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Steam Machine (computer)

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"GabeCube" redirects here; not to be confused with GameCube.

Steam Machine
CodenameFremont
DeveloperValve Corporation
TypeGaming computer
ReleasedJune 29, 2026
Introductory price
  • 512 GB (w/ controller)
  • US$1,049 (US$1,128)
  • €1,039 (€1,108)
  • ¥189,980 (¥204,980)
  • 2 TB (w/ controller)
  • US$1,349 (US$1,428)
  • €1,359 (€1,428)
  • ¥249,980 (¥264,980)
SteamOS
CPUAMD Zen 4
Storage512 GB, 2 TB
microSD
Display
GraphicsRDNA 3
SoundHDMI, DisplayPort
Controller input
Steam Controller (2nd generation) (optional)
Connectivity
Online services
Steam
Dimensions152 × 162.4 × 156 mm (5.98 × 6.39 × 6.14 in)
Weight2.6 kg (5.7 lb)
PredecessorSteam Machine (2015)
Websitestore.steampowered.com/sale/steammachine

The Steam Machine is a small form factor gaming computer by Valve, designed to operate SteamOS and the digital Steam storefront, and provide a home game console-like experience.

It was announced on November 12, 2025 and is set to release on June 29, 2026 as part of a broader Steam hardware lineup, including the next-generation Steam Controller and the Steam Frame.

History

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Valve introduced the first iteration of the Steam Machine in 2015. In their approach, Valve did not manufacture any hardware (outside of the first iteration of the Steam Controller and Steam Link), but instead set a minimum specification for computer manufactures to build towards to support SteamOS and dedicated to playing games from Steam. This also allowed users themselves to create their own Steam Machine from their own components. This approach did not garner significant sales, and the initial Steam Machine was discontinued in 2018.

Valve used lessons learned from the failure of Steam Machines to create the Steam Deck in 2021,[1] a handheld console designed to play games running the Arch Linux-based SteamOS. As it was difficult to get developers to build for Linux systems and reach thresholds for adoption to convince manufacturers to produce Steam Machines, Valve invested into Proton, a compatibility layer for Linux to run Windows-based application and games, as well as an improved version of SteamOS. The hesitation of their manufacturing partners from Steam Machines also led Valve to keep development of Steam Deck internally, so as to build a better product.[2] The Steam Deck was considered a success and led to several similar handheld computer devices including the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.[3]

On November 12, 2025, Valve announced the Steam Machine, alongside the second generation of Steam Controller and Steam Frame, due for release in 2026. Unlike the first generation of Steam Machines, the new Steam Machine will be produced with specific technical specifications by Valve directly.[4] According to Valve's engineers, the original Steam Machine concept had failed due to the lack of games, driving players away from SteamOS, which then led to developers not making more games for it. However, the Proton compatibility layer opens up the system to a far wider range of games, thereby giving a stronger reason to purchase it.[5] In addition they had seen some users had already begun to build their own small form factor computers with the updated SteamOS to connect to televisions similar to home gaming consoles.[3] The console has a tightly integrated form factor, primarily designed around the 120 millimetres (4.7 in) cooling fan. This led to the cube-like shape, as well as targeting a size that could fit into most entertainment consoles.[3] The similarities between this shape and that of the GameCube have resulted in community members nicknaming the new Steam Machine the "GabeCube", in reference to Gabe Newell, the CEO of Valve.[6]

Later, Valve announced a delay in shipping as well as a need to revisit the cost of the Steam Machine in February 2026, citing the increasing costs of RAM due to the memory supply shortage.[7] In June 2026, Valve said they expected to launch the Steam Machine and Steam Frame in mid-2026.[8]

Registrations for Steam Machines were open on June 22, 2026, which would be then be randomized for ordering purposes, as to avoid issues Valve had on initial sale with the second generation Steam Controller. There are two primary configurations, a 512 GB retailing for $1049 and a 2 TB version for $1348. Both versions also included a version with a Steam Controller for additional cost.[9] The units will then be sold starting June 29, 2026, following the randomized waitlist.[10] Valve engineers said the price was significant higher than expected, driven up by the global computer component shortage from AI data centers, and had been looking at costs closer to the Steam Deck's pricing originally.[11] They, at another point stated that the difference between the Steam Machine's initial target and launch pricing is similar to the deck's price changes, leading to speculation that its initial target prices was around $800.[12]

While Valve is the only manufacturer of the Steam Machine, any user can build their own variant of a Steam Machine from the own components with version 3.8 of SteamOS. This had been possible previously with AMD-based hardware, but the SteamOS 3.8 update allows the operating system to be install on any Windows-compatible hardware, including Nvidia.[13]

Hardware

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At the time of the announcement in November 2025, Valve affirmed that there were still final design decisions for the Steam Machine to be made, but had published its anticipated specifications. The new Steam Machine is roughly cubical, measuring 156 by 152 by 162 millimeters (6.1 in × 6.0 in × 6.4 in). The CPU will be a custom AMD Zen 4 with 6 cores, 12 threads, and running up to 4.8 GHz clock rate. The GPU will be a custom AMD RDNA 3 with 28 compute units running at a 2.45 GHz sustained clock with 8GB GDDR6 (equivalent to Radeon RX 7600M GPU).[14][15] The base memory will be 16 GB of DDR5. Similarly, the unit has been announced to have two storage options, for 512 GB and for 2 TB onboard storage, which also can be expanded internally with NVMe SSDs or externally through MicroSD memory cards. The system is expected to support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with both AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution and ray-tracing active, which Valve estimates makes the unit six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. The unit will include DisplayPort and HDMI video output, wired and wireless internet connectivity, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a dedicated radio connection for the Steam Controller, along with USB ports. The front of the unit includes a customizable LED bar and a removable bezel front.[16]

Gaming journalists said that the defined specifications place the Steam Machine on par with the ninth generation of video game consoles, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series S.[17] With the November 2025 announcement, Valve did not specify a price, but stated that its price would be "more in line with what you might expect from [the] current PC market."[18]

Software

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SteamOS

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Main article: SteamOS

Games and applications

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Valve will implement a program similar to Steam Deck's verification to assess the compatibility of games on the Steam Machine. Games already deemed Steam Deck Verified will automatically be verified to work well on the Steam Machine, which includes being able to run at 30 frames per second at a display resolution of 1080p. For other titles, Valve plans to simplify the process to reach verified for Steam Machines, including VR requirements for Steam Frame games.[19][20]

References

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  1. ^ Cieslak, Marc (February 26, 2022). "Valve releases Steam Deck handheld PC to select few". BBC News. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  2. ^ Marks, Tom (July 30, 2021). "Valve Explains How The Failure of Steam Machines Helped Build The Steam Deck". IGN. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Ridley, Jacob (November 12, 2025). "Valve's new Steam Machine is a SteamOS-powered mini PC over six times faster than a Steam Deck". PC Gamer. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  4. ^ Orland, Kyle (November 12, 2025). "Steam Deck minus the screen: Valve announces new Steam Machine, Controller hardware". Ars Technica. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  5. ^ Archer, James (November 13, 2025). "Why a new Steam Machine when the first ones flopped? Because this time, Valve say, it'll actually have games". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  6. ^ Fox, Jacob (November 14, 2025). "I can't wait to see this custom 'GabeCube' bootup video on a big TV hooked up to a Steam Machine". PC Gamer. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  7. ^ Peters, Jay; Hollister, Sean (February 4, 2026). "Valve's Steam Machine has been delayed, and the RAM crisis will impact pricing". The Verge. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  8. ^ Peters, Jay (June 4, 2026). "Valve says it's ready to launch the Steam Machine this summer". The Verge. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
  9. ^ McWhertor, Michael (June 22, 2026). "Valve confirms Steam Machine price and pre-orders". Polygon. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  10. ^ Peters, Jay (June 22, 2026). "Valve prices the Steam Machine at $1,049". The Verge. Retrieved June 22, 2026. You can register your interest starting today, and the first emails letting people buy one will go out on June 29th.
  11. ^ Purchese, Robert (June 22, 2026). "Valve says Steam Machine's price is "significantly more" than it originally envisaged, and the launch quantity is "less than we wanted to be able to make"". Eurogamer. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  12. ^ Gauthier, David (June 22, 2026). Even Valve is Disappointed - Steam Machine Review. Linus Tech Tips. Retrieved June 23, 2026 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Bonifield, Stevie (June 22, 2026). "Valve will finally let you build your own Steam Machine with SteamOS for desktop". The Verge. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  14. ^ Thomas, Jacqueline (November 12, 2025). "Steam Machine Hands-On: First Impressions of Valve's New Console-Like Gaming PC". IGN. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  15. ^ "AMD Steam Machine GPU", www.techpowerup.com
  16. ^ Lynn, Lottie (November 12, 2025). "Steam Machine: Everything we know about Valve's new console". Eurogamer. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  17. ^ Welsh, Oli (November 13, 2025). "Valve is cutting corners with Steam Machine to compete with the current consoles". Polygon. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  18. ^ Phillips Kennedy, Victoria (November 24, 2025). "Steam Machine's price will be "more in line" with current PC market, Valve says". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  19. ^ Francis, Bryant (January 13, 2026). "Steam Machine verification will be easier than on Steam Deck". Game Developer. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  20. ^ Thomas, Jacqueline (March 11, 2026). "1080p at 30fps – Valve Finally Details Steam Machine's Verified Program". IGN. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
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