Valve has announced the upcoming release of a new console, the Steam Machine, intended to compete with established gaming systems from Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation. This home console is designed to enable players to enjoy PC games on a television screen, but it also functions as a computer.
The new Steam Machine is considered a successor to a previous version released in 2014, which did not succeed in a market dominated by major competitors. Pricing details for the upcoming console remain undisclosed, but it is anticipated to be higher than the earlier model, which started at $499 (£300). Valve has indicated that the Steam Machine will be available for purchase in early 2026, with more information forthcoming as the release date approaches.
In a promotional video, Valve described the device as “a powerful gaming PC in a small but mighty package,” measuring approximately six inches in size. The company claims that this console is optimized for gaming, allowing users to verify compatible games on its digital storefront before making a purchase. It is powered by SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, and features AMD graphics processors capable of supporting 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
In addition to the Steam Machine, Valve has introduced the Steam Frame, a wireless virtual reality headset that also operates as a SteamOS computer. The headset is designed to enhance the VR experience by delivering high-quality graphics in areas where the user is looking.
The announcements position Valve to compete more effectively in the current gaming landscape, where services like Microsoft’s Game Pass have gained importance. Analysts have noted that this may be a strategic time for a PC-console hybrid, given the trend towards game streaming services and diminishing reliance on console exclusives.
Since its inception in 2003, Valve’s Steam platform has become the largest distribution service for PC gaming, reportedly featuring around 25 million active users.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd679n9lnx5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss