The Steam Machine has been on the market for just over a month, and its integration into my daily gaming routine was initially uncertain. However, a recent bout with a cold provided the perfect opportunity to rediscover its charm. Nestled comfortably on my couch, I connected the machine to my TV, disabled the metrics, and dove into my Steam library. The experience was nothing short of revelatory, showcasing the potential of this compact device.
While I remain skeptical about its high price tag for the average consumer—particularly those without an extensive PC gaming library—the Steam Machine has carved out a special niche for me. My primary desire now is to seamlessly transition from my desk to the living room, continuing my gaming adventures without monopolizing my network. In this regard, the Steam Machine excels, offering a solution that is both efficient and space-conscious.
Performance Isn’t Everything
Historically, I have not identified as a console gamer. Despite purchasing every console generation for their innovative hardware, my loyalty has always leaned towards Steam for game purchases—an allegiance that has persisted for nearly two decades. Consequently, my console libraries are largely populated with a handful of exclusives and titles acquired through various subscriptions, many of which I seldom play. For instance, last year, I barely scratched the surface of Death Stranding 2, primarily because my gaming sessions were confined to the living room.
In contrast, my PC gaming experience is vastly different. The ability to switch between devices—be it a handheld, laptop, or desktop—greatly enhances my likelihood of completing games. I often find myself engrossed in RPGs filled with side quests, and I relish the flexibility to pause at my desk and later resume gameplay from the comfort of my bed, all while multitasking with a TV show or podcast. This adaptability has always been a hallmark of PC gaming for me.
However, the living room has long posed a challenge. Previous attempts to set up living room PCs were marred by the inconvenience of needing a keyboard and mouse for occasional adjustments, not to mention the bulky presence of a full tower PC amidst sleeker consoles. The arrival of the Steam Machine has alleviated many of these frustrations. With SteamOS, most daily maintenance can be handled in ‘Gaming Mode,’ eliminating the need to switch to the desktop interface. Even when desktop access is necessary—such as for third-party launchers—the Steam Controller’s trackpads allow for a keyboard-free experience.
Over the recent weekend, the Steam Machine found its rightful place in my living space. I adjusted the output resolution to 1440p, which looked perfectly acceptable from my couch, even if pixel peeping might reveal some imperfections. The essence of living room gaming is not about scrutinizing every detail but rather enjoying the experience. I spent hours immersed in Resident Evil 4 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, all while under the comforting influence of Nyquil. The specifics of frame rates or graphical fidelity faded into the background; what mattered was the ability to continue my saves from my PC without needing to repurchase titles for the now-idle PS5 Pro sitting beside the Steam Machine.
At a price point of ,049, the Steam Machine’s value proposition may deter those simply seeking a console gaming experience. However, for someone like me, with a vast library of thousands of Steam games—many of which are unavailable on other consoles—the allure of a compact living room device that can access my entire library is simply irresistible.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra.
