The Steam Machine begins shipping June 29, 2026, but its $1,049 starting price has already raised eyebrows among gamers. The base 512 GB model does not include a controller, making Valve's new device significantly more expensive than a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and even some gaming PCs.

For those unfamiliar, the Steam Machine is a powerful and compact mini-PC capable of running the entire Steam library, including major AAA titles. It is essentially Valve's attempt at dedicated gaming hardware beyond the handheld Steam Deck.

Valve also shared a video on X showcasing the console's compact design.

The Steam Machine features one USB-C port and four USB-A ports for connecting a mouse and keyboard. It also supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with its AMD desktop-class CPU and GPU, while offering a built-in power supply, a 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E antenna, and Bluetooth 5.3.

The device runs SteamOS, which the Steam Deck and Steam Frame also use. The device comes in two storage options: a 512 GB model priced at $1,049 and a larger 2 TB model priced at $1,349.

Bundling it with a controller brings the prices to $1,128 and $1,428, respectively. If you already own a Steam Controller, support is built in for direct pairing.

Players must register on the official Steam website by June 25, 2026, using the link in Valve's X post. After entries close, Valve will randomize reservations and email players either a purchase link or their waitlist position.

That being said, the price of the Steam Machine has left many fans concerned.

Pricing concerns: how Steam Machine stacks up

The Steam Machine's base variant costs over $1,000. Comparatively, the PlayStation 5 costs anywhere between $599 and $649, depending on the edition.

Even the PS5 Pro 2 TB costs $899 brand new, while the Xbox Series X is priced at $649.99 and supports 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS. Meanwhile, a respectable gaming PC with a monitor and peripherals can be assembled for roughly $800 to $1,200.

The Steam Machine may simply be too expensive for the casual gamer, especially since the base variant does not include a controller.

Tom's Hardware reported RAM and storage price increases of more than 50% in Q2 2026, which could have affected the Steam Machine's final price. The device was originally intended to be cheaper, but rising component costs made it more expensive.

Overall, the Steam Machine could be a tough purchase to justify for many gamers. Would you buy one at its current price? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Prit Chauhan

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav