Valve's Steam Machine: specifications, design, and launch

Valve is back with its living room console in mini-PC format: living room console in mini-PC formatLooking for a spot next to the TV without sacrificing the flexibility of a PC. The proposal It wants to compete in the same space currently occupied by PlayStation and Xbox.but with the Steam ecosystem as its flagship.

The company confirms an ambitious goal: Play at 4K and 60 FPS thanks to FSR upscaling and ray tracing supportin a compact and quiet unit. The launch is planned for early 2026 And, as is already the case with Steam Deck, the purchase will be made directly through the Steam store in Spain and the rest of Europe.

What is Steam Machine and why is it coming back?

The first batch of Steam Machines failed to take off due to software limitationsBut the landscape has changed. Today el SteamOS support and the Proton Layer have proven their worth in DeckThis opens the door to a living room device with less friction and more games running out of the box.

In this generation, the approach is different: very compact cubic designwith a cooling system designed to perform well even when fitted into living room furniture. Furthermore, Will there be a bundle with the new Steam Controller or can it be purchased separately? controller, while maintaining compatibility with third-party peripherals.

The strategy also targets those who already use the ecosystem: stored in the cloud Title verification and certification are moved to this format, facilitating a more "plug and play" experience in the lounge.

Technical specifications confirmed

• CPU: AMD Zen 4 semi-custom, 6 cores / 12 threads, up to 4,8 GHz, 30 W TDP.
• GPU: AMD RDNA 3 semi-custom, 28 CUs, maximum sustained frequency of 2,45GHz, 110W TDP, 8GB GDDR6.
• Memory: X (SODIMM).
• Storage: 512GB NVMe 2230 SSD o 2 TB (depending on the model), high-speed microSD slot.
• Performance target: 4K/60 FPS with FSR y ray tracing (usual base resolution 1440p).
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (two antennas) and Bluetooth 5.3, 2,4GHz radio dedicated for Steam Controller.
• Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), 2 x front USB-A (USB 3), 2 x rear USB-A ports (USB 2), DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet 1 GbE.
• Television: compatibility HDMI‑CEC for control from the TV remote.
• Power supply: intern (without external brick); estimated system consumption around 200 W.
• Dimensions 162,4 × 156 × 152 mm (height 148 mm without legs); compact cubic design with 14 cm fan.

In addition to raw power, Valve emphasizes efficiency: The CPU uses around 30W and the GPU around 110Wwith a chassis optimized for quiet heat dissipation. The brand claims the machine offers a performance leap of six times regarding Steam Deck.

Design, consumption and cooling

The cubic chassis fits easily into the living room furniture and opts for a air intake/outlet organized around a 14 cm fanThis is key to maintaining low temperatures with less noise. The idea is to endure long sessions without sudden temperature changes or annoying noise spikes.

By integrating the source into the body itself, External adapters are avoided and the wiring is cleaner. Some models incorporate a customizable LED bar which reflects system states (boot, downloads, updates) and allows color adjustments or total shutdown if discretion is preferred.

In hand, and despite its small size, it conveys a sense of solidity. The weight and airflow suggest a generous cooling system, a key point to maintain 4K/60 with FSR and ray tracing in modern titles.

Connections and compatibility in the living room

The rear panel houses the video outputs DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0enough for 4K gaming on a TV or PC monitor. On the front, two high-speed USB-A ports make it easy to connect controllers or storage, while the rear features two more USB-A ports and one USB-C port for fixed peripherals.

On social media, there are Gigabit Ethernet for stable sessions and Wi-Fi 6E for internal streaming or fast downloads. Support HDMI‑CEC It simplifies use in the living room by allowing you to turn the TV on, off, or control menus with the remote control, and the background downloads They are already included, as in Steam Deck.

The slot microSD It not only expands storage: if you already use Deck, you can Move part of your library by changing the card. between devices. And although the new Steam Controller fits like a glove, the console is compatible with other PC controllers and peripherals.

Software: SteamOS, Proton, and Windows option

Steam Machine comes with Linux-based SteamOS, lounge interface and support for Proton for games designed for WindowsThe company will enable a compatibility badge similar to Deck's to guide users on how each game performs on this hardware.

For whoever needs it, Installing Windows will be possibleexpanding the catalog and uses of the equipment; in addition, it is advisable to review the compatibility of older games in modern Windows. Familiar features are still present such as suspension/resumption, cloud saves, Steam social overlays, and game profiles to control usage, resolution, or FSR.

Launch and availability in Spain and Europe

Valve is aiming for a release in early 2026 and will sell Steam Machine exclusively through the steam storeThere is no official price, although the company suggests it will be priced similarly to other home consoles. In any case, There will be two models (512 GB and 2 TB), and the controller can be purchased as a pack or separately.

With a more mature approach than a decade ago, the combination of AMD hardware positions Steam Machine as a real living room alternativeThe key will be the final price in Europe and how broad the catalog's compatibility is upon its arrival on the market.