Valve’s latest offering, the ,000 Steam Machine, has made its debut, and after two weeks of rigorous testing, I’m ready to share my insights. Upon receiving a 2TB unit, I eagerly filled it with a diverse selection of games from my library and set out to evaluate its performance. For these tests, I opted to keep the Steam Machine’s default settings intact, which meant running games at 1080p and upscaling them to my 4K television. Unless specified, I did not alter the resolution or settings upon launching the games, aiming for a plug-and-play experience akin to that of a traditional console.
The games I selected spanned a broad spectrum, including both new and classic titles, 3D and 2D formats, indie gems, and AAA blockbusters. My intention was to replicate the experience of a typical consumer who might purchase the Steam Machine and dive straight into gaming without extensive adjustments. Here’s a look at how some of the titles performed:
Cyberpunk 2077
This title was among the first I tested, and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. With the settings slightly elevated, it maintained a smooth 60 FPS and delivered impressive visuals, even with some light ray tracing enabled. However, increasing the resolution beyond 1080p led to stability issues. Overall, the out-of-the-box experience provided a playable version of Cyberpunk 2077.
Mouse: P.I. for Hire
For this engaging black-and-white FPS, I only needed to adjust the stick sensitivity. With default settings, Mouse: P.I. ran flawlessly at 60 FPS, showcasing sharp visuals.
Left 4 Dead 2
A classic that runs smoothly on virtually any platform, Left 4 Dead 2 performed admirably on the Steam Machine, making it a nostalgic favorite.
Borderlands 4
The initial experience was less than stellar, marred by visual issues. However, after tweaking some settings and adjusting FSR options, the game became playable, though it didn’t quite match the performance of my PS5 Pro.
Hades 2
This title exemplified the Steam Machine’s capabilities, running seamlessly at default settings and delivering a visually appealing experience. As a bonus, Hades 1 also performed well, adding to the enjoyment.
Silent Hill 2
Despite its legacy, this game struggled on the Steam Machine, appearing even messier than on the PS5. It’s best approached with caution.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Utilizing the versatile Id Tech engine, Doom: The Dark Ages looked good and played smoothly on the Steam Machine, although it could benefit from some visual adjustments.
Megabonk
Having previously run well on the Steam Deck, Megabonk performed equally impressively on the Steam Machine, providing an enjoyable gaming experience that kept me engaged longer than anticipated.
Spider-Man 2
The default settings yielded a decent experience, but I found that increasing the resolution to 1440p and enabling frame generation enhanced the visuals. However, in motion, the Steam Machine fell short compared to the PS5.
Windrose
This game struggled at default settings, and enabling frame generation introduced noticeable input lag. Adjusting to medium settings improved performance, but it still didn’t feel quite right.
Overwatch
To my surprise, Overwatch delivered an exceptional experience on the Steam Machine. The default settings were impressive, and I was able to enhance the visuals significantly without sacrificing performance, making it comparable to the PS5.
Grand Theft Auto V
Initial setup was cumbersome, involving the Rockstar Launcher and the Steam Machine’s digital keyboard, which left a less-than-ideal first impression. Nevertheless, the game ran well at default settings, and after some visual adjustments, it looked sharp, though the PS5 Pro still had the edge in terms of ray tracing.
Gears of War Reloaded
Similar to other titles, the default settings appeared somewhat blurry, but after some tweaks, the visuals sharpened without compromising performance.
Fallout 4
I was pleasantly surprised by how well this expansive RPG ran on the Steam Machine without any adjustments. While I didn’t explore the busiest areas of the map, it maintained a solid performance overall.
Control Ultimate Edition
This third-person shooter, while visually appealing on the Steam Deck, struggled on a larger screen. I had to lower settings and disable ray tracing to achieve a stable 60 FPS, and even then, it didn’t quite match the PS5 Pro.
Arc Raiders
Out of the box, this game was playable with decent visuals, though the image quality was slightly fuzzy. Given its availability on consoles, there are likely more cost-effective ways to enjoy it.
Elden Ring
Despite my personal reservations about Elden Ring, it performed admirably on the Steam Machine. A few tweaks improved the visuals without sacrificing performance, making it a solid experience.
Vampire Crawlers
2D and 2.5D games thrived on the Steam Machine, and Vampire Crawlers was no exception, providing a sharp and enjoyable experience on a large screen.
Resident Evil 4 remake
The default settings offered a satisfactory experience, though some fuzziness was noticeable. Adjustments improved the visuals but came at the cost of performance.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Initially, this platformer struggled, but with some adjustments, I achieved a mostly stable 60 FPS without ray tracing. While it didn’t compare to the PS5 version, it became a playable experience.
Helldivers 2
This title ran well on default settings, though it lacked the sharpness of the PS5 Pro version. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the gameplay.
Resident Evil Requiem
When compared to the PS5 Pro, the Steam Machine fell short, but on its own, it held up well, providing a solid gaming experience.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered
This game ran exceptionally well on the Steam Machine, looking impressive at default settings. A few adjustments enhanced the visuals, reinforcing the console-like experience.
Peak
Playing this co-op climbing game with my wife was a breeze on the Steam Machine, requiring no adjustments. The performance was comparable to her high-end PC, making it a delightful experience.
Warhammer 40K: Darktide
The default settings were underwhelming, but with some tweaks, I managed to achieve a stable 60 FPS. However, I prefer to play this title on my PS5.
Halo: Master Chief Collection
Unfortunately, I encountered difficulties logging into my Xbox account, rendering this title unplayable on the Steam Machine without additional peripherals.
Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip
This indie game, with its retro-inspired visuals, provided a fantastic experience on the Steam Machine, running smoothly at maximum settings.
Rage
Despite warnings about compatibility, Rage ran smoothly after some tinkering with the Steam Controller, allowing me to enjoy this underrated title comfortably.
The overall assessment of the Steam Machine reveals it as an intriguing piece of gaming hardware. However, its steep price tag limits its appeal primarily to dedicated enthusiasts or those seeking a compact, quiet gaming solution for their living room. While it offers a convenient way to access a vast library of Steam games, particularly older or 2D titles, potential buyers might find more value in a less expensive pre-built PC. For non-PC gamers, the Steam Machine may prove challenging to justify, especially with upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 on rival consoles. In its current state, the Steam Machine appears to cater to a niche market, and its high price point raises questions about its broader viability in the gaming landscape.
