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Steam Machine and Steam Frame will release this summer, but dates and prices are still unknown
Valve has announced that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware will be released this summer, though specific dates and pricing remain unconfirmed. The company is expanding its Verified program to these devices, similar to the Steam Deck, to indicate game compatibility. Component cost increases have impacted previous release plans and led to a price hike for the Steam Deck OLED.
SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta brings improvements for Intel handhelds, audio popping and other fixes
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.7 Beta, introducing significant improvements for upcoming Intel handhelds and addressing various system issues. Key fixes include resolving GPU crashes for Grand Theft Auto V, eliminating audio popping, and improving Bluetooth functionality on certain Intel handhelds. The update also adds initial firmware support for new Intel-based devices and enhances UI behavior for low battery situations.
Steam Machine and Steam Frame shipping "this summer", Valve now rolling out verification systems
Valve has announced that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware will begin shipping this summer, with pricing details still to be revealed. The Steam Deck Verified program has been expanded to include both new systems, ensuring compatibility and performance. Valve has also updated its developer dashboard and documentation with more information for these upcoming hardware releases.
Steam Machine and Steam Frame This Summer
Valve has announced that both the Steam Machine and Steam Deck will ship this summer. This confirmation comes despite concerns about potential delays due to component shortages affecting the game machine and VR headset.
Poll: Do you like the new Steam store design, or is it 'hot garbage'?
A recent update to the Steam store has introduced new features and design tweaks, sparking a debate among users about its quality. While some users express strong negative reactions, calling the new design 'hot garbage,' others find it acceptable or even positive. The article encourages readers to share their opinions via a poll and comments.
Steam Machine and Steam Frame Reaffirmed for Summer Launch, Verified Program Detailed
Valve has reaffirmed that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame are targeting a summer launch and detailed their respective 'Verified' programs. Similar to the Steam Deck Verified program, these new indicators will help customers understand the out-of-the-box experience for games on these devices. The Steam Machine will leverage its significantly greater processing power compared to the Steam Deck, while the Steam Frame will have a dedicated 'Standalone Verified' program for its VR capabilities.
Valve really isn't budging: Steam Machine and Steam Frame are still 'shipping this summer,' it insists
Valve insists that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware will still ship this summer, despite ongoing component shortages and price hikes affecting the industry. The company is expanding its Verified program to include this new hardware, with developers encouraged to use the Steam Deck for compatibility testing due to the absence of Steam Machine dev kits.
Backrooms director says Valve is an inspiration: "Don't make it if there's not a meaningful reason…
Backrooms director Kane Parsons cites Valve's commitment to creating games with a meaningful purpose as a significant inspiration for his work. He praises Valve's philosophy of not making projects without a strong underlying reason, using Half-Life: Alyx as an example of a game developed to explore new technology like VR.
OLED Monitors, Handheld PCs, and the New Era of Premium Gaming Tech
The gaming hardware market has shifted from prioritizing raw power to focusing on immersion, with OLED monitors and handheld PCs becoming premium staples. Factors like advanced game rendering, the public-facing nature of gaming setups, and competition with other tech devices are driving this trend. Additionally, the demand for AI infrastructure is impacting component availability and pricing for gaming hardware.
Steam Survey for May 2026 is out - Linux down at 3.99% but still above macOS
The May 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey shows a decrease in Linux user share to 3.99%, while Windows holds 93.85% and macOS 2.16%. This dip may be influenced by the Steam Deck's stock and pricing fluctuations, as well as the absence of Steam Machines and Steam Frames.
Why Rare CS2 Skins Still Shape Esports Culture
Rare cosmetic skins in Counter-Strike 2 continue to shape esports culture by serving as symbols of player identity, history, and status within the community. These items add a visual language to the game, making key moments more memorable for viewers and providing collectors and traders with a way to engage with the scene beyond gameplay. Valve's ongoing support for the game ensures that the cultural significance of these skins persists.
MMO Business Roundup: Gamers sue Microsoft, Skull and Bones on Steam Deck, and NetEase’s Q1
This MMO business roundup covers several industry updates, including Skull and Bones achieving Steam Deck verification. NetEase reported a strong first quarter for 2026 with a 6.9% rise in games revenue. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Microsoft, accusing the company of colluding with Valve to maintain higher prices on the Steam store.
Waifu Wednesday: Miss Pauling from Team Fortress 2
This article discusses the character Miss Pauling from Team Fortress 2, detailing her role as the Administrator's assistant and her appearances in comics and animated shorts. It touches on fan speculation regarding her personal life and her continued relevance despite the game's age.
SteamVR 2.16 arrives with a number of Linux fixes for VR fans
Valve has released SteamVR 2.16, bringing numerous bug fixes and improvements for the VR experience on PC, with a particular focus on Linux users. The update includes enhancements to VRLink on Linux, general Linux fixes, and various improvements to the dashboard, streaming, and core SteamVR functionality. It also addresses issues with specific hardware like HTC Vive and Varjo headsets, and improves compatibility for games like Pavlov and Into The Radius 2 on Meta Quest.
If the Steam Machine's 4K60 promises feel limited, Zotac is putting an RTX 5080 in its latest mini PC
Zotac has unveiled its updated Magnus One Ultra mini PC, featuring a desktop-class RTX 5080 graphics card, offering significant 4K gaming performance in a compact form factor. This machine aims to surpass the performance limitations of the Steam Machine, providing greater flexibility and upgradeability for PC gamers.
EA Sports College Football 27 is Coming to PC, Madden NFL 27 Out on August 13th – Rumor
Rumors suggest that EA Sports College Football 27 will be released on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 9th, alongside its PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions. Madden NFL 27 is also rumored to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on August 13th. Pricing details for the PC versions indicate they may be cheaper than console counterparts in Europe.
Valve Reportedly Threatened to Delist Rainbow Six Siege on Steam After Ubisoft Offered Cheaper Alternative
Valve allegedly threatened to delist Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege from Steam if the publisher offered a cheaper alternative to its PC marketplace. This incident highlights Valve's efforts to maintain Steam's dominance in digital game distribution.
"What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" Gabe Newell reportedly once shouted at one of Valve's Lionel Hutzes during Steam porn debate
Valve boss Gabe Newell reportedly reacted strongly to a debate about allowing pornographic content on Steam, yelling at general counsel Karl Quackenbush. The incident is part of a broader discussion on Valve's corporate culture, stemming from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games. Newell testified in the suit, denying Steam has a monopoly and asserting customers have numerous purchasing choices.
With a lot of events and announcements this week - Valve make it easier to follow
Valve has launched a new Steam Summer Showcase page to help users track the numerous gaming events and announcements occurring during the Summer Game Fest period. The article lists several upcoming showcases, including The Mix Summer Game Showcase, Black Voices in Gaming, Latin American Games Showcase, Summer Game Fest, PC Gaming Show, and more, highlighting the dense schedule of reveals.
Valve antitrust lawsuit reportedly reveals lengths Steam owner is willing to go to prevent cheaper prices elsewhere
A new antitrust lawsuit accuses Valve of abusing its dominant position in the PC marketplace by forcing developers to maintain price parity across digital storefronts. Emails revealed in the case suggest Valve threatened to delist games like Rainbow Six Siege and removed pre-orders for Middle-earth: Shadow of War when publishers offered cheaper deals elsewhere. Valve denies having a formal price parity policy.
