Valve Releases New Steam Machine: Premium Living Room PC Console

The gaming world was surprised as Valve officially opened reservations for the second-generation Steam Machine. This is a spiritual successor and a major improvement over their previous Steam Machine concept that went dormant, as well as leveraging the success of the architecture used in the Steam Deck.

Here are the key points about Valve's latest Steam Machine:

1. 'Console' Concept with a PC Feel for the Living Room

Unlike the Steam Deck, which is a handheld console, this latest Steam Machine takes the form of a compact 6-inch cube-shaped computer box placed under the TV or in the living room.

Its operating system uses the same Linux-based SteamOS as the Steam Deck. So, once turned on, you'll immediately enter a controller-friendly Steam interface, complete with a "Verified" badge system to know which games run smoothly. However, because it's open like a regular PC, users are free to tinker with it or even turn it into a regular desktop computer.

2. Powerful Specifications in a Compact Form

This machine uses custom internals developed in collaboration with AMD (Zen 4 CPU and AMD GPU). Some of the confirmed key specifications include:

• RAM: 16 GB.
• Storage: Choice of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD, complete with MicroSD slot.
• Physical Features: Equipped with a customizable LED panel on the front (e.g., to see download progress) and a removable faceplate (body cover).

3. Quite Surprising Price (More Expensive)

One of the most debated aspects in the community is the price. While the Steam Deck was sold with a very slim profit margin (cheap), this latest Steam Machine is priced at a premium level akin to a mid-range gaming PC:

• 512GB Version: $1,049 USD
• 2TB Version: $1,349 USD

Valve itself openly admits that this price is unavoidably high due to the global shortage crisis on RAM and SSD components caused by high demand from the AI industry recently.

4. Launch and Strict Queue System

This console is scheduled to officially launch on June 30. To prevent scalpers from bulk purchasing, Valve is implementing a reservation lottery/draw system.

Only active Steam accounts that have made a transaction before a certain date can register for the queue. The purchase order will be randomly selected fairly so that genuine gamers get it.

5. Accompanied by a New Steam Controller

Alongside this console, Valve is also reviving their controller line by releasing the latest generation Steam Controller featuring an advanced trackpad. Users can buy just the console, or purchase a bundle that includes the controller.