Valve’s Gaming Console Steam Machine Returns: A New Era for the Gaming Ecosystem
After more than eleven years since its initial, unsuccessful attempt, Valve is making a new entry into the console market. The Steam Machine is now available, and this time, the timing is more favorable. Coinciding with the official launch, MetaPCs has introduced the Steamroller, a ready-made desktop PC that also runs on Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS. This operating system has largely gained recognition thanks to the handheld device, Steam Deck, but is now expanding into new form factors.
Third-Party Hardware: The Steamroller Is Available for Pre-Order
MetaPCs has opened pre-orders for its Steamroller desktop, priced at €1,299. This system comes pre-installed with SteamOS, saving the manufacturer around €100 in licensing fees that typically accompany Windows-based gaming PCs. The casing is designed by Jonsbo (Model D32), while internally, it boasts an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X and a Radeon RX 7600.
Additional specifications include 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1 TB NVMe SSD, and a 240 mm liquid cooling system. Deliveries for pre-orders are expected to begin from July 3, 2026. The Steamroller marks the first traditional desktop from a third-party manufacturer running on SteamOS, signaling that Valve’s strategy, following the success of the Steam Deck, is extending into the tower segment.
Valve’s Official Console: Two Models at Premium Prices
Valve’s official Steam Machine is available in two versions: 512 GB of storage for €1,049 and 2 TB for €1,349. These prices significantly exceed the initially anticipated €750, attributed to skyrocketing DRAM costs, which have surged by 170% year-over-year. It’s no surprise that scalpers are already reselling reservations for €2,700 to €2,900.
The new Steam Machine starts at €1,049, but scalpers drive prices up to €2,900. Alternatively, users can build their own console with our guide, as SteamOS now runs on custom-built PCs. Request our free building guide.
The technology is based on a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 architecture with a 6-core, 12-thread processor and an RDNA 3 GPU featuring 28 compute units. The graphics performance is comparable to a Radeon RX 6600, while the CPU power is akin to a Ryzen 5 3600. Memory comes in at 8 GB GDDR6.
SteamOS 3.8: The Key to Success
The launch is accompanied by SteamOS 3.8, a version optimized for broader hardware compatibility. As Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirmed, the system can now be installed on custom-built PCs, including support for Nvidia and Intel components.
The update SteamOS 3.8.10 enhances compatibility for desktops, laptops, and handhelds. For DIY enthusiasts, this means they can create their own “Steam Machine” without needing Valve’s official hardware. Industry watchers see this as a pivotal difference from the failed attempt in 2015, stating, “Back then, there was no mature ecosystem. Today, SteamOS is stable, supported by the developer community, and increasingly positioned as a genuine alternative to Windows 11.”
VR Headset on the Horizon; Delays for the Controller
Furthermore, SteamOS 3.8 now supports Nvidia and Intel hardware, making it ideal for DIY consoles. With our checklist, you can find the best components for building your own Steam Machine. Get the checklist via email.
Besides the console and desktop, other hardware innovations are also on the horizon. Reports from the XR scene note that deliveries of VR devices to Valve’s US warehouses began on June 10, 2026, likely including the Steam Frame headset. Given the delivery patterns of the Steam controller, an official announcement could be expected in the coming weeks.
However, the outlook for the new Steam Controller is less favorable. Global supply chain issues and component shortages are delaying deliveries, pushing reservation windows further back. Initial shipments are not expected until at least September 2026, with some deliveries possibly extending into 2027.
