Valve perhaps thought it would surprise with the big return of its Steam Machine. But it’s a price leak coming from a Czech site which has just lit up the networks instead. While expectations were based on a price competitive with the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, the amounts revealed even exceed those of a good mid-range PC.
A leak, currently unconfirmed, suggests a price of over $950 for the 512 GB model And $1,070 for the 2TB version. And the least we can say is that it does not go unnoticed.
A leak from a European retailer
The controversy arose on Reddit, where a user spotted a product sheet published too early by a Czech retailer. The latter indicated two models:
- 512 GB to 19,826 Czech crowns (approximately $950),
- 2 TB to 22,305 CZK (either $1,070 at the current rate).
These prices, well above console market standards, are already causing a wave of skepticism. Because at this level, the Steam Machine enters into direct competition with complete gaming PCsand no longer with classic home consoles.
Valve has not yet confirmed these figures. These could therefore be indicative or provisional prices, before official communication to distributors. But the leak seems credible and consistent with the current rise in components.
RAM, AI, shortages: an explosive situation
To understand this high price, we must also observe the context. In recent months, the demand for RAM took off, partly because of AI data centers which absorb world production. The result: components become more expensive, and manufacturers must pass on the costs.
This is what the article points out: “RAM in particular has seen its value explode due to demand from AI data centers which have exhausted all available resources.”
But the players judge on the quality/price ratio. And at over $1,000, the reactions are clear: “At that price, it’s already stillborn. I want it and I’m willing to buy it, but only if it costs around the price of the base PS5. There’s no way they’re selling it for over $600.”
Valve faced with an impossible equation?
If these prices are confirmed, the Steam Machine will have to justify every pennybecause it is aimed at a demanding audience: PC players, attached to the choice of components, but also Steam Deck fans, seduced by accessibility.
And for some, the pill doesn’t work. “Yeah… I was really excited to try it and I understood the concept (especially since I only use my Steam Deck when it’s plugged in), but in my opinion, it’s impossible to justify spending $1,000 on this. I’d much rather invest another $500-750 to build my own PC.”
There remains a major unknown: Valve’s marketing positioning. Does it want to compete with consoles? Or offer a “turnkey” alternative for PC gaming, even if it means targeting a smaller but more spending audience?
The answer will come with the official announcement. But for now, the Steam Machine seems leave with a serious price handicap in an industry where the price/performance ratio remains an absolute criterion.