After years of speculation and that first attempt that didn't quite take off in 2015, Gabe Newell's company has decided to make a bold move. Valve's new Steam Machine is no longer a distant project, but a reality that aims to definitively conquer our living rooms. It's a compact device, with a cube-like design, specifically designed to run SteamOS and bring our entire PC library directly and seamlessly to the big screen.
Unlike the previous generation, this time Valve has taken the reins of the entire process, manufacturing both the hardware and software themselves. This move aims to replicate the success of the Steam Deck, but offering much more ambitious performance for those looking to play at high resolutions with superior frame rate stability. The idea is that you can forget about configuring complicated settings: you plug it in, log in, and start playing just like you would on a traditional console.
What exactly is this black cube?
The Steam Machine isn't trying to be a conventional tower computer, but rather a small form factor (SFF) PC measuring just 156 x 152 x 162 mm. It weighs around 2,6 kg, making it quite manageable if you decide to move it around. The most striking feature of its exterior is its magnetic and customizable front panel , which allows more DIY-friendly users to even 3D print their own designs for a unique touch. It also includes an LED strip that can be configured to your liking.
Inside, we find custom-designed hardware from AMD. We're talking about a 6-core Zen 4 processor and an RDNA 3 GPU with 28 compute units. To give you an idea, Valve developers have stated that this device is six times more powerful than the original Steam Deck . This allows it to target 4K resolutions using FSR upscaling technology, while maintaining relatively low power consumption and noise levels thanks to its 120mm fan.
Raw power: confirmed specifications
If we delve into the technical specifications, this machine is well-equipped to hold its own against the current generation of consoles. Using more modern architectures than the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, efficiency is one of its strong points. Here's a breakdown of what this little cube packs:
- Processor: AMD Zen 4 with 6 cores and 12 threads up to 4,8 GHz.
- Graphics: AMD RDNA 3 with 8GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM.
- Memory: 16 GB of DDR5 RAM (independent of video memory).
- Storage: 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD, with additional microSD slot.
- Wireless connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
One detail that has generated some debate within the community is the choice of HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1. Although the hardware is capable of delivering high resolutions, the port's limitation means that to play in 4K at 120Hz, we'll have to do without HDR. Valve has stated that they are working on software solutions to improve the implementation of features like ALLM in the future, but this is a point to consider for owners of high-end televisions.
The controller and the launch window
Although the console will arrive in stores this summer, the new Steam Controller has already been released. This controller, which retails for €99, is a necessary evolution of the original, and we can now analyze the price of the new Steam controller . It includes joysticks with magnetic sensors to prevent unwanted drift, high-precision touchpads, and a battery life of up to 35 hours. It's the ideal companion for the Steam Machine, although it can also be used on any PC or even with the Steam Deck.
Regarding the console's price, things are a bit more uncertain. Valve has admitted that the RAM shortage and rising component costs have disrupted their initial plans, with the price of RAM causing a delay that is impacting the rollout. Although rumors suggest the base model could cost around 700 or 800 euros, there's still no official figure. What is certain, however, is that the company wants to position it as a competitive alternative to building a PC with similar performance.
A verified catalog for the salon
To prevent users from getting lost among thousands of games, Valve is expanding its verification program. If a game already runs well on the Deck handheld, it will be automatically verified , following the requirements for games verified on Steam Machine . Furthermore, many titles that didn't run perfectly on the smaller console due to insufficient power will now receive the seal of approval thanks to the extra processing power of this new desktop hardware. It's an excellent way to ensure a smooth user experience from the very first minute.
All that remains is to wait for the warmer months to bring definitive confirmation of prices and availability in the various regions of Europe. With this ecosystem that includes the console, the controller, and the upcoming Steam Frame headset , Valve seems to have finally found the right formula to carve out a niche for itself under the TV. The power is there, the software has matured enough, and the community is more than ready for this new chapter of PC gaming.
