Valve
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Valve.
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The Steam Machine could land this month, but I'm tempted to build a modern Shuttle XPC that looks like my compact…
Valve's Steam Machine is rumored to be releasing this month, potentially before June 29th, according to FCC filings. The author is considering building a compact Shuttle XPC as an alternative, inspired by a vintage model, due to potential high pricing for the Steam Machine, possibly exceeding that of a PlayStation 5 Pro.
Valve's latest SteamOS beta provides better Intel hardware compatibility — and that's great news for…
Valve's latest SteamOS beta update, version 3.8.8, introduces improved hardware compatibility for Intel platforms, benefiting upcoming handhelds like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, OneXPlayer 3, and Acer Predator Atlas 8. This update aims to enhance performance and user experience on Intel-based devices running SteamOS, addressing previous performance gaps compared to Windows 11.
New Deadlock update aims to stop snowballing - and it's looking like Holliday season
Valve has released a new update for Deadlock focusing on hero balance changes and addressing match snowballing. The update introduces significant buffs to Holliday, Apollo, and Calico, while Silver, Graves, and Seven receive nerfs. Key changes include adjustments to the Soul Urn mechanic, hero abilities, and comeback bounties, aiming to create a more balanced gameplay experience.
New Valve lawsuit wants to pay $150 compensation to Dutch PC gamers for Steam monopoly
A Dutch non-profit group, Consumer Competition Claims, has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that Steam's market monopoly has caused Dutch PC gamers to overpay by over €220 million. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, estimating that individual gamers could receive over €130. Similar legal actions are ongoing in the US and UK, focusing on Valve's alleged practice of enforcing 'Platform Parity Obligations' that prevent games from being sold cheaper outside of Steam.
The ROG Xbox Ally might not be the handheld we want, but it's the portable we need in terms of price
The ASUS ROG Ally is presented as a more affordable handheld gaming PC option compared to competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and MSI Claw. Despite its lower-spec chipset, its current price point makes it a compelling choice, especially with potential Prime Day discounts, positioning it as a practical alternative for those seeking a portable PC gaming experience without the premium cost.
The Steam Frame is arriving in the US, suggesting the VR headset's launch isn't far off
Recent import manifests suggest Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, is arriving at US warehouses, indicating a potential summer launch. Shipments from Quanta Computing, which did not work on the Valve Index, point to the Steam Frame as the likely VR device. The article also speculates on the possibility of Steam Deck or Steam Machine resupplies based on other import data.
I've been reviewing gaming controllers for years; these are my top-tested ones to look out for this Prime Day
This guide offers recommendations for gaming controllers to consider during Prime Day sales, based on years of testing across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 platforms. The author highlights feature-rich options, value picks, and customizable controllers, while noting that the Steam Controller is excluded due to lack of discounts.
Stop Killing Games-backed California bill targeting online game shutdowns "isn't going to be an easy thing" to enforce, says the politician behind it
California Assemblymember Chris Ward acknowledges that enforcing a new bill aimed at protecting consumers from game server shutdowns will be challenging. The proposed legislation would require publishers to offer refunds or playable offline versions of games when servers are closed. Ward hopes the bill, if passed, will influence practices nationwide, similar to the 'California Effect' seen with other consumer protection laws.
'Great job, scammers': Valve is officially done with Steam physical gift cards thanks to fraudsters — and it could be the start of a frustrating trend
Valve is discontinuing its physical Steam gift cards due to widespread fraud and scams. Scammers have adapted to exploit the system, leading Valve to make the difficult decision to cease restocking physical cards once current inventory runs out. This move has frustrated users who will now primarily rely on digital gift cards.
The Number Of Steam Next Fest Demos This Month Is Too Damn High
The June 2026 Steam Next Fest features an overwhelming 4,931 game demos, raising concerns about the sheer volume and potential choice paralysis for players. While the event aims to showcase upcoming titles, the excessive number of demos may detract from the experience, especially as many demos remain available long after the festival concludes.
25 years ago today, the GBA arrived in the US, but you don't need the real thing to play the handheld's hits
The Game Boy Advance celebrates its 25th anniversary in the US, and despite its age, there are numerous ways to play its classic games. Options range from budget emulation handhelds by Anbernic, Miyoo, and Powkiddy, to modernizing original hardware with screen and battery mods, and premium devices like the Analogue Pocket and Ayaneo Pocket Micro.
Xbox says hardware pricing boom represents "great" opportunity for games streaming
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the current increase in hardware prices presents a significant opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. He noted a rise in users trying the platform due to factors like high hardware costs, console supply shortages, and the availability of exclusive titles. Ball emphasized that streaming is a key component of Microsoft's multi-faceted gaming strategy, alongside console and PC play.
Proton-CachyOS update brings automatic HDR, Wayland improvements and more bug fixes
The community-developed compatibility layer Proton-CachyOS has released version 11.0-20260601, bringing automatic HDR detection and enablement, Wayland improvements, and various bug fixes for Windows games on Linux and SteamOS. This update is based on Valve's Proton Experimental and includes additional patches and features, such as automatic HDR detection and support for DLSS inputs for FSR4.
Proton Experimental gets fixes for Path of Exile 1 & 2, Guild Wars 2, Call of Duty (2003), Exanima and more
Valve has released an update for Proton Experimental, bringing numerous bug fixes for games like Path of Exile, Path of Exile 2, Guild Wars 2, Call of Duty (2003), and Exanima on Linux and SteamOS. The update addresses issues such as game crashes, graphical errors, and performance regressions, enhancing compatibility for Windows games on Valve's platforms.
Steam Beta gets improved Pipewire session logic on Linux
A new Steam Beta update for Linux introduces improved Pipewire session logic, enhancing streaming and recording capabilities. This update also includes a new 100 Mbit/s bandwidth option for Remote Play and fixes a beta regression that caused some games to crash on startup.
Steam announces its discontinuing gift cards
Steam, operated by Valve, has announced the discontinuation of its physical Steam Gift Cards, which were introduced in 2012. Retailers will stop stocking them by the end of the year due to an increase in scams that exploit gift card users. While physical cards are being phased out, digital gift cards will remain available.
Valve will stop producing physical Steam gift cards because of scammers
Valve will cease production of physical Steam gift cards due to ongoing issues with scammers. The company has decided to discontinue the physical format to combat fraudulent activities associated with them.
Valve confirms it won't restock Steam Gift Cards
Valve has confirmed it will no longer restock physical Steam Gift Cards at retail locations, with current stock expected to run out by the end of 2026. The decision comes as scammers have increasingly exploited gift cards as a method for fraudulent activities, a problem Valve has been unable to fully mitigate despite various countermeasures.
With Steam Frame arriving this summer, Meta is running out of time to entice gamers - will Prime Day do anything to…
With the upcoming launch of Valve's SteamVR headset, Meta faces pressure to entice gamers to adopt its Quest 3 hardware, especially with Prime Day approaching. Despite recent price increases and internal challenges, Meta may offer discounts on Quest 3 accessories or even the headset itself to remain competitive against Valve's new offering.
Steam Frame's tutorial video appears to leak on Reddit, demonstrating a very brief explainer of its software
A tutorial video for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, has allegedly leaked on Reddit. The brief clip showcases the headset's 'Welcome Tour' software, demonstrating controller functions and UI navigation. The leak suggests the Steam Frame is nearing its summer release, though specific details on units and pricing remain unannounced.
