Steam Machine Price Could Exceed Console Standards: Early Clues Suggest a Higher Tag
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Valve’s announcement of the Steam Machine—a hybrid
gaming device that blends the flexibility of a PC with the simplicity of a
console—has sparked intense debate over how much the system might cost.
Revealed alongside the new-generation Steam Controller and Steam Frame VR
headset, the device is set to arrive in early 2026.
While Valve has remained silent on pricing, early hints suggest that the Steam
Machine might exceed the traditional $500 console price model used
during the launches of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Speculation Builds Around Steam Machine Pricing
Ever since its November 12 reveal, fans have tried to
estimate what Valve will charge. Given that early hardware details suggest the
Steam Machine will land slightly below the PS5 and Xbox Series X in raw power,
many expected Valve to aim for the familiar $500 mark—long considered the sweet
spot for home consoles.
But recent comments from Linus Sebastian (Linus Tech Tips)
hint that Valve may be preparing something more expensive.
Linus Suggests Valve May Break the $500 Barrier
During the newest episode of the WAN Show, Linus shared an
interesting interaction with Valve while discussing the Steam Machine.
He revealed:
When he described being disappointed that the device wouldn’t follow the usual
"subsidized console model"—where the manufacturer takes a long-term
cut from game sales to lower the initial retail price—Valve representatives
asked him what he considered “console pricing.”
Linus responded: "$500."
According to him, the reaction in the room made it clear this may not be
the direction Valve is taking.
Although no explicit pricing was stated, the moment strongly
suggests that Valve could be preparing to price the Steam Machine above the
$500 threshold.
What Could the Final Price Look Like?
If Valve does indeed push beyond the standard console price,
possibilities include:
- $550
– matching the current PS5 disc model
- $600–$650
– on par with today’s Xbox Series X pricing
- Higher
– especially if Valve positions it closer to a compact PC rather than a
fixed console
And unlike traditional consoles, the Steam Machine is fully
PC-capable.
It ships with SteamOS, but users can install Windows and expand its use beyond
gaming. This flexibility alone could justify a higher price tag.
Rising Hardware Costs May Influence Valve’s Decision
The gaming hardware market has changed dramatically since
2020.
- Nintendo’s
Switch 2 launched at $450, notably higher than its predecessor.
- Portable
Windows gaming devices now regularly exceed $1,000.
- Sony
and Microsoft have both raised console prices post-launch.
With inflation, component costs, and enthusiast-level
features pushing prices upward, Valve may simply be responding to the new
economic reality.
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#SteamOS #TechUpdate #NextGenGaming #LinusTechTips #GameHardware
