After months of rumor and speculation, Valve revealed its new Steam Machine console in November 2025, to the surprise of many. The announcement wasn’t advertised and, aside from some insiders, wasn’t expected. But then it happened, a new Steam Machine revealed nearly 10 years to the day of the release of Valve’s first attempt at the living room console space.
Valve’s newest piece of hardware—aside from the Steam Controller and Steam Frame VR Headset—is aiming to bring PC gaming to the living
Ahead of its release in 2026, there’s plenty to learn about the Steam Machine. That’s why Insider Gaming has put together a one-stop shop of information with everything you need to know about the Steam Machine. This page will be updated regularly as any news breaks, so bookmark it and check back often for the latest.
Everything We Know About The Steam Machine
The Steam Machine was announced on November 12, 2025, as part of a major announcement of the latest Valve hardware. In addition to the affectionately named “Gabecube”, Valve revealed the Steam Frame VR Headset and its second Steam Controller.
Steam Machine Release Date
When the console was announced in November, Valve said that the Steam Machine would release in early 2026. As of writing, Valve still hasn’t confirmed an official release date. If you want to narrow down a window, it’s expected to launch by April 2026.
More details on a release date are expected to come after the start of the new year. That’s also when you’ll be able to find out where you can buy a Steam Machine for yourself.
How Much Will The Steam Machine Cost?
Like the release date, Valve has yet to reveal the price of the Steam Machine. What’s happened since the announcement, though, has been plenty of speculation.
Many fans believed that it would be priced like a traditional video game console. However, Valve has confirmed that it will, instead, be priced as PC because, as you’ll see later on, it is a fully functional computer.
When it releases, there will be two Steam Machine models to choose from: 512GB and 2TB. There will also be an option to buy a bundle that includes the Steam Controller.
That means a variety of prices will be available. There will be one price for the 512GB version of the Steam Machine and a different, more expensive price, for the 2TB. There will also be separate prices for the bundles with the new Steam Controller.
What Are The Steam Machine Specs?
When the Steam Machine was announced, the first thing everyone wanted to know was how powerful will it be. Based on the confirmed specs, it is being targeted to compare to most entry level gaming PCs.
Valve says that the system can support 4K 60FPS gaming when using AMD FSR. If you are just looking for 1080P gaming, you should have no problem reaching those numbers on higher settings.
The Steam Machine will feature an Arch-based SteamOS 3 but can support other operating systems if desired. It includes 16GB DDR5 RAM, an internal power supply, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Where some might be disappointed is the fact that it’s video outputs are DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. The older technology could limit quality in the coming years as opposed to just including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 or 2.1.
You can check out full details on what’s inside the Steam Machine below.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T Up to 4.8 GHz, 30 W TDP |
| GPU | Semi-custom AMD RDNA3 28 CUs 2.45 GHz max sustained clock, 110 W TDP |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 + 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| Power | Internal power supply (AC 110-240 V) |
| Storage | Two models: • 512 GB NVMe SSD • 2 TB NVMe SSD Both include a high-speed microSD card slot |
| Wi-Fi | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 with dedicated antenna |
| Steam Controller | Integrated 2.4 GHz Steam Controller wireless adapter |
| Displays | DisplayPort 1.4: Up to 4 K @ 240 Hz or 8 K @ 60 Hz / HDR, FreeSync, daisy-chain support HDMI 2.0: Up to 4 K @ 120 Hz / HDR, FreeSync, CEC support |
| USB Ports | Front: 2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports Back: 2 × USB-A 2.0 (high speed) + 1 × USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet |
| LED Strip | 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs (for status and custom lighting) |
| Size & Weight | Size: 152 mm tall (148 mm without feet) × 162.4 mm deep × 156 mm wide Weight: 2.6 kg |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) |
| Desktop Environment | KDE Plasma |
Steam Machine General Features
The Steam Machine is a uniquely designed system that looks like nothing Valve has ever released. As mentioned, it’s a PC in a box that’s designed to make it easier to quickly play your PC games on your TV.
Size wise, it’s just under 6″ tall, about 6.3″ deep, and just over 6″ wide. Its small size should allow it to fit discretely in more entertainment centers. There is a large fan on the back aimed at keeping the internal power supply and other components cool at all times, and that’s kind of what the box is designed around.
On the back there are two USB-A 2.0 ports and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 3 port to go along with video outputs, ethernet, and power connector. The front of the box includes two USB-A 3.2 ports, a microSD slot, power button, and indicator LED. There are also two features on the front to give the Steam Machine a unique look.
First, the system allows swappable faceplates similar to the Xbox 360. The plate is magnetic for easy removal, and there’s sure to be a number of third-party designs available when the system releases. For those who want to make their own, Valve is planning on making 3D files available as well.
Under the faceplate is a customizable LED strip that will let you change colors and animations for things like download progress, console updates, errors, and more.
Are you going to pick up a Steam Machine? Leave your thoughts down below and join the official Insider Gaming Discord server. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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