The return of the Steam Machine seems to be taking shape. Valve is working on a new version of its console dedicated to PC games, scheduled for 2026. However, several statements made during the Game Developers Conference have attracted the attention of industry observers.
At the heart of the discussions is a crucial technical element for the performance of a console: RAM. Comments made by Valve during the event suggest that RAM supply could pose a challenge for the project.
Valve mentions a lack of RAM for its Steam Machine
During the GDC conference, Valve mentioned the difficulty of obtaining certain hardware resources necessary for the production of its future console. “If you have access to a large stock of RAM, we are interested and would like to purchase it. »
This remark, made on stage, quickly sparked reactions in the technology community. Although the phrase may seem humorous, it reflects a very real problem in the semiconductor industry.
Global demand for computer components has increased significantly in recent years, in particular due to the development of artificial intelligence and the increase in capacities necessary for new generations of hardware.
The question of VRAM and graphics performance
The Steam Machine should have around 8 GB of VRAM. This video memory is used by the graphics processor to manage textures, visual effects and rendering high-resolution images. It is important to distinguish VRAM from traditional RAM. RAM is mainly used by the central processor to manage the operating system and applications, while VRAM is dedicated to graphics processing.
Today, several recent games recommend a significant amount of memory to operate in optimal conditions. Titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, or The Last of Us often suggest 12 GB of RAM or more for high graphics settings.
A comparison with current consoles
The question of memory becomes even more important when comparing current consoles. The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro each use around 16GB of graphics memory, while the Xbox Series X has around 10GB of VRAM for certain graphics tasks.
With its mentioned 8 GB, the Steam Machine could therefore find itself in a situation comparable to that of the PlayStation 4 when it was released in 2013. This comparison does not necessarily mean that Valve’s future console will be limited in its performance. The company notably claims that the machine will be able to display 4K resolution at 60 frames per second thanks to upscaling techniques.
A console still planned for 2026
Despite questions around memory and performance, Valve maintains that the Steam Machine remains scheduled for launch in 2026. The project represents an attempt to offer a machine capable of running PC games in a format close to that of a traditional console.
Details regarding pricing and full specifications have not yet been revealed. However, some rumors point to a model equipped with 2 TB storage whose price could be particularly high. The coming months should allow us to learn more about the final configuration of the Steam Machine and the place that Valve wishes to give it in the video game ecosystem.