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Valve is wading into the hardware market once more with a beefed up lineup, including its new Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller. But with the hype still fresh, it’s hard to get a handle on whether these innovations are incredible or just run-of-the-mill.
The Steam Machine is being hyped as a console killer, and the Steam Frame is heralded as the everyman’s way into VR. But are these revolutionary products, or has the hype overtaken the practicalities of the announcement?
With their announcement, we’ve dived into the minutiae of the new line of Steam Hardware to assess whether they’re worth picking up when they release in 2026.
The Steam Machine is Valve’s entry-level PC analog built as either a way for new PC users to get on the wagon, or for existing users to pick up a second unit for use in a living room with a TV. Based on the specs of the average Steam user, and designed to play the games you know and love from the platform.
Price: The price is the biggest question for the Steam Machine right now. People are predicting anywhere between $500 to $1200. It’s a steal at either price in our opinion, but this will be the make or break moment for Valve.
Image Credit: Valve
Hardware Specifications
Verdict:
The Steam Machine is going to be a gamechanger in the world of $600 consoles and “everything being an Xbox.” A competitive hardware level that could easily be upgraded in future models. The price point, as we’ve mentioned, will be make or break. If this thing is in the same ball park as a PS5, it’s going to blow its competitors out of the water. Even if it’s PC priced, it’s a perfect option for people getting into the PC gaming space due to its plug-and-play capabilities and Valve level of quality.
Steam’s second controller after the 2015 original, the Steam Controller is essentially the same control scheme you’ve loved on the Steam Deck, but squashed down into the handhold form. This is great if you’re looking for an extra controller to match with your Deck or Machine, but might not beat out the old classics.
Price: No price has been announced yet, but we expect somewhere around $60.
Image Credit: Valve
Hardware Specifications
Connectivity
Power
Size & Weight
Verdict:
The Steam Controller is slick and well designed, with the quality you’d expect from Valve. But for the potential price point and difficulty of obtaining (this will be order only, and not available at retailers, most likely), it’s going to be a hard sell over a standard Xbox or PS controller. Even third-party controllers, which often come in at under $30 will match this. And if you’re a high-level gamer or competitor, then you’re likely going beyond the Steam Controller in your budget anyway.
The Steam Frame is Valve’s latest foray into VR and wearables. This thing is built for gaming, and sets itself apart from its competitors with just how bespoke for the task it is. Again the big thing will be the price. The Frame is impressive from a hardware perspective, but if it doesn’t challenge the market on its value, it could fall flat.
Price: Again, no price has been announced, but many are predicting between $500-$800 for this piece of hardware.
Image Credit: Valve
Hardware Specifications
Display & Optics
Cameras & Tracking
Expansion
Connectivity
Audio
Size & Weight
Software
Verdict:
Just like the Machine, the Frame will be defined by its price point. With its competitors consistently pushing towards the $1000 level, anything under will make the frame the obvious choice. It’s obviously not as powerful as the Apple Vision Pro, but it’s likely far cheaper, and has access to actual games and apps. Hardware-wises, it’s punching against the Meta Quest series, and could easily match it.
Featured Image Credit: Valve.
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