Steam Machine Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

The Steam Machine price is as bad as I feared, according to this new leak

The Steam Machine is anticipated to be a strong competitor in the gaming PC market, with recent pricing rumors suggesting the 512GB model may be around 19,826 CZK (approximately 0) and the 2TB version at 22,305 CZK (approximately ,070). These prices were discovered in the code of a listing on the Czech retailer Smarty.cz, an authorized Valve reseller. The retailer applies a 17% markup on Valve products, indicating that final US prices could be around 0 for the 512GB model and ,070 for the 2TB variant. Estimates suggest that the raw hardware cost could exceed 0, making a price tag of 0 or more plausible. Unlike the Steam Deck, which was priced competitively, the Steam Machine may not benefit from the same subsidization strategy, as it allows users to install Windows and use it as a standard PC.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Steam Money Saving Tip Is Why PC Gamers Love It So Much

Steam is recognized for its effective pricing strategies, particularly appealing to budget-conscious gamers. The platform is known for frequent sales and giveaways, and it has introduced a feature that alerts users when a game they intend to buy is available at a lower price elsewhere. A user named FaffeJaffe shared an experience on Reddit where Steam suggested a better deal by purchasing a bundle that included both Receiver 2 and its predecessor, Receiver. This proactive approach enhances user satisfaction and reduces refund requests. However, some users have noted that the bundled price can sometimes be higher than purchasing the individual game. Competitors like PlayStation and Xbox do not typically offer similar pricing transparency, which can lead to cumbersome refund processes.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

9 big things Steam needs to improve in 2026

72% of developers perceive Steam as having a functional monopoly in the PC gaming landscape. Competing platforms like the Epic Games Store and Xbox App have not matched Steam's user experience. Suggestions for improving Steam include adding a "currently playing" section in the library, separating achievements for base games and DLC, streamlining the DLC acquisition process, enhancing mod support in Steam Workshop, improving wishlist organization, and making SteamOS available for all PCs.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

What to expect from Valve in 2026: The return of the Steam Machine, a new VR headset, and more Half-Life 3 rumors

Valve is set to reintroduce the Steam Machine, aiming to provide a ready-built PC gaming experience. The company is also developing new virtual reality headsets to enhance gaming immersion. Additionally, there is speculation about the release of Half-Life 3, which could generate excitement among fans.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Steam just hit more concurrent players than there are people in Canada, as Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG push it to a new peak

On January 4, Steam reached a peak of 41,816,052 users logged into the platform, with approximately 13.4 million actively engaged in gameplay. This user count surpasses the entire population of Canada, estimated at around 41.6 million as of late 2025. Steam's user base has nearly doubled since the initial lockdown in April 2020, driven by factors such as rising console prices and the introduction of handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine, which will be crucial for its market success in the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

The most important PC gaming news stories in 2026

In 2026, the gaming industry is experiencing a push for unionization among developers, highlighted by a legal dispute involving Rockstar Games and former developers of GTA 6. The proposed billion-dollar acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) could reshape North American gaming, potentially leading to significant cuts and debt for EA. A healthier dialogue about the portrayal of sex in gaming is emerging amid a crackdown on adult-themed games. Microsoft faces job cuts and project cancellations while announcing record profits, raising ethical concerns about its partnerships and creative stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents challenges for developers, influencing future game narratives. Additionally, the generative AI boom is disrupting RAM availability and pricing, potentially increasing costs for gaming hardware.