The battle between Valve’s Steam Machine and Sony’s PlayStation 6 has already begun, well before their official release. And if the two machines are not aimed at exactly the same audience, the comparison is inevitable. Price, power, catalog: the match is close, but a player profile could well tip the scales.
On the one hand, a console designed to merge the PC universe with console accessibility. On the other, a powerful machine focused on premium exclusives. So, should we bet on the promise of openness or on the sure value of Sony?
Valve wants to attract console players with its Steam Machine
Scheduled for 2026, the Steam Machine targets a hybrid niche: that of console players curious about the PC world, but put off by its complexity. Its price promises to be similar to that of an entry-level PC – without being really affordable – for performance close to that of an Xbox Series S.
The promise? A compact device, running SteamOS, capable of running the majority of PC games. To do this, Valve is replicating its well-known compatibility system: “Games on the Steam store will display ‘Verified’, ‘Playable’ or ‘Not Compatible’.” A useful measure, but not entirely reassuring.
As the author writes: “I don’t want to spend £1,000 on a machine that can’t run the games I want to play.” A concern that could chill the less adventurous players.
PS6: continuity of success, power and exclusives as a bonus
On Sony’s side, the PlayStation 6 still remains shrouded in mystery. The leaks suggest a more powerful machine than the PS5 Pro, with a relatively stable price. Better: a new portable console could accompany it, in the spirit of a Nintendo Switch 2.
But Sony remains faithful to its DNA: offering a console that is easy to install, with a dense catalog of exclusives, with an enriched PlayStation Plus. A familiar and reassuring environment for millions of players. To date, no official technical sheet has leaked, but insiders agree on a clear improvement in performance.
A question of profile: PC simplicity or console excellence?
Through this confrontation, it is above all a philosophy of video games that is illustrated. The Steam Machine is designed for the curious player, a fan of mods and freedom of use, but who doesn’t want to build a PC. Familiar territory for fans of independent games and bargain prices.
Conversely, the PS6 reassures: fluidity, performance, and a smooth user experience. In-house exclusives, the stability of the ecosystem, Sony technical support… everything is designed for maximum gaming comfort.
The choice will depend on your relationship to video games
Neither machine has yet emerged as a clear winner. As the author admits: “We have to wait and see what the PlayStation 6 will do before we can draw a definitive conclusion.” But the debate has started.
For casual, open and scalable use, the Steam Machine could be attractive. For a premium, solid, new-focused experience, the PS6 seems unbeatable. One thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for gamers around the world.