$1,049 is steep. Not worth it. The value proposition, though, is where things get interesting - it's essentially a premium ticket to the PC gaming world, tailored specifically for living room setups, and that's a hard sell to pass up, considering the versatility and customization options that come with it.
Quick Facts — Steam Machine
| Developer | Universal Studios Hollywood Hub |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | PC |
| Score | 8 |
| Price | $1049 (512GB), $1349 (2TB) |
You'll get a real PC with Steam Machine. It's for gaming, sure. The design is living room-friendly, we've seen that. Valve made it clear: this is a PC, not a console. They've done a good job with out-of-the-box readiness, too. It's worth mentioning that you can use it for other things, like productivity, with Linux on board. The higher cost is a thing, though, compared to base consoles like those from Microsoft or Sony, released in recent years, including 2020 models.
<strong>Steam Machine: A $600 Gamble?</strong>
It's small. The Steam Machine is a tiny thing. You'll love the minimal look, for sure. We've got a swappable faceplate, which is a nice touch. Here's the thing: the 6-inch cube design is pretty sleek, with a customizable RGB light strip at the bottom, it's a key feature. The single fan cooling system works well with a large heatsink, keeping things cool without needing a lot of airflow, making shelf placement a viable option, which is worth mentioning.
It's got ports in the right spots. You'll find three up front: two USB-A and a MicroSD. The back has six, including HDMI and DisplayPort for gaming, plus Ethernet and Power. They've also included two more USB-A and a USB-C, which is pretty handy. The power connector is the same as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, so you can swap it out easily if you need to.
Steam Machine's $499 GPU Problem
The Steam Machine is weaker. It's not as strong as the base PS5 or Xbox Series X. You'll get a different experience with it, though - the real feel of PC gaming in a compact package. The RAM crisis is a thing, it's driven up costs, for sure. They've kept the pricing competitive, which is key, with similarly specced PCs, considering its ease of use and that compact form factor, it's worth mentioning.
It's a breeze. The Steam Machine is plug-and-play, you'll get gaming fast. Launching into Steam Big Picture mode is instant, we've seen this work well with many games. Tweaking settings is pretty straightforward, no fuss. For you, the more adventurous type, accessing the Linux desktop is an option, it offers deep customization. You can install various programs, which is worth mentioning, it makes the Steam Machine more useful in the end.
Steam Machine’s $500 Gamble Fails Gamers
It's pricey. You'll pay more. The cost is high. For newcomers to PC gaming, the Steam Machine is a solid choice. We've seen it work well for those seeking a hassle-free entry point or experienced gamers needing a living room PC solution, it's a key option.
"the Steam Machine isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you have the budget, it’s an incredible device to hook up to your TV."
Reviewer
"it’s easily the best living room PC I’ve ever used, despite being a bit weaker than either of the base consoles,"
Reviewer
Verdict
The Bad Gamer Take
Valve will continue to cater to the premium PC gaming market with the Steam Machine because its design and customization options offer a unique experience. The high price point of $1,049 will be a major hurdle for widespread adoption, but Valve will likely maintain a loyal customer base. WATCH for Valve's future updates to the Steam Machine's hardware and software to improve its value proposition.
It's pricey. You'll get ease of use. The Steam Machine is a solid choice for entry-level PC gaming or living room PC use, with a unique mix of customization and open possibilities, making it worth the cost for the right user, in a way that's pretty hard to find with other devices, we've seen this before with other premium products.
Key Takeaways
- Priced at $1049 (512GB) and $1349 (2TB), competitive with similarly specced PCs.
- Ready to play out of the box with Steam Big Picture mode.
- Customizable with swappable faceplates and RGB light strip.
- Single fan cooling system with a large heatsink for efficient temperature management.
