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Valve really got unlucky with Steam Machine timing, right?
- Thread starter Shogmaster
- Start date
winjer
Gold Member
One thing to consider is that it only uses 16GB of DDR5. Which is very expensive, but in a small amount that won't be as bad as with other pre-built.
And because it doesn't have all the bloatware that Windows 11 brings, it might not need all that much system memory.
The GPU uses GDDR6, which is a lot less expensive than GDDR7.
The Steam Machine might be unlucky in it's timing, but it might be the best bang for the buck machine in 2026.
And because it doesn't have all the bloatware that Windows 11 brings, it might not need all that much system memory.
The GPU uses GDDR6, which is a lot less expensive than GDDR7.
The Steam Machine might be unlucky in it's timing, but it might be the best bang for the buck machine in 2026.
playbignbox
Member
It depends on the point of view.
The fact that this generation is being extended due to this chaos could be beneficial from the perspective of the specs they chose; the machine won't become "outdated" quickly if the new generation takes a while to come out.
The fact that this generation is being extended due to this chaos could be beneficial from the perspective of the specs they chose; the machine won't become "outdated" quickly if the new generation takes a while to come out.
PlayStaytion
Member
When you see different phenomena happening at the same time, Ice Cube, GameCube, GabeCube, you know it didn't happen arbitrarily.
Boo Who?
Gold Member
phant0m
Member
what this guy said
but unfortunately, I don't think the Steam Machine is a good buy for anybody, really (if the $999 price is true). desperately needs RDNA4
If you want an easy, console-like experience you'll get much better performance from a PS5 Pro for 30% cheaper
if you want a PC the specs are not good for $1000+. just build your own and put bazzite/steamOS on it for 'best of both worlds'
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Physiognomonics
Member
They wanted to make a cheap machine by using available components they didn't have to RD. The main problem is the choice of ram.
But still considering the amount of cash they have, they really lack ambition. You would think they would be confident of selling 10 millions of machines LTD.
But still considering the amount of cash they have, they really lack ambition. You would think they would be confident of selling 10 millions of machines LTD.
Mortisfacio
Member
I don't personally want it, but I know some that do. I don't know how large the niche is, but there's enough gamers I've come across that want to enjoy PC gaming, but without the hassle of building one or dealing with drivers.
The idea of an entry point that's software managed by Valve, even extra incentive to not deal with Microsoft patching, but still getting the perks of PC gaming (like mods, no online subscription to play the game you already paid for, etc.) is enticing to some.
mckmas8808
Mckmaster uses MasterCard to buy Slave drives
They can't. Prices are going up too fast.
Trilobit
Absolutely Cozy
Not dealing with W11 and just being able to legally play a massive amount of PC games without much hassle actually sounds like a niche which hasn't been properly filled. Of course not something I'm personally interested in, but I can see relaxed non-console gamers smoking a joint and starting their SMs and enjoying themselves.
FalconPunch
Member
As far as I'm concerned, the steam cube is a poor value proposition as a pc and as a console. It's really stuck in no mans land.
It has the following problems:
With these specs, I cannot even see the point of such a device. If you're putting out a valve machine, it should be future looking. Instead, valve chose cheap hardware that's already expired before it releases.
It's essentially using the Nintendo hardware philosophy except the problem is that Nintendo has exclusives that causes consumers to purchase the machine. Valve has no such exclusives.
It has the following problems:
- It's very weak as a pc and has specs not built for longevity
- It has no real upgrade path to improve performance unlike normal pc
- If we look at it as a console, the rumored prices don't offer the same cost efficiency as a console
- Very few developers if any will optimize directly for the steam cube losing the optimization efficiencies that enable console like longevity
- It's weaker than a ps5 that came out 5+ years ago.
- It has no support for FSR4 and we're currently not sure if it'll support XESS.
With these specs, I cannot even see the point of such a device. If you're putting out a valve machine, it should be future looking. Instead, valve chose cheap hardware that's already expired before it releases.
It's essentially using the Nintendo hardware philosophy except the problem is that Nintendo has exclusives that causes consumers to purchase the machine. Valve has no such exclusives.
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Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
Your analysis isn't wrong, but from a vibes standpoint, the kind of person the Steam Machine is aimed at really doesn't know or doesn't care about that kind of stuff.
Shogmaster
Sloppy seconds
That would be 2nd half of 2027 for RDNA 5. We are stuck with RDNA 3.5 until then.
Shogmaster
Sloppy seconds
They would certainly know how it barely keeps up with PS5. And they would certainly find out from nerds on YouTube and such how SM quite doesn't hack it for the price.
Mr.Phoenix
Member
Having money doesn't mean you are smart... just ask Microsoft.Valve isn't stupid. This is a multi-million, even multi-billion-dollar company. They will have thought this through before bringing a console to market, securing components in time at competitive prices rather than buying overpriced parts five minutes before release.
sncvsrtoip
Member
Even in there wasn't ram problem, they try to introduce ps5/xsx performance level console like machine 5 years after their premiere, not best timing.
Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
To some extent yes, but the value proposition of a Steam Machine is maintained, despite price increases, because the price increases don't just affect the Steam Machine, but everything else the Steam Machine competes against too.
Of course inflation will price out customers who can't afford any luxury purchase above $900, but for the customer base who can still afford it, it's still an attractive option. Not to mention the potential non-gamer sales if the SM turns out to be a relatively decent general use PC, in a cute package, for casual users.
videogamedude
Member
yeah, timing is irrelevant... whether they made good choices or bad, they are in the same position relative to all other hardware as they were before any price changes
mindfreak191
Member
If that it gets priced right, scalpers will scoop it up in droves, gut it of it's ram and try to make profit on only that.
Sorcerer
Member
I read somewhere that Valve basically bought up "AMD's trash" to make these machines, they got a bargain in the process.
If I remember correctly there was speculation that Valve was ramping up production on the machines about 8 months ago. That would lead me to believe there is a warehouse full of these machines somewhere ready to go. They might be able to take a hit on the first wave of machines, but it won't be pretty for the second round most likely. If the price is right get one first wave, although with how they made people wait for the deck in waves, (I believe some pre-orders were 6 months out) this might be impossible.
I wonder if they limit the machines to first wave. Wait a while and open up pre-orders for a second round at a higher price point.
I have a feeling if I wanted one I will probably be shut out of first wave pre-order immediately if they strike the right price point. Assuming of course this does not flop altogether. Which history has proven can even happen to Valve.
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Rentahamster
Rodent Whores
I think that one of the overlooked aspect of this crazy inflation in prices is that regardless of the value proposition of the Steam Machine as a product, or any future all-in-one device, the mere components of the thing itself will have unusually high inherent and resale value.
Given a certain breakpoint of component inflation, even a piece of shit product is still worth something due to what it's made out of.
Sorcerer
Member
Unlikely they will launch them in different time frames. The entire marketing hinges of the eco-system of the Frame, Controller, Steam Deck. But yes, if nothing else I would gladly grab 3 Steam Controllers off the bat.
OGM_Madness
Member
Gabecube? More like...
Hawk The Slayer
Member
Extremely unlucky with the timing because 8Gb of VRAM was already pathetic a few years ago let alone now in 2026 which is a lot worse and a big insult to consumers.
The fact that it's better than a lot of Steam users current pc also won't work because all those folks would want to get a actual decent upgrade over their old pc that especially isn't limited by 8gb of vram. I was one of them a few months ago.
The fact that it's better than a lot of Steam users current pc also won't work because all those folks would want to get a actual decent upgrade over their old pc that especially isn't limited by 8gb of vram. I was one of them a few months ago.
Miyazaki’s Slave
Gold Member
I don't know how people come to such braindead conclusions. Valve has the most user hardware data of any company on this planet when it comes to what hardware their users have. If you think these specs were chosen out of the blue then you are either a) ignorant, b) shitposting, c) have no concept of hardware development, or d) all of the above.
People better jump on this deal as soon as they are made available for pre-order because the simple fact is the VAST majority of Valve users cannot hope to afford to upgrade their low to mid tier gaming systems. If you think ram is bad now wait until we hit Q3 of this year. 200% increase over Q3/Q4 25 and Q1 26 is nothing compared to reality that is heading our way this holiday season.
People are already grumbling about "deaths" in the pc hardware provider space before Q4 of this year.
People better jump on this deal as soon as they are made available for pre-order because the simple fact is the VAST majority of Valve users cannot hope to afford to upgrade their low to mid tier gaming systems. If you think ram is bad now wait until we hit Q3 of this year. 200% increase over Q3/Q4 25 and Q1 26 is nothing compared to reality that is heading our way this holiday season.
People are already grumbling about "deaths" in the pc hardware provider space before Q4 of this year.
Sorcerer
Member
Valve failed hard in 2015. Granted they did not make the machines and most vendors dropped out. Valve can make mistakes and overestimate need/want just like any other company.
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This post summarizes my thoughts as well. I have absolutely no idea who this product is even for.
The whole argument that "Well it's faster than XX% of machines on Steam" doesn't make sense if you think about it for a second. A LOT of machines on the hardware survey are internet cafes, Steam installed on a PC whose primary purpose isn't gaming, or being used by someone who's playing F2P or multiplayer slop games. Are you telling me those people are going to rush out and pay $700 for something that can't play the latest/greatest games or won't run a lot of the multiplayer games they want to play? Bullshit.
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Durin
Member
I think their part choices will likely save more than we expect, but RAM will hurt them for sure.
I'm hoping it's under $800 for it to have a chance beyond being a small niche. Some people will pay extra to have a device designed better for the TV than other PCs out of the box, and will get better support given the Steam Deck's track record.
I'm not the target audience though, just want that controller baby.
I'm hoping it's under $800 for it to have a chance beyond being a small niche. Some people will pay extra to have a device designed better for the TV than other PCs out of the box, and will get better support given the Steam Deck's track record.
I'm not the target audience though, just want that controller baby.
Baki
Member
Makes sense. These are low volume machines, they're not going to get any decent prices for the build, and it will be DOA if pricing is wrong. It makes sense to go back to the drawing board and wait out the market. It's not like they invested into a custom SOC or anything.
Kupfer
Member
Deck wasn't scalped because Valve did it right. You need an account in a good state and only one unit per account. I could get mine without a problem back then.
Miyazaki’s Slave
Gold Member
5070ti cards upwards of $900 USD now (if not more at nation wide retailers like best buy). I find it difficult to connect the failures (in your words) from 2015 to what Valve is doing now especially given the catastrophe facing the PC gaming industry currently.
If anything Valve is positioning themselves to be the only game in town when it comes to providing an affordable prebuilt pc rig that people (in this case people does NOT refer to all us neck beards with multiple 5090 cards) can pick up, connect to their living room TV, and start playing their steam library.
I am the first person in line with flaming pitchforks when it comes to Gaben...I think he is a super villain...but compared to the likes of samsung, nvidia, microsoft, and skyhinx...Value might be the only bulwark against a complete industry shift to "cloud first" gaming.
PeteBull
Gold Member
Thats not how capitalism works, if they launch gabecube they want more profits(not revenue, profits) so they will make sure price of that hardware is enough to cover all ram shortages, its not 2006 sony that was losing 200$ on each 599$ ps3.
Rememeber Gabe just bought his new yacht in november, that stuff isnt cheap
Sorcerer
Member
Not saying they will fail necessarily, just that they can. I find humor in how I love Valve and taking the more negative approach and you have negative views on Gabe and think Valve is positioned to succeed. The irony is making my day!!! Pretty Funny!!!. Have a great Weekend!!!
Also, the fact that Valve had to fail to bring us Proton and this current day Steam Machine.
If Valve had actually succeeded the first time, we would all be playing games on native Linux I suppose.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
Valve could practically lock in a win by making their Steam console the easiest place to start gaming. Bundle access to a curated, rotating library of titles with the device and make the value immediate: buy in, plug in, log in, and you already have great games waiting. No extra barrier to entry, like Sony and Nintendo locking multiplayer behind a paywall (valving out loud!). The more people who adopt the console, the more leverage Valve gains with developers looking for visibility on the platform.
Fuck shit up Valve!
Fuck shit up Valve!
Sorcerer
Member
The only problem with this is it would lessen the perceived value of the "Steam Sales" (Valve's trump card). The big selling point becomes the free games not the cheap games. I don't think Valve wants that. (I don't believe you are referring to a sub). There are tons of free games on Steam of course, but they are not particularly highlighted, and the majority don't set the world on fire.Valve could practically lock in a win by making their Steam console the easiest place to start gaming. Bundle access to a curated, rotating library of titles with the device and make the value immediate: buy in, plug in, log in, and you already have great games waiting. No extra barrier to entry, like Sony and Nintendo locking multiplayer behind a paywall (valving out loud!). The more people who adopt the console, the more leverage Valve gains with developers looking for visibility on the platform.
Fuck shit up Valve!
Also, it really hasn't worked for Epic. People grab the games, probably never play them. Fortnite keeping them alive though.
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Felessan
Member
Any entry level PC/notebook can do it too without having to subsidize crowd who will be on your platform anyway
A lot of people just have a strong wish that someone else sell them things cheap even when it has zero business sense
DenchDeckard
Moderated wildly
Yeah. I feel for valve hear. Absolutely the WORST timing to try and release a mini pc
Idleyes
Gold Member
It wouldn't replace Steam sales, it would feed them. I'm not talking about new releases, just older titles. The bundled library would be a discovery hook: people can try games they missed, wishlist the sequels, buy during sales or grab sequals at laucnh, DLC's for the older titles, and newer entries. yada yada yada.
Felessan
Member
Putting banner of sale on store main page with big font "-80%" is much cheaper
And your idea will just increase price of box from 1000$ to 1100$ as Valve has no reason to pay for you
Idleyes
Gold Member
That's assuming the audience is the same. It isn't. A console-style Steam device with a built-in library isn't aimed at existing PC users, it's for people who don't want to build a pricey PC, shop for parts, and then immediately have to buy a game library on top of the hardware. The bundle isn't a subsidy for people already on Steam. It's an onboarding tool to pull in users who otherwise wouldn't enter the ecosystem at all. More users means more wishlists, more engagement, and more sales. It expands the market instead of discounting it.
And even current PC users might bite if the value is there. I'd consider a Steam box when one of my PCs needs upgrading, but right now, the hardware alone doesn't offer me anything I don't already have or couldn't get elsewhere.
You're seem to think this is just me wanting cheap stuff with no business logic. I see it differently, assuming a company should only focus on its current audience instead of expanding into new ones is what doesn't make business sense to me.
Sorcerer
Member
It's sort of a Gamepass situation. I remember Phil touting that Gamepass subscribers bought more games than non-subscribers. Phil Please!!!
If you give people the low hanging fruit, they aren't going to see a need to spend more money if you place the free stuff in front of them. You are keeping them plenty busy with the free games. Why shell out for more stuff you won't ever get to play most likely?
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