The new Steam Machine has finally been confirmed by Valve, after much speculation. But will this “living room Steam Deck” be a good option for retro gamers?
It was back in 2014 when I first felt that the idea of a Steam-based gaming PC was something I could get on board with.
At that point, I was tired of the Wii and the Xbox 360, and wanted to play PC games the way I played console games. So, the idea of the Steam Machine was something that really resonated with me. As it was, I opted to build my own, but was ultimately left disappointed — the interface was great, but Proton and all the other compatibility projects were still some way off.
Even with the original Steam Controller and the Steam Link, it would be some years before the tantalising possibility of Steam on my TV would become a reality, with the purchase of the Steam Deck and the official Steam Deck Dock (I’ve tried third party units, and they’re not up to the same standard of reliability).
I understand that around 20% of Steam Deck users have their device almost permanently docked with their TV. I’m one of them, so I can see why Valve has returned to the notion of the Steam Machine.
The question is, will you want one when it is released in 2026, and will it be suitable for retro gaming?
Valve unveils new Steam hardware: new console, a new controller, and Steam Frame
Steam Machine system specs
Valve now has a full range of hardware to accompany the Steam Deck and Dock. I’ve made it an unofficial mission to collect all of Steam’s hardware, so I’m going to have my work cut out with the new Steam Machine, plus an updated controller, and a VR headset that I don’t really want… (I can’t handle VR!)
| Component | Specification | Details |
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 | 6 Cores, 12 Threads, clocked up to 4.8 GHz. (30W TDP) |
| GPU | Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 | 28 Compute Units (CUs), 2.45 GHz max sustained clock. (110W TDP) |
| VRAM | 8GB GDDR6 | Dedicated graphics memory. |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 | Main system memory. |
| Storage | NVMe SSD | Two models available: 512GB or 2TB. |
| Storage Expansion | MicroSD & M.2 | High-speed microSD card slot and support for M.2 2230/2280 NVMe SSD replacements. |
| Target Performance | 4K 60 FPS | Achieved using AMD FSR upscaling, with Ray Tracing support. |
| Video Output | DisplayPort 1.4 | Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K @ 60Hz. Supports HDR, FreeSync, and daisy-chaining. |
| HDMI 2.0 | Up to 4K @ 120Hz. Supports HDR, FreeSync, and CEC. | |
| Ports | USB | 4x USB-A ports (2x USB 3 in front, 2x USB 2 in rear) and 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps). |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet and 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, plus Bluetooth 5.3. |
How is the new Steam Machine retro?
Now, you’re wondering why I’m discussing a new home PC AAA gaming solution on a retro gaming site. Fair enough. Regular readers may recall that the first game I installed on the Steam Deck was the re-release of Zool, the classic 16-bit platformer I first played on the Amiga. The depth of the Steam library means that a ton of retro games are represented, and that’s before we start to talk about emulation on the Steam Deck.
There is no reason to think that the Steam Machine won’t be able to handle the same emulation suites — the microSD card slot would seem to indicate an opportunity for software like Batocera or RetroDeck, for example.
Like the Steam Deck, it is also likely that you will be able to install software like Heroic to run titles in your GOG and Epic Games libraries.
And if that doesn’t suit, Valve will let you install your own operating system. I mean, it’s a PC, it will handle everything you need it to… it’s a dream, really.
Meanwhile, the small form factor doesn’t just result in all of that hardware being squeezed into something that looks like a cube with an LED strip. It’s also an ideal target for accessories. We’re already hearing about a range of skins for the computer, not least a Portal-inspired Companion Cube design.
How much will the Steam Machine be?
If you’re interested in a Steam Machine, it’s likely to be priced around the same area as a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The hardware is more or less on par with those systems, but it is a PC, it’s compact, and has dedicated hardware.
I would estimate the low end will be around £599, but you could be paying as much as £1200 for this compact PC gaming system if it is offered with multiple storage options.
The Steam PC is your Xbox Series replacement
But it’s not really a PC in the traditional sense, unless you specifically want it to be (any more than the Steam Deck is). Instead — and I’m aware this is a big shout in the minds of many — it’s your new Xbox.
MIcrosoft’s struggles with the Xbox Series have been widely discussed elsewhere, so I’m not going to go too deep into them. Let’s just say that PS5 sales have reached 84.2 million, compared with Xbox Series X|S, which is estimated to have hit around 28.3 million in 2024. Meanwhile, Xbox lead Phil Spencer offered compliments through gritted teeth when the Steam Machine appeared.
By focusing on its enterprise AI offering, Microsoft has essentially cast Xbox adrift. Layoffs at the game studios it bought are symptoms of this, as is the increased focus on Xbox as an app, rather than hardware. This is bad for supporters of the Xbox range, but brilliant for Valve’s Steam Machine, and by extension, retro gamers and lovers of retro games who also want access to their contemporary AAA titles.
Me and Microsoft
It’s fair to say I don’t have a great deal of respect for Microsoft. This is an accumulation of many things, from unnecessary withdrawing of hardware (I was 100% onboard with Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile) to its historical issues with buyouts and monopoly tactics. I also believe its co-founder and part-time technology advisor to be a malign influence on world affairs, and consequently I don’t put a single penny in Microsoft’s direction.
And yes, I use Linux.
So, for me, the Steam Machine’s revival is extremely welcome.
Fancy a Steam Machine?
If you’re interested in the Steam Machine, check it out on Steam and look out for what might be the greatest home gaming system ever going live in 2026.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
