the beginning of 2026, but the increase in the price of RAM forced the company to delay its plans.
Now, surprisingly, Valve released all the details of the Steam Machine. The big news is not only that its launch is very close, but also its prices.
The Steam Machine will arrive in four presentations:
- 512GB Steam Machine for $1,049.
- 512GB Steam Machine with Steam Controller for $1,128.
- 2TB Steam Machine for $1,349.
- 2TB Steam Machine with Steam Controller for $1,428.
Steam Machine, technical specifications
|
CPU |
Semi-custom AMD with 6-core, 12-thread Zen 4 architecture Up to 4.8 GHz and 30 W TDP |
|---|---|
|
GPU |
AMD RDNA3 semi-custom architecture with 28 CUs Sustained frequency up to 2.45 GHz and TDP of 110 W |
|
RAM |
16GB DDR5 RAM + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
|
Feeding |
Internal power supply, AC 110–240 V |
|
Storage |
Two models of Steam Machine 512GB NVMe SSD 2TB NVMe SSD Both models include a high-speed microSD card slot |
|
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6E 2×2 |
|
Bluetooth |
Dedicated Bluetooth 5.3 antenna |
|
Steam Controller |
Integrated 2.4 GHz wireless adapter for Steam Controller |
|
Ports |
DisplayPort 1.4
HDMI 2.0
|
|
USB |
Two USB Type A ports on the front (USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard) Two high-speed USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the back One USB Type-C port on the back (USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard) |
|
GRID |
Gigabit Ethernet |
|
Size |
152mm height (148mm without legs), 162.4mm depth, 156mm width |
|
Weight |
2.6kg |
|
Operating system |
Steam OS 3 |
|
launch |
June 2026 |
|
Price |
From $1,049. |
For now, Mexico remains out of availability. The device can only be purchased in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
The reservation system can also generate controversy. To participate, it will be necessary to register on the Steam site, select the model of interest and wait to be chosen randomly. Valve explained that this decision seeks to create “a system that was less frustrating”.
If selected, the user will receive an email to confirm that they are part of the reservation queue. From there, a unit can be shipped from June 29.
To register, you will need to have a Steam account and have made at least one purchase before April 27, 2026.
In the publication where it revealed the prices, Valve also answered one of the most important questions: whether it considers the Steam Machine a console. The company was clear from the beginning. For Valve, it’s more of an extension of the PC gaming ecosystem than a traditional console.
The company also marked distance from the business model of manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft or Nintendowhich often sell hardware at low margins—or even losses—to recoup revenue through games, subscriptions, and exclusive services.
“The traditional console model is to sell hardware at a loss and make up the revenue through subscription services or by selling exclusive games tied to that hardware. We think this may make sense in the short term for a single company, but open ecosystems are better for customers in the long term.”
Valve believes that the openness of the PC ecosystem has allowed this platform to remain one of the main drivers of innovation in hardware and software for decades.
Another interesting detail is that, in an interview with The Verge, the company revealed that as of SteamOS 3.8 players will be able to create their own Steam Machine with the components you prefer. In addition, it confirmed that it is working with NVIDIA to expand compatibility between SteamOS and its hardware.
The Steam Machine does not seek to compete as a traditional console. Valve wants it to be a gateway to PC games from the living room, but without closing the ecosystem or forcing users to buy exclusive games or pay subscriptions to take advantage of it.
