The Steam Machine – Valve’s new desktop gaming PC optimized for playing Steam games – is finally here, scheduled to launch on June 30. The standalone 512 GB model will be priced at $1,049, while the 2 TB model with a Steam Controller and two extra faceplates will cost $1,428.
With hardware performance described as roughly six times more powerful than that of the portable Steam Deck, the Steam machine is envisioned as a living room gaming PC. It comes with a cube-shaped chassis with sides measuring approximately 160 mm, with quiet operation aand high cooling capabilities highlighted as two of its selling points. Like the Steam Deck, Valve will introduce a “Verified” program for the Steam Machine to certify software compatibility.
AUTOMATON recently had the opportunity to conduct an email interview with the Steam Machine development team at Valve, who told us more about the hardware’s specifications and the ideas that went into its design. The respondents are as listed below:
Pierre-Loup Griffais (programmer)
Yazan Aldehayyat (engineer)
Lawrence Yang (designer)
── When establishing the Steam Machine’s specs, did you consult with game developers? If so, could you tell us about any revisions you made to specifications based on feedback you received (for instance, like when Nintendo increased the Switch’s memory in response to suggestions from Capcom)?
We worked with gamers and game developers inside and outside of Valve while developing Steam Machine to ensure we meet everyone’s needs.
──With the Steam Machine essentially being a desktop PC, I imagine there will be growing demand for hardcore games, but what are your plans for popular online titles that aren’t compatible with SteamOS?
We are continuing to work on support for various anti-cheat services. BattlEye and Easy Anti-Cheat are supported on SteamOS, but require developers to opt-in. Kernel-level anti-cheat remains a difficult technology to support on SteamOS, and we are continuing to work on it.
──I understand you developed the Steam Machine’s specs based on Steam’s hardware research, with the goal of allowing users to “play all games on Steam.” In terms of performance, were there any general targets, such as running AAA titles at 30 fps at specific graphic settings?
In order for games to be marked Steam Machine Verified, they must be able to hit 1080p at 30 FPS without customers having to change their settings at all – making it a great ‘out of the box’ experience.
──It’s not uncommon for a PC’s power consumption to be several times that of a game console, but how does the Steam Machine compare to a console in this respect?
The Steam Machine’s power draw during gameplay is very competitive compared to consoles and desktop PCs. In addition, we’ve optimized power consumption when idle and sleeping, so energy consumption is minimized even when you are not using the device.
──Compared to other compact gaming PCs, the Steam Deck had the clear advantage of SteamOS, which allows users to plug-and-play. However, with the Steam Machine, its competitors will be home consoles, where that kind of setup is already the norm. Also, in recent years, it has become common for popular indie games to be released on consoles too. Aside from being plug-and-play, what other ways do you plan to differentiate the product?
Steam Machine is all about giving customers more options to play their Steam library in more ways and more settings. As such, with Steam Machine, we’ve introduced features that previously did not exist in comparable mini or full-sized PCs – features like HDMI-CEC control – allowing deeper integration with living room TV setups, a dedicated BT antenna to improve connectivity, and Steam Controller integration.
──With the original Steam Link and Steam Deck, you promoted the concept of “playing PC games remotely.” How do you think the user experience differs between native and remote play?
It really comes down to use case and flexibility. With Steam Link and our remote play features, players can connect to and play Steam games from any of their devices with Steam installed. Depending on what the player is looking for, they might want to stream from their Steam Machine to their Steam Deck, from their desktop PC to their Steam Machine, or even stream to a mobile device running the Steam Link app.
──AMD plans to roll out its super-resolution technology, “FSR 4,” to RDNA 3 sometime in 2026. Do you plan to support FSR 4 on Steam Machines that use RDNA 3? Also, do you have a policy of recommending FSR 4 support as part of your efforts to popularize gaming on Steam Machines?
We’ve been working with AMD on FSR 4 support for Steam Machine and can confirm that it will be coming soon. We can’t say more about the timing, but we are excited for players to try it out on Steam Machine once it’s available. It should offer a significant improvement in upscaling graphical quality.
──While the Steam Deck could also be used as a Linux OS, I think that as a desktop PC, the Steam Machine has taken on an event stronger identity as a “Linux PC.” Are you making any updates to SteamOS’s PC mode to align it with the Steam Machine?
Similar to Steam Deck, Steam Machine has a built-in desktop mode that provides a familiar keyboard + mouse desktop user experience. We plan to continue making improvements across all of SteamOS, and this includes the desktop experience. We look forward to hearing more from our customers to learn what they’d like to see in future SteamOS features.
──Given that the Steam Machine is capped at 60 FPS and supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), is this intended to encourage users to use the 40 FPS mode? Is operation at 120 FPS not supported?
Steam Machine does not have a hard cap at 60 FPS. By default, we max out at what the connected monitor or TV is capable of, but users have the option of enabling higher FPS than the refresh rate of their display. But as you pointed out, VRR does provide a great experience even when a game is not locked to 60.
The Steam Machine will release on Jun 30. Reservations are now open.
