On a crisp morning, the quest for an ideal gaming solution led to a conversation among colleagues at The Verge. The goal was clear: to find a compact, portable gaming PC that could seamlessly transition from the living room to the home office. The aspiration was to replicate the ease of use found in the Steam Deck, a device that has become a staple for many gamers due to its user-friendly interface and extensive library.
Just two days later, a visit to Valve’s headquarters unveiled the Steam Machine, a hybrid gaming PC and console that aligns perfectly with the envisioned specifications. This 6-inch cube is designed to fit snugly into any entertainment center, making it an ideal addition to both living rooms and home offices. With an AMD GPU boasting six times the power of the Steam Deck, it promises to enhance the gaming experience, particularly for indie titles that dominate the gaming hours.
The Steam Machine operates on SteamOS, a familiar platform for those who have enjoyed the Steam Deck. This continuity is complemented by an array of features that cater to tech enthusiasts. A customizable LED bar allows users to monitor download statuses, ensuring that gamers can keep track of their next adventure while multitasking on another screen. The device also supports Valve’s innovative Steam Controller and includes a dedicated antenna for low-latency connections, accommodating up to four controllers simultaneously.
As a Linux-based PC, the Steam Machine opens the door to a world of customization. The potential to install Windows for dual-booting offers the flexibility to access games that may not be available on Linux, such as Fortnite, due to anti-cheat restrictions. This adaptability is a significant draw for gamers looking to maximize their options.
Moreover, the Steam Machine is designed to integrate effortlessly with an existing library of Steam games. The Steam Deck has already demonstrated the advantages of the Steam ecosystem, including a vast selection of games, cross-device library access, and cloud saves—all without the burden of a subscription fee. With a microSD card slot, users can easily transfer games between the Steam Machine and Steam Deck, reminiscent of the nostalgia of swapping game cartridges.
Before encountering the Steam Machine, various alternatives were considered, including the Framework Desktop, a gaming laptop, or building a custom PC. However, these options lacked the appeal of a first-party solution that promises reliability and ease of use—qualities that are essential for busy households. The Steam Deck has already made PC gaming accessible to console players, and if Valve can replicate this experience in a living room device, it could significantly broaden the appeal of PC gaming.
Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine next year, though pricing details remain under wraps. Instead of pursuing Black Friday deals on other gaming PCs, the decision is clear: saving for the Steam Machine seems like the most promising investment for the future of gaming.
