Valve has revealed its refreshed Steam Machine, a compact PC designed for living-room or TV-attached gaming. Unlike the old partner-built Steam Machines from the 2010s, this version is entirely made by Valve and runs SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) with a KDE Plasma desktop interface. Launch is expected in early 2026.
Key Features & Specs
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4, 6 cores / 12 threads, up to 4.8 GHz boost, 30 W TDP |
| GPU | Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3, 28 Compute Units, up to ~2.45 GHz, 110 W TDP |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 |
| System Memory (RAM) | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512 GB or 2 TB NVMe SSD + microSD slot for expansion |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports / I/O | DisplayPort 1.4 (up to 4K@240Hz or 8K@60Hz), HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K@120Hz), 2x USB-A front, 2x USB-A rear, 1x USB-C Gen 2, 1 Gb Ethernet |
| Power | Internal PSU, AC 110–240 V |
| Size / Weight | 152 mm tall (148 mm without feet), 162.4 mm deep, 156 mm wide; ~2.6 kg |
| LED Bar | 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3 with KDE Plasma desktop |
Performance & Use-Case
Valve claims the new Steam Machine is over six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. It supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS using FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) upscaling and also supports ray tracing. The machine is designed to integrate tightly with the Steam ecosystem and can function as a traditional mini-PC with peripherals and accessories.
Pros
- Living-room-friendly cube design for TV gaming
- Efficient power usage (30 W CPU, internal PSU)
- Optimised for Steam with a seamless experience
- Expandable storage via microSD slot
- Customizable RGB LED bar for aesthetics
- Shared library support across Steam Deck, Steam Frame, and Steam Machine
- Ray tracing support and FSR upscaling for better 4K performance
Cons & Limitations
- Performance isn’t cutting-edge for AAA games; 8 GB VRAM may bottleneck newer titles
- 4K relies on upscaling rather than native rendering
- Limited port options (HDMI 2.0, no Thunderbolt)
- Price not yet confirmed; internal upgrades may be limited
- Not built for hardcore PC enthusiasts requiring high-end specs
Realistic Gaming Expectations
- Modern AAA games: playable with FSR at 4K, but may require reduced settings
- Ray tracing: supported, but performance varies
- Indie and less demanding titles run very comfortably
- Esports titles: likely excellent high-frame-rate performance
Lifespan & Longevity
- Short-term (1–3 years): solid, handles most modern games with FSR
- Mid-term (3–5 years): still usable, but AAA titles may need lower settings
- Long-term (5+ years): may show limitations for future AAA releases, but OS updates may extend usability
Verdict
The Steam Machine is a practical hybrid of console and PC gaming. It’s not a high-end gaming rig, but it offers an accessible living-room gaming experience with strong integration into the Steam ecosystem, expandable storage, and modern gaming features like ray tracing. Ideal for Steam users wanting a compact PC without building a full desktop.
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