Steam Machine
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Machine.
Latest coverage
AI funding uncertainties are shaking up memory producers. Will we finally be able to afford RAM again?
Uncertainties in AI funding, particularly concerning OpenAI's financial stability and its impact on memory procurement, are beginning to affect RAM prices. Major manufacturers like Micron and SK Hynix have seen stock value drops, leading to a decline in RAM prices in some markets. This trend offers hope for consumers and potentially future console launches like the PlayStation 6 and new Xbox.
Nintendo cuts Switch 2 production by 30% due to low Western demand
Nintendo has reportedly cut production of the Nintendo Switch 2 by up to 30% due to weaker-than-expected demand in Western markets. The company is now targeting four million units for the current quarter instead of six million. This reduction is attributed to rising console prices and broader economic factors impacting consumer spending on electronics.
Valve's Steam Machine gets its first support update ahead of launch via SteamOS preview 3.8.0 — and it includes one major fix I've been waiting for
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 preview, introducing initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine and addressing issues like Discord screen sharing. This update suggests that a release date or pricing announcement for the Steam Machine may be imminent, despite ongoing concerns about the RAM crisis affecting hardware availability.
Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks
Valve has added Steam Machine hardware support to the latest SteamOS build, indicating progress towards the platform's launch. The update also includes numerous tweaks for the Steam Deck, though pricing for the Steam Machine remains undisclosed.
Big update to SteamOS improves support for non-Valve handhelds, newer platforms, discrete GPUs, and Steam Machine
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview introduces significant improvements for non-Valve handhelds, newer AMD and Intel platforms, and discrete GPUs. The update enhances compatibility, video memory management, and controller support across various devices, including the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. It also brings preliminary support for the upcoming Steam Machine.
SteamOS update preview brings "initial support" for the Steam Machine, plus new power and Bluetooth tricks for Steam Decks
The SteamOS 3.8.0 update is now available on the Preview branch, introducing initial support for the upcoming Steam Machine hardware. This update also brings significant improvements for the Steam Deck, including a new graphics driver, better OBS and Discord support, enhanced Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) frame pacing, and preliminary support for hibernation and a "Memory Power Down" option for the original LCD model. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity has been upgraded with the re-enabling of Bluetooth Wake for the LCD model and a new setting to enable microphones on connected Bluetooth headsets.
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview brings initial Steam Machine support, and improvements for many handhelds
SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview introduces initial support for Steam Machine hardware and significant improvements for various handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The update also brings an updated Arch Linux base, enhanced graphics drivers, VRR improvements, and a Wayland-default KDE Plasma desktop environment.
Xbox Project Helix Could Be A Make-Or-Break Moment For Microsoft
Microsoft has revealed more details about its upcoming console/PC platform, codenamed Project Helix, with developer kits set to ship in 2028. Industry analysts suggest this indicates a consumer launch no earlier than 2028, potentially facing high prices due to component shortages like RAM. Project Helix is seen as a significant strategic move for Xbox, potentially marking a shift towards a PC-first ecosystem.
Games Inbox: Who will win out of PS6 vs. Project Helix?
Readers discuss the potential competition between the upcoming PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's Project Helix (likely the next Xbox console), with concerns raised about pricing, naming conventions, and the potential impact of simultaneous releases. Other topics include the effectiveness of game age ratings, the future of the Battlefield franchise, and the perceived arrogance of Microsoft's console strategy.
Valve Explains Steam Machine and Steam Frame Verification | Console Creatures
Valve detailed its hardware verification processes for Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame at a GDC event. The Steam Machine requires Deck Verified status and targets 1080p at 30FPS, while the Steam Frame VR headset has its own verification for VR and non-VR titles, aiming for 90 FPS for standalone VR. Valve is also expanding Proton to support ARM-based hardware for the Steam Frame, with all new devices slated for a 2026 launch.
The Steam Machine Will Run All Steam Deck Titles With 1080p 30FPS Minimum
Valve announced that the upcoming Steam Machine will be capable of running all Steam Deck Verified titles, requiring a minimum of 1080p at 30 FPS. However, ongoing RAM shortages may cause a delay in its planned 2026 launch, with the company re-evaluating shipping schedules and pricing for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset.
Microsoft sets up Project Helix Xbox for Christmas 2027 battle against PS6
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, which is expected to launch around Christmas 2027. The device is described as more of a gaming PC and will feature AMD's new FSR Diamond technology. Dev kits are slated to ship in 2027, with potential competition from Sony's PlayStation 6 and Valve's Steam Machine.
Steam Machine Will Recognize All Steam Deck Verified Titles, But 1080p/30 FPS is a Must
Valve has outlined the minimum requirements for games to be verified on the upcoming Steam Machine, stating that titles must run at 1080p and 30 FPS, mirroring the Steam Deck's standards. More demanding requirements exist for VR titles, while 2D games need 30 FPS at 720p. Valve also discussed optimizations for lower-specced machines and controller support for developers targeting SteamOS.
Sony is more worried about Steam Machine than Xbox's Project Helix says dev
A former Bluepoint Games developer suggests Sony's reduced focus on PC ports is a strategic response to Valve's potential Steam Machine ecosystem, rather than competition from Microsoft's Project Helix. The argument posits that a successful Steam console offering PC library access with console simplicity could undermine traditional console market dominance.
Valve clarifies what's required for a game to be Steam Machine and Steam Frame verified, but it just makes me worry…
Valve has clarified the verification requirements for games on its upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset. While Steam Deck verified games will automatically be compatible with Steam Machine, the latter has a performance target of 30 fps at 1080p. The Steam Frame has stricter requirements for stand-alone play, demanding 90 fps for VR titles and 30 fps at 720p for 2D games.
Unity announce expanded supported for Steam, Native Linux, Steam Deck and Steam Machine
Unity announced expanded official support for Steam, including native Linux, Steam Deck, and Steam Machine. Previously, developers had to integrate Steamworks themselves, but Unity will now provide official build targets and targeted enhancements for its Linux runtime to improve native performance.
Steam Machine could be partly to blame for PlayStation's reported plans to step back from PC, Bluepoint dev suggests, and it'd be ironic if "Valve ultimately ended up winning the console war"
A Bluepoint Games developer suggests that the rise of the Steam Machine might be influencing Sony's reported decision to reduce PC ports of its single-player titles. This move is seen as ironic, as Valve's Steam Machine could potentially offer a superior experience by combining console simplicity with the breadth of PC gaming, leading to Valve potentially winning the console war.
Valve detail Steam Frame and Steam Machine Verified requirements at GDC 2026
Valve detailed the requirements for Steam Frame and Steam Machine Verified status at GDC 2026, with tweaked specifications compared to Steam Deck Verified. The Steam Machine Verified status expects 1080p at 30FPS, while the Steam Frame focuses on standalone play. Valve also addressed anti-cheat compatibility and the growing Linux desktop audience.
Steam Machine Pricing Psychology: Console Players Weigh Their PC Gaming Jump
Console players are evaluating the potential pricing of the upcoming Steam Machine, with many considering a jump to PC gaming due to perceived disadvantages in the current console market. The Steam Deck's success has highlighted Valve's ecosystem, but the Steam Machine's value proposition hinges on competitive pricing that balances convenience with component costs.
Xbox Project Helix price could be up to £1,100 claims insider
An insider suggests Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $900 and $1,500 (£700-£1,100) due to its high-end components and current RAM shortages. This potential price point aims to surpass Sony's PlayStation 6 in power, though it raises concerns about market competitiveness compared to existing consoles and upcoming PC gaming hardware like the Steam Machine.
