She had almost disappeared from the radar. However, the Steam Machine returns to the forefront, completely redesigned, and already at the heart of the debates. Presented last week, the new version of Valve’s “PC console” is causing a sensation in the gaming world. But one detail stirs up discussions: its price, still unknown, could well be its main obstacle.
While the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X continue to dominate the market at a price around $500, the Steam Machine does not seem to want to position itself in the same niche. Linus Sebastian, from Tech Tips, reports a discussion with Valve in which it was confirmed that “it would not be sold at the price of a home console, that is to say around $500.” At IGN, the estimates are even more precise: “At IGN, we estimate its price between $700 and $800 at least.”
Steam Machine: a highly commented comeback
The first generation Steam Machine was a commercial failure. Too expensive, too vague in its positioning, too complex for the general public. Valve now seems to want to correct the situation with a more coherent device that is better integrated into the Steam ecosystem. The announcement sparked a wave of enthusiastic reactions, especially from PC gamers frustrated by the constraints of consoles.
Nothing has yet been revealed about the exact specifications or the release date. But the intention is clear: to offer a muscular alternative to the traditional console, without aiming for the same budgets. An ambitious bet, in a market where expectations in terms of performance and price are very limited.
A price that could chill console fans
With an entry ticket estimated at around $800, the Steam Machine could appeal to a niche of demanding users, but leave the general public aside. Valve seems to be banking on the power, freedom of installation and full integration of Steam to justify such a price difference. It remains to be seen whether these arguments will be enough in the face of the simplicity of a PS5 or an Xbox Series X.
The absence of an official price maintains the vagueness. And a few weeks before the holidays, the comparisons risk being ruthless. If the Steam Machine cannot compete in terms of value for money, it will have to stand out elsewhere: ecosystem, exclusivities, or modularity.
A decisive end of the year for the video game giants
This announcement comes at the end of an already hotly contested year on the video game market. Battlefield 6 has just taken the lead in sales, temporarily ahead of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which was just launched. Meanwhile, Silent Hill 2 Remake surprises with a discreet release on Xbox Series X and an immediate 50% discount.
With so many launches, rumors, and competing strategies, players have never had more choices…or more decisions to make. And in this battle for living rooms, Valve could well play an unexpected card with its Steam Machine, provided that the price does not become its biggest flaw.