Valve has officially launched the commercial sale of its Steam Machine, marking a significant entry into the competitive console market. After sending out purchase invitations to interested customers, Valve will begin shipping these compact living room PCs starting Tuesday, June 30th. Prices for the Steam Machine range from €1,049 for the 512 GB model to €1,428 for the 2 TB version, which includes a controller.
Powerful Yet Not Quite PS5 Level
The new Steam Machine operates on SteamOS, which achieved a market share of 5.33% as of March 2026. The latest version, 3.8, supports both Nvidia and Intel components. Thanks to the Proton compatibility layer, approximately 90% of the Steam library can run on this device. The hardware performance is akin to an RTX 3060, enabling smooth 1080p gaming at 60 frames per second for most titles. Marketing materials even tout the device’s capability for 4K gaming with FSR technology, although FSR 4 is expected in the future. However, industry experts assert that despite its higher price tag, the Steam Machine is somewhat less powerful than a PlayStation 5.
A Minor Setback: Anti-Cheat Limitations
A notable drawback is that games utilizing kernel-based anti-cheat systems, such as Valorant, Call of Duty, Battlefield 6, Fortnite, and various EA Sports titles, are still incompatible with the Steam Machine. While SteamOS is optimized for gaming, many users still prefer Windows for maximum software compatibility. Unfortunately, Windows can often be a source of frustration due to updates and system errors. This has led some users to opt for a Linux alternative. A free Linux start package offers guidance on installing Ubuntu alongside Windows, as a swift and secure option for gaming.
Supply Chain Issues Driving Prices Up
The launch coincides with intense pressure on global supply chains, with prices for DRAM memory skyrocketing by 170% compared to the previous year. Valve, according to their reports, wanted to set lower prices, but the soaring costs of memory and components have made this unfeasible.
In light of the situation, a black market is starting to emerge. Despite Valve implementing a reservation system with a random factor to curb automated purchases, Steam Machine reservations are appearing on eBay for prices as high as €2,899.
Expanding Ecosystem and Alternatives
Whether as a gaming PC or an office computer, users dissatisfied with Windows’ error messages or high hardware costs can find stability in the Linux ecosystem. With the free start package, including a full version of Ubuntu, older devices can be revived and secured.
Valve’s official hardware is also helping expand the range of SteamOS-compatible devices. The manufacturer MetaPCs has initiated pre-sales for its “Steamroller” PC, priced at €1,299, set to ship from July 3, 2026, in the U.S. and Canada, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and a Radeon RX 7600.
In the DIY space, enthusiasts have already developed 3D-printable enclosures for mini-ITX builds inspired by the Steam Machine’s compact design. However, caution is advised with offers on international platforms like Taobao, where a supposed clone is listed at €688, with specifications deemed physically impossible by experts.
Valve’s official Steam Controller is expected to follow in September 2026, further contributing to the growing Steam ecosystem.
