Steam Machine Will Cost “Like a PC, Not a Console,” Confirms Valve
Valve’s new Steam Machine was announced together with a new controller and VR headset last week. Even though it looks a lot like a console, the company says its price will be closer to that of a PC.
This information comes from a Valve spokesperson, which suggests we shouldn’t expect a console-style price similar to the PS5, Xbox or the Nintendo Switch 2.
Steam Machine Will Be Priced Like a PC
According to Linus Sebastian from Linus Tech Tips, who spoke with a Valve representative at a recent event, Valve doesn’t plan to lower the Steam Machine’s price by covering part of the production costs itself.
“Valve wasn’t able to give any specific numbers due to rapidly evolving market conditions,” Sebastian explained. “But they will obviously have it nailed down when the Steam Machine launches in Q1 2026, alongside the new Steam Controller.”
He added, “They did give me one hint, though. They said that while they expect it to be very competitively priced for a PC, it will still be priced like a PC rather than like a console, where games help subsidize the cost of the hardware.”
He further explained, “They wouldn’t say why, but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s partly to avoid cutting into the profit margins of their potential partners for Steam games and software. It’s also because they recognize that the Steam Machine is a full-fledged PC that can be used just like any other computer.”
That means large corporate orders — for example, 10,000 units — wouldn’t guarantee game sales, so Valve needs to keep its main business sustainable.
The Steam Machine is a cube-shaped device about 15 centimeters tall that lets users play PC games on their TV. For now, Valve seems unwilling to make it a low-cost system.
The company says it will support 4K gaming at 60fps with AMD hardware and use FSR technology. It should also work well for cloud gaming and connect smoothly with other devices, such as the Steam Deck.
In other Steam news, about 20% of this year’s new releases on the platform have disclosed the use of generative AI, an 800% increase compared to 2024.
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It will sale , but anything over 550 , it wont get huge numbers maybe a few million, you could get console guys to move over if it was priced right, but to leave your console and games for a system that is WEAKER and cost more with no games , yeah not going to happen, I was all for one when I thought 650-700 would be top spec .. .. but pc prices also doesn’t make sense as people have all ready built one for sub 700 bucks
Agreed, but I think if it’s over $1000 it won’t sell millions, especially since there are pre built PCs around $1300 give or take that will outperform this GameCast. My prediction of its price will $899 for its base price, my hopeful price would $799 and that’s being fair considering all inflated prices everywhere. We will see at the beginning of 2026 🤷🏻