Valve is shaking the gaming world with the resurgence of its Steam Machine, a hybrid between a PC and a console, accompanied by the unveiling of a revamped Steam Controller. The announcement marks an exciting development in Valve’s hardware journey, highlighting innovation while keeping fans guessing about crucial details like pricing.
The upcoming Steam Machine is set to be available in two models, a 512GB version and a more spacious 2TB option. While we know it will hit the market bundled with the new Steam Controller or as a standalone product, the exact timing remains a mystery.
With a cutting-edge semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU and RDNA3 GPU, the Steam Machine promises 4K gaming at 60 frames per second, powered by FSR technology. Valve claims it boasts six times the power of the Steam Deck, complete with 16GB DDR5 and 8GB GDDR6 VRAM. The anticipation is palpable as fans await more details.
A Challenging Comeback for Steam Machine
Valve’s decision to revisit the Steam Machine concept is intriguing, especially since the original line launched a decade ago, in November 2015, was deemed a commercial failure. The initial Steam Machine aimed to transform the gaming experience, offering a compact form factor and operating on SteamOS. However, the product line was short-lived, with many models pulled from the Steam store by 2018 as interest waned.
Despite past challenges, the revamped Steam Machine and Controller signal Valve’s commitment to innovation in the hybrid gaming space. This move comes at a time when console/PC hybrids are gaining traction, with companies like Microsoft gearing up to release their own versions. The gaming community eagerly watches to see how Valve’s reentry will impact the market dynamics.
Gabe Newell, Valve’s CEO, shared insights: “We’ve been super happy with the success of Steam Deck, and PC gamers have continued asking for even more ways to play all the great titles in their Steam libraries. Our work over the years on other hardware and even more importantly on SteamOS has enabled Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame to do just that.”
Innovative Features of the Steam Machine and Steam Controller
Models
- 512GB model and 2TB model
- Steam Machine will ship in a bundle with Steam Controller and will also be available standalone
Specs
- CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP
- GPU: Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP
- Supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR
- Ray tracing supported
- Over 6x more powerful than Steam Deck
- 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- 512 GB & 2 TB SSD models
- micro SD card slot for expanded storage/ portable catalog
- Internal power supply, AC power 110-240V
1/0
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K@60Hz
- Supports HDR, FreeSync, and daisy-chaining
- HDMI 2.0
- Up to 4K @ 120Hz
- Supports HDR, FreeSync, and CEC
- Ethernet 1 Gbps
- USB-C 10 Gbps, 3.2 Gen 2
- 4x Type USB-A ports
- 2x USB 3 in the front
- 2x USB 2 in the rear
- 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, dedicated BT antenna
- Integrated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio
Other features
- Works with other controllers, accessories, and PC peripherals
- Wake with Steam Controller
- Runs SteamOS
- Familiar, gaming first user experience
- Fast suspend / resume
- Steam cloud saves, and all the other Steam features you’d expect
- Customizable LED bar
- Personalize with colors and animation
- Reflect system status (e.g., downloads, booting, updating)
Steam Controller features and specs:
Works with any device that runs Steam
- Windows / Mac / Linux PCs
- PC handhelds
- iOS / Android (with Steam Link)
- Steam Deck
- Steam Machine
- Steam Frame
Three ways to connect
- Steam Controller Puck
- Pre-paired, plug and play
- Proprietary wireless connection
- Low-latency (~8ms full end-to-end)
- 4ms polling rate measured at 5m
- More stable than Bluetooth
- Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Puck
- Bluetooth
- USB tethered play
Li-ion rechargeable battery
- 35hr+ play time
- Charge with Steam Controller Puck or USB
Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR)
- Improved responsiveness and reliability
- Capacitive touch
Grip sense
- Quick way to activate/deactivate gyro
- Assignable input
HD haptics
- 4x haptic motors
- 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback
- 2x High output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble
Full input list
- ABXY, D-pad
- L/R triggers, L/R bumpers
- Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR)
- View / Menu / Steam / QAM buttons
- 4x assignable grip buttons
- 2x trackpads with haptic feedback
- Pressure sensitivity for configurable click strength
- 6-axis IMU
- Capacitive grip sense