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Will the shockingly powerful new Steam Machine make your gaming PC obsolete?
Valve is making a new type of gaming computer for your big screen TV. It’s called the Steam Machine. This new machine is like a video game console, but it is a powerful computer on the inside.
This isn’t the first time Valve has made something like this. They released an earlier version in 2015. Other companies like Alienware made those older machines. The new Steam Machine is different. It is made by Valve and is much more powerful.
What Makes the New Steam Machine Special?
The new Steam Machine uses a special operating system called SteamOS. This is the same system used in the popular handheld Steam Deck. SteamOS makes the machine fast and easy to use, just like a console. You can quickly stop and start your games. It also lets you use the Steam store, chat with friends, and save your games online.
Even though it’s easy to use, it’s still a full computer. You can install other apps or even a different operating system, like Windows. You can also connect a keyboard and mouse. This makes it very different from an Xbox or PlayStation.
Here are some of the key features:
- Powerful Internals: It has a new computer chip from AMD that is very fast. Valve says it is six times more powerful than a Steam Deck. This means it can play games with amazing graphics. It can even play games in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, which is very smooth.
- Lots of Memory and Storage: The machine has 16GB of fast memory. You can get it with a 512GB or a 2TB solid-state drive for storing your games. There is also a slot for a microSD card if you need more space.
- Good Connectivity: It has fast Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port for a stable internet connection. It also has Bluetooth for connecting headphones or controllers. It has many USB ports for your other devices.
- Customizable Lights: There is a light strip on the front that you can change to different colors.
A New Controller for a New Machine
Valve also announced a new Steam Controller. This controller has some cool features:
- No More Stick Drift: The thumbsticks use a special technology that should prevent them from wearing out and causing problems in your games.
- Trackpads for Precision: It has two trackpads, which can be used to control the mouse cursor in games that are designed for a PC.
- Long Battery Life: The controller can last for over 35 hours on a single charge.
When Can You Get It?
The new Steam Machine and Steam Controller will be available in early 2026. Valve has not announced the price yet. If the price is good, this new machine could be a big competitor for the PlayStation and Xbox. Along with the Steam Machine and Controller, Valve also announced a new VR headset called the Steam Frame.