Valve is making waves in the gaming world with the announcement of the next-gen Steam Machine, a hybrid PC/console, alongside a refreshed Steam Controller. This marks a significant step as Valve revisits its erstwhile hardware ambitions.
The big reveal showcased the updated Steam Machine and Steam Controller’s features and specifications, yet notably omitted any mention of pricing. What we do know is that the Steam Machine will offer both a 512GB and 2TB model and will be available both in a bundle with the Steam Controller and standalone in 2026.
In terms of specs, the machine boasts a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C/12T CPU, a semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and supports 4K gaming at 60 frames per second with FSR. Valve claims the new Steam Machine is six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, featuring 16GB DDR5 and 8GB GDDR6 VRAM. The detailed specs for both the Steam Machine and Steam Controller are outlined below.
Valve’s Hardware Renaissance
It’s intriguing to see Valve return to this concept, given the lukewarm reception of the original Steam Machine released nearly a decade ago in November 2015. The idea was to create a compact gaming computer running SteamOS, offering a console-like experience at home. However, it didn’t gain significant traction, leading to most models being removed from the Steam store by 2018.
Today, Valve seems keen to re-enter the hybrid arena, possibly inspired by the ongoing trend of console/PC hybrids gaining popularity in the gaming industry. Other companies, like Microsoft, are also exploring this space, with their next-gen Xbox rumored to blend PC capabilities within a console framework.
The specifics of the next-gen Steam Machine’s release date and price remain a mystery, but the strategic timing of this announcement is no coincidence. As interest in versatile gaming solutions grows, Valve’s entry could shake up the market dynamics.
Gabe Newell, Valve’s CEO, commented on this new chapter: “We’ve been super happy with the success of Steam Deck, and PC gamers have continued asking for even more ways to play all the great titles in their Steam libraries. Our work over the years on other hardware and even more importantly on SteamOS has enabled Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame to do just that.”
For more details on Valve’s latest hardware announcements, a comprehensive roundup is available to ensure nothing is missed. Recently, we had the chance to explore the new Steam Machine and Steam Controller firsthand at Valve’s office, offering insights into their motivations for returning to this market.
Steam Machine features and specs:
Models
- 512GB model and 2TB model
- Steam Machine will ship in a bundle with Steam Controller and will also be available standalone
Specs
- CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP
- GPU: Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP
- Supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR
- Ray tracing supported
- Over 6x more powerful than Steam Deck
- 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- 512 GB & 2 TB SSD models
- micro SD card slot for expanded storage/ portable catalog
- Internal power supply, AC power 110-240V
1/0
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K@60Hz
- Supports HDR, FreeSync, and daisy- chaining
- HDMI 2.0
- Up to 4K @ 120Hz
- Supports HDR, FreeSync, and CEC
- Ethernet 1 Gbps
- USB-C 10 Gbps, 3.2 Gen 2
- 4x Type USB-A ports
- 2x USB 3 in the front
- 2x USB 2 in the rear
- 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, dedicated BT antenna
- Integrated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio
Other features
- Works with other controllers, accessories, and PC peripherals
- Wake with Steam Controller
- Runs SteamOS
- Familiar, gaming first user experience
- Fast suspend / resume
- Steam cloud saves, and all the other Steam features you’d expect
- Customizable LED bar
- Personalize with colors and animation
- Reflect system status (e.g. downloads, booting, updating)
Steam Controller features and specs:
Works with any device that runs Steam
- Windows / Mac / Linux PCs
- PC handhelds
- iOS / Android (with Steam Link)
- Steam Deck
- Steam Machine
- Steam Frame
Three ways to connect
- Steam Controller Puck
- Pre-paired, plug and play
- Proprietary wireless connection
- Low-latency (~8ms full end-to-end)
- 4ms polling rate measured at 5m
- More stable than Bluetooth
- Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Puck
- Bluetooth
- USB tethered play
Li-ion rechargeable battery
- 35hr+ play time
- Charge with Steam Controller Puck or USB
Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR)
- Improved responsiveness and reliability
- Capacitive touch
Grip sense
- Quick way to activate/deactivate gyro
- Assignable input
HD haptics
- 4x haptic motors
- 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback
- 2x High output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble
Full input list
- ABXY, D-pad
- L/R triggers, L/R bumpers
- Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR)
- View / Menu / Steam / QAM buttons
- 4x assignable grip buttons
- 2x trackpads with haptic feedback
- Pressure sensitivity for configurable click strength
- 6-axis IMU
- Capacitive grip sense