Valve is once again targeting living room gaming with a console-like setup. The firm unveiled an updated Steam Machine and Steam Controller, enabling PC titles to run on televisions much like the Steam Deck handles portable play. The duo is slated for an early 2026 debut.
Functioning as a console alternative, the Steam Machine is essentially a small-form-factor PC equipped with the Linux-based SteamOS. Its rectangular design includes a swappable front panel and an LED illumination bar, front access to a USB-A slot and microSD reader, plus rear connectivity via DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and Ethernet. The internals rely on Valve's termed 'semi-custom AMD Zen 4' processor paired with a 'semi-custom AMD RDNA3' graphics unit, featuring 16GB DDR5 plus 8GB GDDR6 memory, alongside SSD options of 512GB or 2TB.
According to Valve, the Steam Machine delivers about six times the performance of the Steam Deck and handles 4K resolution at 60 frames per second using FSR technology. The company positions it additionally as a streaming hub for intensive titles to the Steam Deck, the newly revealed Steam Frame VR headset, or compatible Steam Link hardware.
Although compatible with standard Bluetooth gamepads, the Steam Machine pairs with Valve's bespoke input device. The redesigned Steam Controller incorporates the full array of Steam Deck inputs into a cordless format, encompassing analog sticks, action buttons, rear grips, analog triggers, shoulder buttons, trackpads for cursor emulation, and motion sensing. It supports Bluetooth wireless or USB tethering, and comes with a dock that serves as both a charger and a low-latency radio broadcaster.
Similar to its predecessor, the Steam Controller allows per-game input reconfiguration with shareable setups. It integrates seamlessly across Steam-supported platforms, such as the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame.
Valve omitted pricing details in the reveal. Initial prototypes indicate an aim for market parity with comparable desktops and peripherals. However, the boosted capabilities suggest it may not match the launch value of the $400 Steam Deck.