Steam Machine
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Machine across the outlets.
Latest coverage
A Valve developer has just made it easier to run games on Linux with 8 GB cards thanks to a simple fix
A Valve developer has released a fix to improve game performance on Linux systems with 8 GB of VRAM. The solution involves kernel patches and utilities that better manage memory allocation, making games run more stably. This fix is particularly beneficial for Arch-based distributions and may eventually be adopted by others.
It seems PlayStation is scrubbing any mention of ‘PC’ from its websites—gee I wonder why
Sony appears to be removing mentions of PC from its PlayStation Studios website descriptions, shifting focus back to console exclusivity. This move follows rumors that the company is distancing itself from the PC market, contrasting with Xbox's strategy and Steam's expansion.
The Nex Playground is getting a price hike because of the memory crisis
Nex is raising the price of its Nex Playground console from $249 to $299 starting April 1, 2026, due to a global memory and storage component shortage exacerbated by AI infrastructure demand. CEO David Lee stated the company can no longer sustainably absorb the rising costs. Other companies like Valve and Nintendo are also facing pressures from the crisis, with potential impacts on their hardware pricing and supply.
The RAMpocalypse Is Already Claiming Its First PC Gaming Handheld
AyaNeo has suspended preorders for its upcoming Next 2 handheld gaming PC due to significant increases in RAM and storage costs, driven by demand from AI and data-center companies. While existing preorders will be fulfilled, the company cited that component costs have more than doubled, making the product unsustainable at its current price point. This situation highlights a broader industry-wide component shortage impacting various gaming hardware, including the Steam Deck and potentially future consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Steam Machine is capped at 60Hz in 4K, but these are the TVs I'd actually pair with the new PC
The Steam Machine is designed for living room PC gaming, outputting at 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. This guide recommends specific TVs that pair well with the system, including the LG OLED C5 for an all-out OLED upgrade, the Hisense M7 Series as a budget-friendly MiniLED option, and the TCL QM7K for those prioritizing higher refresh rates by dropping resolution. The article also notes that most modern 4K TVs will meet or exceed the Steam Machine's output capabilities.
Engadget Podcast: Apple's $599 MacBook Neo is astounding
The Engadget Podcast discusses Apple's new $599 MacBook Neo, highlighting its user experience and comparing it to Windows PCs. The hosts also cover the M4 iPad Air and M5 MacBook Pro models. Additionally, the episode touches on the state of electric vehicles and a lawsuit against Grammarly.
Tech Boss of Developer Sony Is Shutting Down Thinks PlayStation Has Pulled Back From PC in Response to Steam Machine - IGN
Sony appears to be scaling back its PC gaming efforts, potentially returning to a strategy of keeping major single-player titles exclusive to PlayStation 5. This shift may be a response to the potential competition from Valve's Steam Machine, which could offer a console-like experience with access to the full PC library. The closure of Bluepoint Games, a studio known for its PlayStation remakes, is also mentioned in the context of Sony's evolving strategy.
The Steam Machine promises a 4K 60fps experience, but I'd pair it with a 1440p monitor if you're sensitive to…
The Steam Machine aims for 4K 60fps gaming, but achieving this may require leveraging techniques like FSR and potentially pairing it with a 1440p monitor for a smoother experience, especially for those sensitive to frame rate drops. The article recommends several monitors, including the Sony Inzone M10S, KTC G27P6, and Alienware AW2725DF, highlighting their features and suitability for the upcoming PC console.
Evening Tech Bits
This article compiles several gaming technology news items. It mentions that Steam Machine sets a 1080p and 30 FPS standard for verified games, and highlights Intel's new gaming CPUs as their fastest and cheapest yet.
Valve pleads "if you have a line on a bunch of RAM, we are in the market and would like to buy it," as AI and data centers make building Steam Machines a Herculean challenge
Valve is facing significant challenges in producing its Steam Machine due to a global shortage of RAM, exacerbated by demand from AI and data centers. The company is actively seeking suppliers for memory components as it aims for a 2026 release.
Valve's Steam Machine launches in 2026: Everything we know so far
Valve has announced a new home console, the Steam Machine, set to launch in 2026 as a successor to the Steam Deck. The device will feature semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPUs and RDNA3 GPUs, 16GB of RAM, and options for 512GB or 2TB of storage, aiming for 4K 60FPS gameplay with FSR technology. While pricing is not yet confirmed, it is expected to be competitive with self-built PCs and potentially higher than current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X due to component costs.
Xbox's next-gen Project Helix may cost over $1,000, despite Microsoft's reassurance that it will…
A reputable insider suggests that Microsoft's upcoming next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, could cost over $1,000. This potential high price point for the hybrid PC/Xbox console may challenge its competitiveness in the market, despite CEO Satya Nadella's assurances of continued investment in gaming.
A Steam Machine update reignited release date fears, but Valve say the new hardware is still shipping this year
Valve has clarified its commitment to shipping the new Steam Machine, Steam Controller redesign, and Steam Frame VR headset in 2026, addressing fears of further delays. Despite ongoing component shortages, the company assures customers that all three products will be released this year, though the exact timing within 2026 remains unspecified.
Could Project Helix be Xbox’s response to the Steam Machine? A prominent leaker suggests that might be the case
A prominent leaker suggests Microsoft's 'Project Helix' might be an Xbox response to the Steam Machine, preparing the company to exit the traditional hardware market. This new device is rumored to run on Windows and emulate a console experience, potentially shifting focus away from proprietary hardware like the PlayStation 6.
Valve Teases a Delay For The Steam Machine This Year
Valve has indicated that the launch of the Steam Machine may be delayed due to ongoing RAM and storage shortages, potentially pushing the release beyond 2026. Despite these challenges, Valve aims to ship the device in the first half of the year and is re-evaluating pricing and launch dates. The Steam Machine is designed to run the entire Steam library at 4K 60FPS with FSR, featuring an upgradable SSD and memory.
Co-op works brilliantly in Slay the Spire 2 | TAG
Slay the Spire 2 has launched with a highly praised co-op multiplayer mode, enhancing the familiar gameplay with team-based strategy and social interaction. In other gaming news, Bungie is addressing player feedback on Marathon's microtransactions with an upcoming patch, while Valve continues to navigate potential delays for the Steam Machine. Additionally, discoveries in Marathon's lore, a Greek myth-themed tower defense game called Minos, and updates on various other titles like Slay the Spire 2's early access and the Steam Machine's release window are highlighted.
In the battle for our living rooms, Xbox Project Helix and the Steam Machine make for unlikely rivals on paper—but Microsoft's new PC gaming-capable console might be raising some eyebrows at Valve
Microsoft is teasing Project Helix, an Xbox console designed to play both Xbox and PC games, potentially rivaling Valve's Steam Machine. While details are scarce, the new console aims to bring PC gaming to living rooms, leveraging the strong Xbox brand recognition. The article speculates on performance, pricing, and the competitive landscape between the two platforms.
