gaming hardware Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900

Valve's Steam Machine has faced challenges due to scalpers exploiting its limited availability. Despite measures like a randomized queue and one-unit purchase limits, resellers have listed the device at inflated prices on platforms like eBay. For example, a 2TB Steam Machine bundled with a controller is priced at ,899.99, over double its retail cost of 8. Listings for 2TB models range from ,700 to ,899.99, while a 512GB model without a controller is offered for ,800. Resale practices mirror those seen during the Steam Controller launch, where buyers could purchase multiple units for resale. The Steam Machine's higher starting price of ,049 makes reselling less feasible for many. Valve has indicated that as they process reservations, cancellations may open opportunities for others on the waiting list. Additionally, there is speculation about the demand for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, amid existing competition.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Building a better PC than the Steam Machine for cheaper: is it possible?

The Steam Machine, Valve's gaming console, has received criticism for its high price and poor performance, largely due to rising component costs influenced by investments in artificial intelligence. In response, Linus Tech Tips, led by Linus Sebastian, is working on creating a more affordable and better-performing gaming PC. They are focusing on functionality and value while exploring various components and configurations for an exceptional gaming experience. Alternative builds may not fit as well under televisions as the Steam Machine but offer better performance and cost-effectiveness for dedicated gamers.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Steam Machine: Hardly any cheaper gaming PCs, 8 GiByte is enough

PCGH and PC Games discussed the new Steam Machine with Valve's Lawrence Yang and Yazan Aldehayyat. The final cost of the Steam Machine exceeded initial expectations due to unforeseen supply chain challenges related to memory and storage. Aldehayyat expressed pride in the product's quality and performance, despite its higher price point potentially excluding some buyers. Yang mentioned that future price adjustments could be considered if market conditions allow. The SteamOS does not currently support dual booting, but users can set up dual boot systems using external media. Valve is collaborating with anti-cheat providers like Easy Anti-Cheat and BattlEye to implement solutions for Linux. The Steam Machine is equipped with 8 GB of VRAM, which Aldehayyat believes is sufficient for most games at 1080p resolution. A verification program for the Steam Machine will be implemented, similar to that of the Steam Deck, ensuring better performance for verified games.

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 for 512GB model

Valve's Steam Machine is now available for pre-order, with two versions priced at ,049 for the 512GB model and ,349 for the 2TB model, which includes a Steam Controller. The device runs on SteamOS and can play PC games, functioning as both a console and a desktop computer. Its compact design allows for easy integration into home environments. The pricing has been influenced by component shortages due to demand from AI sectors. Valve has stated that it does not follow the traditional console model of selling hardware at a loss, aiming instead for an open ecosystem. Insights suggest that the target price for the Steam Machine may have shifted significantly due to rising costs.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Soulslike Game The Relic: First Guardian Sets July 31 PC and PS5 Launch, with Xbox and Switch 2 to Follow

Publisher Perp Games and developer Project Cloud Games announced that The Relic: First Guardian will be released on July 31 for PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5, moving up from its initial 2025 release date. Ports for Xbox Series S and X, as well as Nintendo Switch 2, are expected later in the summer. An exclusive retail version for PlayStation 5 will be available on September 4. The game is set in the world of Arsiltus, where players act as a First Guardian to combat a blight. It features over 70 boss encounters, five weapon types, and twelve skill trees, allowing for personalized builds. The stamina system is designed for dodging and blocking only, freeing players to attack without resource constraints. Progression is based on collectible items called Relics, which offer over 70 passive effects that enhance combat dynamics. PC system requirements have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

How to Transform Your Old PC Into the Ultimate Windows Steam Console

Valve’s Steam Machine is set for release in early 2026 and will run on Valve’s Linux-based Steam OS. Gamers can build a custom Windows-based gaming PC inspired by the Steam Machine using components like an AMD Ryzen CPU, Asus RX960 XT Radeon GPU, and 16GB+ RAM. Installing Windows allows for broader game compatibility, while Steam’s Big Picture Mode offers a console-like interface. The custom build process involves selecting appropriate hardware, assembling it, and optimizing performance for modern games. Building a custom Steam Machine provides insights into hardware assembly and system optimization, resulting in a portable, high-performance gaming solution.

Winsage

May 31, 2026

Microsoft Corporation stock (US5949181045): focus on new Nvidia-powered Windows PCs and insider acti

Microsoft Corporation shares are trading in the mid-USD 440s, with a stock closing price of USD 449.90 on May 29, 2026, up from an opening price of USD 412.75. The company is set to launch a new generation of Windows PCs powered by Nvidia processors on May 30, 2026. Microsoft reported earnings per share of USD 4.27 and revenue of USD 82.89 billion, marking an 18.3% year-over-year increase. Robertson Stephens Wealth Management LLC identified Microsoft as its ninth-largest position in a recent 13F disclosure. Microsoft operates in the software, cloud computing, and consumer electronics sectors, with significant institutional ownership among asset managers, pension funds, and wealth management firms.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

The Steam Deck OLED’s price hikes have killed its status as the best deal in PC games hardware

Ongoing shortages in memory chips, driven by increased demand from AI-focused data centers, have led to significant price increases for the Steam Deck OLED. The 512GB model's price rose from £479 to £649 in the UK (35% increase) and from 9 to 9 in the US (44% increase). The 1TB variant increased from £569 to £779 in the UK (36% increase) and from 9 to 9 in the US (46% increase). Valve attributes these hikes to rising component costs and logistical challenges. The 1TB Steam Deck OLED now competes closely with the Asus ROG Ally X, which offers better performance at a similar price point. The 512GB version has lost its budget-friendly appeal, as the Lenovo Legion Go S undercuts it at £549. Despite the price adjustments, the Steam Deck OLED remains favored for casual gaming due to its design and comfort, but the hikes may deter potential buyers and raise concerns about future products.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Riot Games Says It ‘Would Not and Cannot’ Use Vanguard Anti-Cheat to Brick PCs After Rumors Spread

Riot Games has clarified that its Vanguard anti-cheat system does not have the capability to damage players' PCs or disable their devices. The company stated that the "paperweights" referenced in a social media post were cheat devices that had been rendered ineffective by updates to the Vanguard system, which enforces security features on accounts using Direct Memory Access (DMA) cheating devices. While cheaters may experience hardware faults when using these cheats, this is a consequence of their actions, and only those using DMA-based cheats would encounter issues. Riot Games reassured players that their PCs would not be "bricked" due to Vanguard's operations.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Sony retreats from PC gaming, robbing us of maybe 4 games

Herman Hulst, the head of PlayStation, announced that single-player PlayStation titles will no longer be released on PC, marking a shift in the company's strategy. This decision comes as Sony focuses on boosting console sales amid declining interest in traditional gaming hardware. While multiplayer titles will still be available on PC, major action-adventure games from studios like Naughty Dog or Insomniac will require a PS5. Upcoming titles include Marvel's Wolverine and God of War: Sons of Sparta in 2026, and Ghost of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2 in 2025. The price of the PS5 has increased to 0, complicating the appeal of exclusive titles. Critics argue the perceived value of the PS5 is diminishing due to a lack of significant library expansion, while the PC gaming landscape continues to grow, with platforms like SteamOS and devices like the Steam Deck enhancing accessibility.