Valve Confirms Steam Machine Will Be Priced Like a PC — Not a Console
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A PC-Style Price Tag for Valve’s New Hybrid Device
Valve has addressed one of the biggest questions surrounding
its upcoming Steam Machine: the price. Instead of following
console-style subsidized pricing, the company says the device will be priced
similarly to a PC that delivers the same performance level.
While Valve isn’t ready to reveal exact numbers yet, it confirmed that the
Steam Machine’s cost will not fall into the traditional console bracket.
Why the Debate Started
Ever since Valve showcased the Steam Machine—alongside its
redesigned controller and the new Steam Frame VR headset—they avoided
mentioning prices. This sparked widespread guessing and debate among PC and
console enthusiasts.
On the Friends Per Second podcast, Valve programmer Pierre-Loup
Griffais explained that the team’s strategy mirrors PC hardware pricing
rather than PlayStation or Xbox models.
“If you build a PC with similar components and similar
performance, that’s the general price window we’re targeting,” Griffais noted,
adding that ongoing market fluctuations make it difficult to lock down numbers
right now.
Steam Machine Won’t Follow Console Subsidy Models
Both Sony and Microsoft typically sell gaming consoles at or
below cost to make profits later through subscriptions and digital game sales.
Valve, however, isn’t taking that route.
“It’s aligned with the current PC market,” Griffais
explained, saying that the Steam Machine should still feel like a strong value
for the performance it offers.
He also highlighted features rarely found in DIY gaming
setups:
- Ultra-compact
form factor
- Exceptionally
quiet cooling
- Support
for HDMI CEC
- Controller-based
power control
These creature comforts aren’t easy to replicate in a
custom-built PC.
Possibility of a More Powerful “Pro” Version
Valve is leaving the door open for future expansions.
Griffais hinted that a higher-spec “Pro” model could emerge later if
there’s enough demand.
For now, Valve believes the base specs achieve the right
balance between raw power and affordability.
Likely to Exceed $500
Following comments from Linus Sebastian (Linus Tech Tips)
predicting a price above the console-standard $500 mark, Valve’s remarks seem
to support that expectation.
With PS5 and Xbox Series X already above their original $500 launch prices, the
Steam Machine’s PC-comparable nature suggests it will also exceed that
threshold.
Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine, the new Steam
Controller and the Steam Frame VR headset in early 2026.
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#SteamFrameVR
