Wednesday's unveiling by Valve Corp. introduced the Steam Machine, a cubical console for television-based PC gaming scheduled for early 2026 release without announced pricing, Bloomberg reported. Operating on SteamOS - the Linux-based interface debuted three years ago on Steam Deck - the device represents the Bellevue, Washington-based company's expansion beyond handheld gaming. Valve stated: "We've been super happy with the success of Steam Deck, and a lot of the feedback we've received from gamers about it is what encouraged us to expand the options for Steam users," according to Bloomberg.
Storage configurations include 512GB and 2TB models available standalone or bundled with Valve's new controller, which features magnetic thumbsticks and dual trackpads, Bloomberg noted. Breaking into the console market has challenged newcomers over the past decade as Nintendo Co.'s Switch and Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation dominated sales while Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox influence declined. Valve's Steam platform already serves more than 40 million daily active players and provides access to existing game libraries through the new machine, which delivers performance exceeding Steam Deck by more than six times with 4K resolution support at 60 frames-per-second, Bloomberg reported.
Wednesday also brought Steam Frame announcements - a virtual-reality headset launching alongside Steam Machine on SteamOS, Bloomberg noted. Valve's 2015 console market attempt involved partnering with external manufacturers for living-room PCs branded as Steam Machines, but brand confusion and high prices led to poor sales and discontinuation after three years. The experience drove in-house development for Steam Deck, which achieved greater success.
Valve hasn't disclosed exact Steam Deck sales figures, Bloomberg reported. A 2023 interview with Bloomberg revealed "multiple millions" of units sold and confirmed a new iteration was under development.