Valve Unveils New Steam Machine, Controller, and VR Headset for 2026 Release
Valve has provided further details on its new Steam Machine, a compact home console and PC hybrid, alongside a new Steam Controller and Steam Frame VR headset. Initially announced in November 2025, the hardware lineup is now targeting a release in the first half of 2026.
The Steam Machine features specific AMD components, runs SteamOS, and is designed to play PC games, with pricing anticipated to be comparable to entry-level personal computers. The company has attributed a delay in its initial launch target to component availability and rising prices.
Overview of New Hardware
Valve, the company known for the PC gaming platform Steam, unveiled a new hardware lineup in November 2025. This lineup includes an updated Steam Machine, a new Steam Controller, and a wireless virtual reality (VR) headset named Steam Frame. The products are now expected to launch in the first half of 2026, following an initial target of early 2026.
The new Steam Machine is designed to function as a home console for playing PC games on a television, while also serving as a personal computer. It represents an iteration of a device previously released under the same name in 2014, which was priced starting at $499 (£300).
Steam Machine Specifications
The new Steam Machine is described as a black, utilitarian PC measuring 5.98 x 6.39 x 6.14 inches. It incorporates a removable faceplate and a customizable LED light strip.
Key internal components include:
- Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU with six cores, up to 4.8GHz.
- Semi-custom RDNA3 AMD GPU.
- 16GB DDR RAM.
- 8GB GDDR6 VRAM.
- Storage options of 512GB or 2TB.
Valve stated that "the majority of Steam titles play great at 4K 60FPS" using AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).
The company also noted that some titles might require more upscaling, suggesting lower framerates with variable refresh rate (VRR) for a 1080p internal resolution could be an alternative in certain scenarios. Digital Foundry indicated that 8GB of GDDR6 memory could be a limiting factor for certain modern triple-A games, potentially falling short of VRAM and memory bandwidth available on some other current-generation consoles.
Connectivity features include:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Integrated 2.4GHz adapter for the new Steam Controller
- DisplayPort 1.4
- HDMI 2.0
- Four USB-A ports (two USB 2.0, two USB 3.2 Gen 1)
- One USB-C port
Software and Game Compatibility
The Steam Machine will operate on Valve's Linux-based SteamOS operating system. It is designed to run any game compatible with SteamOS, provided the device's technical specifications meet the requirements. Native Linux versions will be downloaded for games designed for the operating system, while Windows games will utilize Steam's Proton compatibility layer to function on Linux. Proton is developed by Valve in collaboration with CodeWeavers.
Valve intends to improve anti-cheat support on SteamOS with the introduction of the Steam Machine, citing an expectation of increased multiplayer game adoption as an incentive for developers to enable anti-cheat on the platform.
The company plans to extend its game verification program, currently applied to the Steam Deck, to include the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. This system categorizes games as Verified, Playable, Unplayable, or Unknown, based on factors such as controller support, default resolution, and Proton compatibility. Games verified for the Steam Deck will automatically be verified for the Steam Machine.
Pricing and Availability
Specific pricing and the exact release date for the Steam Machine and Valve's other new hardware have not been announced. The company's initial launch target of early 2026 has been delayed, with the new aim set for shipment in the first half of 2026.
This delay and a reevaluation of pricing are attributed to:
"limited availability and growing prices" of critical components, such as RAM, influenced by demand from the artificial intelligence (AI) industry.
Valve stated that the Steam Machine's pricing will be comparable to an entry-level PC with similar specifications and competitive with self-built PCs. This positioning suggests a price point that would likely exceed that of some current-generation consoles. Valve may offer the Steam Machine at multiple price points or in bundle deals.
Accessories and Related Hardware
The Steam Machine will include a proprietary controller. This controller is equipped with two large trackpads positioned at the bottom, which function as a computer mouse. The new Steam Controller, with its built-in 2.4GHz dongle, is expected to offer multiple input methods, including touchpads and gyroscopes.
The device is compatible with various Bluetooth controllers and other wireless accessories, as well as devices connected via its USB-A and USB-C ports. Steam Link technology will allow for streaming games from a Steam Machine to other devices, such as the Steam Deck, Steam Frame, or the Steam Link application.
The Steam Frame VR headset is reportedly positioned to sell for less than the $1,000 Valve Index, but potentially more expensive than the $300 Meta Quest 3S.