Valve is reportedly working on a new console, but early reports suggest it could be quite expensive – potentially costing as much as a full gaming PC, which might make it difficult for consumers to justify the purchase.
Okay, so as a gamer, one of the biggest things I’ve noticed is the price difference between consoles and PCs. You can get a Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X/S for way less than a really powerful gaming PC. It’s because companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are willing to make less profit on the console itself – they know they’ll make their money from selling us games! They basically eat some of the hardware costs to make it affordable for more people to jump in.
The Steam Machine Will Be Priced Like A PC
Linus Tech Tips recently got a chance to test the Steam Machine and inquired about how much it would cost. Valve explained that while they want the Steam Machine to be a good value, it will be priced similarly to a regular PC, rather than a traditional gaming console.
It’s understandable why Valve hasn’t announced a price for its console yet. Console costs are currently changing because of tariffs, and prices could easily shift significantly over the next year. Given the uncertain economic outlook for 2026, it’s a sensible move for Valve to wait. However, what Valve has said about the potential price is a bit worrying.
A High Price Point Could Doom The Steam Machine
As a big Steam fan, I’m really hoping the Steam Machine doesn’t price itself out of the market. If it ends up costing $800 or more, I think it’s going to struggle. Sure, Valve’s most dedicated fans will probably buy it no matter what, but it won’t attract the everyday gamer like the Steam Deck did. It feels like it’s aimed at people who love Steam but don’t have a powerful gaming PC, and if it’s too expensive, they might just give up on the idea altogether.
The Steam Deck gained popularity because it offered a similar experience to the Nintendo Switch, but with the added benefit of playing PC games – and its price made sense for what it offered. Unlike the Steam Deck, the Steam Machine isn’t designed for on-the-go gaming. If it costs as much as a full gaming PC, most people would likely choose a more powerful PC instead.
Valve’s current plans for the Steam Machine’s price seem a bit off, but they haven’t announced a final price yet, so they still have time to adjust. Hopefully, they’ll set a price that makes the Steam Machine affordable for most people.
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2025-11-21 20:38