Steam Machine: Valve’s New Living-Room Console Announced

Valve has officially unveiled Steam Machine, a compact living-room console that brings true 4K, 60 FPS PC gaming to the TV with SteamOS, launching in early 2026 alongside a new Steam Controller and the Steam Frame VR headset. Pricing is unannounced, but performance targets and specs position it against current-gen consoles with the advantage of your existing Steam library.​

What was announced

Valve expanded the Steam Hardware family with three devices: Steam Machine (a mini console PC for the TV), a redesigned Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, a standalone VR headset, all optimized for SteamOS and shipping in early 2026. The reveal confirms console-class simplicity with PC flexibility, plus tight integration across the hardware lineup.​​

Key specs and performance of the Steam Machine by Valve

Steam Machine uses a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU, targeting 4K/60 gaming with FSR upscaling and ray tracing in a compact cube-sized chassis designed for media units. Valve cites performance at around six times a Steam Deck, aiming to run “every game on Steam” at 4K 60 Hz with upscaling in this form factor.​

• CPU/GPU: Semi‑custom AMD Zen 4 up to 4.8 GHz and RDNA 3 GPU at up to 2.45 GHz sustained clocks with a 110W GPU TDP for console‑class throughput.​

• Memory/Storage: 16 GB DDR5 plus 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM with 512 GB and 2 TB SSD models, plus microSD expansion for a portable catalog.​

• Connectivity: TV-first outputs and modern I/O aimed at living-room setups, with a compact footprint that fits under 15 cm shelves.​

Steam Machine Valve SteamOS and compatibility

Running SteamOS, Steam Machine promises a console-like experience that boots to the TV, with the same UX as Steam Deck and broad compatibility through Proton, plus “Steam Deck Verified” games automatically verified for Steam Machine. Desktop mode remains available for advanced users and sideloading non‑Steam apps, including Android APKs for flat or VR use cases.​

New Steam Controller

A new Steam Controller launches alongside Steam Machine, adding traditional analog sticks to Valve’s haptic touchpads, expanded customization, and long battery life, designed as the default input device while supporting third‑party controllers and peripherals.​​

Steam Frame VR

Steam Frame is a standalone VR headset that pairs with Steam Machine for living-room VR, while also supporting local and streamed flat‑screen modes and a configurable virtual cinema display for non‑VR gameplay. Valve positions the trio as a cohesive ecosystem for TV, desktop, and VR.​​

Release window and availability

Valve states a global rollout in early 2026, with wishlisting live now on the Steam Hardware page and more details to follow on regional availability and bundles. Pricing is not finalized as of announcement.​

Why it matters

Steam Machine is Valve’s most credible living-room push since the original Steam Machines era, now backed by Steam Deck’s mature SteamOS, Proton compatibility, and a clear 4K/60 target in a compact, console-like form. For UAE gamers and Indian expats, it promises a plug‑and‑play TV experience with PC-level performance and full access to existing Steam libraries, potentially undercutting high-cost gaming PCs while rivaling premium consoles.​

Quick specs snapshot

• Target: 4K/60 FPS with FSR and ray tracing in a compact console form factor.​

• Silicon: Semi‑custom AMD Zen 4 CPU + RDNA 3 GPU tuned with Valve firmware/software co‑design.​

• Models: 512 GB and 2 TB SSD options; microSD expansion; internal AC power supply.​

• Modes: Local/streaming flat‑screen, local/streaming VR, desktop mode, sideloadable Android APKs.​

• Timeline: Early 2026 launch; pricing TBA; wishlist now on Steam Hardware.