Valve is resurrecting its living room gaming ambitions with the Steam Machine, a new console-like PC launching in 2026 alongside the Steam Frame VR headset and Steam Controller. Unlike the original 2015 Steam Machine program that relied on third-party manufacturers, this new device is a Valve-designed console sibling to the Steam Deck. The black, cube-shaped PC features a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU with six cores up to 4.8GHz and a semi-custom RDNA3 GPU, along with 16GB DDR RAM, 8GB GDDR6 VRAM, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB.

Valve claims the majority of Steam titles will run at 4K 60fps using AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution, though some games may require lower internal resolutions. Digital Foundry has expressed concerns about the 8GB VRAM potentially limiting performance for modern AAA titles compared to current consoles. The device supports Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, and includes DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 outputs, along with multiple USB ports. Valve hasn't announced pricing but suggests it will be positioned closer to the entry level of the PC space, likely making it more expensive than a PS5 at $499.

Games running on SteamOS will be compatible through native Linux versions or the Proton compatibility layer, though anti-cheat limitations remain an issue for competitive multiplayer titles. Valve plans to expand its game verification program from the Steam Deck to include the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, with Verified games required to support the same input methods as the Deck and run at 1080p 30fps minimum. Memory and storage shortages have delayed the launch, with Valve still targeting the first half of 2026 despite rising component costs affecting the entire PC industry.