Valve has unveiled a new Steam Machine and redesigned controller, aiming to succeed where the 2015 version failed by leveraging Proton software for broader game compatibility. The compact device features advanced AMD hardware and runs SteamOS 3, positioning it as a console rival to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Release is planned for early 2026.
Valve's original Steam Machine, launched in 2015, struggled to attract gamers due to a limited selection of compatible games on Linux-based SteamOS and high costs. Senior engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais explained the shortcomings in interviews with Rock Paper Shotgun. Aldehayyat stated, “We learned from the first Steam Machines that we needed to make our developers’ lives a lot easier.” Griffais noted the catch-22: developers avoided the platform due to low user adoption, while users stayed away from the sparse game library.
The new Steam Machine addresses these issues through Proton, a compatibility layer that enables Windows titles on Linux, providing access to a massive catalogue of games from launch. Griffais highlighted the Steam Deck's success with SteamOS as evidence that Proton can reverse fortunes. Valve has also optimized SteamOS for desktop use, adding ray tracing support and improved responsiveness, with the system capable of 4K gaming at 60 frames per second.
Hardware details reveal a compact cube design, about 15 cm per side and weighing 2.6 kg, with a magnetic front panel and LED activity indicator. It uses custom AMD components: a 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen Zen 4 processor, Radeon RDNA 3 GPU with 28 compute units and 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and NVMe storage options of 512 GB or 2 TB, upgradable. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB ports, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4 for 4K at 240 Hz with HDR. Performance is expected to trail the PlayStation 5 in graphics but exceed it in CPU efficiency.
The redesigned Steam Controller draws from the Steam Deck and Xbox, featuring magnetic TMR analog sticks to prevent drift, high-definition haptics like Sony's DualSense, touch-sensitive grips for gyroscope aiming, and trackpads. It connects via a low-latency 8 ms wireless puck that doubles as a charger, with Bluetooth compatibility and an 8.39 Wh battery for up to 35 hours of use.
Valve positions the Steam Machine as a flexible alternative to consoles, emphasizing affordability in pricing, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. The early 2026 launch builds on the Steam Deck's popularity to blend PC versatility with console simplicity.