Valve just quietly redefined what PC gaming can be all while a delusional Microsoft desperately tries to tell everyone their PC is an Xbox

I think people are overestimating this

It's really great how Valve is working now, and I'll buy for sure. But let's not get crazy how things are turning, because it's not that different from what some people are doing for years, with Valve itself making this possible when they created the Steam OS. Remember, it's a fucking PC. Form factor and how they are updating their Linux are really great, but again, it's a mini PC

Chill the fuck out, guys
 
If Valve is correct in their market research that enough Steam Deck owners wish they could have a more powerful living room version, then this will be a success. Their first Steam Machine didn't work, but that was a decade ago when they had less Steam users and the OS wasn't as mature and functional as it is now. Times have changed.

The whole "Does nothing. Wins." approach that made other Steam competitors look foolish is now more likely to work in the console-ish space now that Xbox is failing spectacularly and Sony isn't trying as hard anymore because they're in the lead. And meanwhile Nintendo does their own thing and prints money.
 
Some interesting takes in here as always. At the end of the day Valve hardware is always intriguing and innovative (currently looking at that controller as a new pc-tv controller).

I suspect some are not PC people and just can't grasp these things because they are comparing them to fully fledged console.

I have well over 1000 games in my steam account. Of all of those, the most logged time are not on AAA top of the line experiences, but rather indie games like Stardew Valley, Travellers Rest, Rimworld, Dwarf Fortress, Sons of Syx, Factorio, etc… and I'm not alone.

This machine seems absolutely perfect for this if I was inclined. If you need to play top AAA releases at peak graphics and framerate build a $3000 machine and plug it in to your tv.

Of course all this changes if the price isn't right.
 
Last edited:
Sure but Xbox devices are consoles. Steam Deck is a PC. There is no cross over between the user bases. Someone with 100+ games on Xbox isnt buying a Steam Deck and start over and vice versa.

And based on how shitty Xbox Rog Ally was, i think the die hard Xbox fans will be in for a rude awakening when they push start on their "console" and realize its the same Windows turd with AI slop and telemetry and not really a console like their Xbox Series X

I dont think Steam Machine will sell great since its a niche device thats only sold on Valves website. But Magnus is the same niche device except 2x more expensive with a much worse software experience when it comes to being "console like"
How the fuck you know how a device at least a year away will look compared to something else. Stop projecting your biases with tales from your ass as fact
 
Last edited:
From the article:



I'm sorry, but this is complete nonsense. What Valve is putting out looks good, but it's going to remain niche hardware just like the Steam Deck. The vast majority of PC gamers are still going to run Windows on x86 hardware. Valve just looks like they're punching above their weight because Xbox is in the process of falling down to their level. The real story here is about how bad Xbox is doing, not Valve making leaps and bounds.

That said, I'm all in favor of Valve continuing down this path they're on. I hope they can keep it going and be successful with their hardware.
Talk for yourself. As a pc gamer this will become my main gaming machine when it goes on sale and my gaming PC will become a plex server. I was waiting for a machine like this.
 
Who's doing that?

My post you quoted had nothing to do with any of that. Did you just want to get that off your chest or are you swinging at shadows?

People in this very thread LOL!

You can upgrade the system RAM and the SSD so "non-upgradeable" isn't quite correct

Come on bro, you know what we mean.

One might say that Total Addressable Market for a non-upgradable PC running BSD based OS is at least 100million! 😉

See Kacho Kacho
 
That's because it only runs on Steamdeck right now, do you really think they'll release the box without being able to run it?

the anticheat literally prevents you from starting the majority of popular online games. including CoD

Apex Legends, which previously did support linux, has since stopped supporting it because proton could be exploited to cheat more easily.

EA stopped linux support entirely in fact. so no Battlefield either.
 
Last edited:
Curated list of games the Steam Machines will never play out of the box.
  • Fortnite
  • Call of Duty/Warzone multiplayer
  • Roblox
  • Apex Legends
  • EA Sports multiplayer
  • GTA Online
  • MLB The Show
  • NBA 2K multiplayer
  • Destiny 2
  • Minecraft
Also a curated list of games I will never play a single second in my life again
 
lol, this thing can't even play CoD
So you're telling me more people adopting this would reduce the number of COD players?

eWV6Y2k4MS5wbmc
 
No, I clearly don't so why don't you clarify.

When most people speak about upgrading their PCs, they aren't talking about upgrading their SSD size. The first thing most are talking about is their GPU, then after that the CPU.

Also a curated list of games I will never play a single second in my life again

But those are some of the biggest games on Planet Earth.
 
Last edited:
Dont be mad at me when the Onedrive pop up wont go away and you cant hit the little x with your controller
Honest question are you just shit posting?

Have you tried the Full Screen Experience?

You can install Steam and EA play etc with only a controller. I use windows for work and have windows on deck and I have never seen a OneDrive pop up that won't go away? I presume your trolling?

The Xbox PC console thing is at least a year away MINIMUM and none of what shit you said is true
 
When most people speak about upgrading their PCs, they aren't talking about upgrading their SSD size. The first thing most are talking about is their GPU, then after that the CPU.



But those are some of the biggest games on Planet Earth.
Those are GAAS slop to me lol but to those who enjoy it, by all means.

I am simply a single player gamer myself. Don't need the fortnites and call of duty's.

This machine will run Dark Souls like a BOSS
 
When most people speak about upgrading their PCs, they aren't talking about upgrading their SSD size. The first thing most are talking about is their GPU, then after that the CPU.

There are plenty of mini PCs and laptops in the PC gaming market where neither the CPU or GPU are upgradable. This isn't new with Steam Machine. And yes, these devices with limited upgrade options are more common than you might think so I don't see why this is suddenly a problem.
 
While people are arguing about this thing, I'm over here quietly redefining what my budget can be, so I can get it on day one, all while my delusional bank account is desperately trying to tell me that I can't afford it.
 
The problem with non-upgradeable PCs is kinda obvious, no?
Most people don't give a shit.

NeoGAF is totally out of touch on this. Valve has data on the actual PCs people use to play videogames including how often they upgrade. But on here people with a 4070 are talking about how it is too weak and time to upgrade.
 
Honest question are you just shit posting?

Have you tried the Full Screen Experience?

You can install Steam and EA play etc with only a controller. I use windows for work and have windows on deck and I have never seen a OneDrive pop up that won't go away? I presume your trolling?

The Xbox PC console thing is at least a year away MINIMUM and none of what shit you said is true
Struck a nerve with you huh Jez? Every single reviewer outside of Windows Central basically called FSE half baked. Either you have been living under a rock or under Nadellas balls. Windows is a turd, PC gaming is great despite it, not because of it.
 
You really don't like this Steam Machine, do you?

I think it's perfect. If priced correctly, it's a perfect way for people to transition into PC gaming.

Also looks beautiful as well. Iconic
No, it's idiotic.
SteamOS makes sense for handheld pc's bc it is hard to navigate Windows on a handheld. That concession flies out the window once you change the form factor and orientation of operation. Steam OS UI is 1:1 Big Picture mode in Windows, but with a lower game compatibility, uneven performance and a complete lack of support for NVidia hardware. No RTX, DLSS, VSR, Reflex, Resizeable Bar, etc, etc, etc.

It's perfect if you want something that will likely cost more than a comparable pc with worse performance and abysmal compatibility.

It looks cool, but that is hardly a reason to buy one, and I have given a laundry list of reasons not to...

This is all assuming this thing costs more than $600-700 dollars. If it's $500 or less, it begins to make sense for a niche audience, but will still carry the heavy albatross of limited compatibility and options.
 
There are plenty of mini PCs and laptops in the PC gaming market where neither the CPU or GPU are upgradable. This isn't new with Steam Machine. And yes, these devices with limited upgrade options are more common than you might think so I don't see why this is suddenly a problem.

Again, it's ONLY a problem if people think this is supposed to sell 10s of million of units. For me, I don't think that's the point of this device, hence it's not a problem in my eyes.
 
Most people don't give a shit.

NeoGAF is totally out of touch on this. Valve has data on the actual PCs people use to play videogames including how often they upgrade. But on here people with a 4070 are talking about how it is too weak and time to upgrade.
NeoGAF is out of touch on almost everything gaming not just the new Valve stuff. The majority of members here can't seem to view anything outside of the gaming enthusiast mindset/bubble which is not representative of gaming as a whole.
 
No, it's idiotic.

No. Iconic. This will go down in history as an iconic gaming device. Just look at that sexy design.

SteamOS makes sense for handheld pc's bc it is hard to navigate Windows on a handheld. That concession flies out the window once you change the form factor and orientation of operation. Steam OS UI is 1:1 Big Picture mode in Windows, but with a lower game compatibility, uneven performance and a complete lack of support for NVidia hardware. No RTX, DLSS, VSR, Reflex, Resizeable Bar, etc, etc, etc.

None of that matters to most people who want to buy this device.

It's perfect if you want something that will likely cost more than a comparable pc with worse performance and abysmal compatibility.

How much will it cost? As far as I'm aware, no pricing has been announced.

It looks cool, but that is hardly a reason to buy one, and I have given a laundry list of reasons not to...

That's cool, but I can't wait to buy one. If it's cheap enough, I'll buy two.

This is all assuming this thing costs more than $600-700 dollars. If it's $500 or less, it begins to make sense for a niche audience, but will still carry the heavy albatross of limited compatibility and options.

It will cost 399. I have no info to back that up. Just a guess. If it does cost that much, you'll be the first in the queue.
 
Again, it's ONLY a problem if people think this is supposed to sell 10s of million of units. For me, I don't think that's the point of this device, hence it's not a problem in my eyes.

I agree with you there. In a segment where there are hundreds of options to the point where the single most popular GPU only captures single digit market share, this is not a device that is going to move mountains by any stretch. Goes back to why this PC gamer article is bullshit. Nothing is being redefined here.
 
I play a lot of Japanese games and those devs can barely get Windows right I don't expect them to support Linux.
penguin linux GIF
Ooooof, I didn't even think about that. Eastern game development is still in it's infancy in many regards to pc development, and this is a hurdle I can see simply being avoided for quite some time.
That's because it only runs on Steamdeck right now, do you really think they'll release the box without being able to run it?
It doesn't work there either, bc of anticheat. Same as Fortnite, Apex, Roblox, Minecraft, EA sports games, etc, etc.
Unless those game, or ANY games with anticheat are developed with Linux in mind, they will not work on Steam OS. Not now, not ever.
 
PC = Open Source, Steam Box and Xbox etc are consoles with walled off software, so their not the same and the games will have to come along with it other wise they will fail like the Dreamcast did, here's hoping for Half Life 3.
Tell me you don't know anything about the Steam Deck and Steam OS, without saying "I don't know anything about the Steam Deck or Steam OS".

What walled garden is there? You bring up the menu, and select to exit to a full PC desktop that lets you put whatever software you want on there. You can install other launchers, off CDs/DVDs, etc. People are even creating packages of old abandonware games that are one click installs into Steam OS. Or follow one of the guides that walks you through using the Linux Discovery store that's preloaded on the Steam Deck and install EmuDeck that lets you easily integrate console emulators into the stock Steam Interface. Or if you don't like that just install Windows.

Games don't need to come to Steam OS, if they are on Steam they are just there by default. Anticheat is the only thing preventing games from running from Steam OS. There no other special work devs have to put in. Though some are going the extra mile and optimizing for the Steam Decks hardware to create a version with optimized settings to give a great experience with the first launch, no need to go in an mess with settings. Though they are still there if you want to tweak things.
 
No. Iconic. This will go down in history as an iconic gaming device. Just look at that sexy design.



None of that matters to most people who want to buy this device.



How much will it cost? As far as I'm aware, no pricing has been announced.



That's cool, but I can't wait to buy one. If it's cheap enough, I'll buy two.



It will cost 399. I have no info to back that up. Just a guess. If it does cost that much, you'll be the first in the queue.
Oh, I see. You think this thing is cheaper than possible.
Got it.

But no, I won't be the in the queue at all bc I already have a gaming pc, Steam Deck and a dock. Would be utterly useless.
 
I think people are overestimating this

It's really great how Valve is working now, and I'll buy for sure. But let's not get crazy how things are turning, because it's not that different from what some people are doing for years, with Valve itself making this possible when they created the Steam OS. Remember, it's a fucking PC. Form factor and how they are updating their Linux are really great, but again, it's a mini PC

Chill the fuck out, guys

The form-factor isn't especially radical either. The only real point of differentiation from the dozens of NUC's/Mini-PC's on the market is the software and it coming with a controller. Whoopty doo.
 
My tin foil theory on this.

It's SteamOS that's gonna be the money shot, I have a feeling they are waiting for supreme leader Trump to announce the recession in 2026 to make it official before they show the price because we've been living in one for a few years now and it's only getting worse due to all the currency printing.

The fact that they made a major market change to how counter strike skin trade ups work and again this week to stickers, My theory is that they are wanting to use those gains to try and bankroll the cost for putting out this new hardware at a price people can't really turn down because Valve might end up making it crazy fucking cheap and with everyone's wallets being super light this could lead to a major market share moving towards SteamOS over having Windows.

When you think about it they've been working on SteamOS for well over a decade now so long term strategy their plan is to slowly then suddenly move in on the desktop space.
 
Last edited:
I think people are overestimating this

It's really great how Valve is working now, and I'll buy for sure. But let's not get crazy how things are turning, because it's not that different from what some people are doing for years, with Valve itself making this possible when they created the Steam OS. Remember, it's a fucking PC. Form factor and how they are updating their Linux are really great, but again, it's a mini PC

Chill the fuck out, guys

Its not going to do anything like console numbers, but it's more than just a mini/sff pc. Or at least, calling it that is reductive. Here's what pushes the comparison to what some people have been doing for years:

- Steamos and steam deck revealed that a lot of the pc experience as we've known it is actually windows itself. Changing that part of the equation shifts the experience.

- A device being tested and shipped with linux is unusual to say the least. You basically have a handful of laptops and handhelds, so far. Having the shit tested and shipped with linux makes an enormous difference. When the subject of switching to linux of one's own volition comes up, you see the detractors talking about how everything breaks and their computer explodes. Note there's really none of this talk about the steam deck.

- It's easy to take for granted that handhelds are marketed for their specific use: playing games handheld. This steam machine will be marketed for a specific use: Playing games on a tv, which is also somewhat niche. As you said - some people do it but that's like how just some people had pc handhelds. This marketing/messaging should not be underestimated.
 
I agree with you there. In a segment where there are hundreds of options to the point where the single most popular GPU only captures single digit market share, this is not a device that is going to move mountains by any stretch. Goes back to why this PC gamer article is bullshit. Nothing is being redefined here.
And the Steam Deck which isn't competing Nintendo or Sony but still seen as a successful device shows up in the 0.31% of users of "Arch Linux". I'm sure there's other not Decks in there, but they have to be the majority.

The most popular GPU is the RTX 3060 at 4.30%, and the video card in this is very comparable in performance. People just think, it's not 5090 performance for $400, it's trash.

The form-factor isn't especially radical either. The only real point of differentiation from the dozens of NUC's/Mini-PC's on the market is the software and it coming with a controller. Whoopty doo.
Having a sleep/suspend mode that works like a console, able to wake from a controller, and having working HDMI-CEC support so your TV and soundbar automatically turn on and switch inputs is radical though. That stuff doesn't work on regular PCs and is a major pain point.

No, it's idiotic.
SteamOS makes sense for handheld pc's bc it is hard to navigate Windows on a handheld. That concession flies out the window once you change the form factor and orientation of operation. Steam OS UI is 1:1 Big Picture mode in Windows, but with a lower game compatibility, uneven performance and a complete lack of support for NVidia hardware. No RTX, DLSS, VSR, Reflex, Resizeable Bar, etc, etc, etc.
I have a Windows PC and use Steam Big Picture Mode, and used Play Nite. It still sucks for a TV experience and I have my own Steam Console I'm not gaming with. There are still rough edges, but it boots immediately into a controller first interface. And I'm not fighting Microsoft's bullshit.
 
I get it but those games account for the 60% of the total world wide gaming hours outside of China.
I know, sad world. Truly. But as some have said, I am sure many like myself have other means to play it (PS/Xbox)

This to me is a product who's audience already knows who it is. The gabe bro's and Deck lovers lol
 
I hope it for it to be cheap. With those specs it better be. I'm out if it's more than 500.
And that's why I'm saying what I'm saying.

If you want a pc gaming experience in your living room for under $500, this ain't gonna be it.
Get a Steam Deck and a dock if you just want RTS.
 
And that's why I'm saying what I'm saying.

If you want a pc gaming experience in your living room for under $500, this ain't gonna be it.
Get a Steam Deck and a dock if you just want RTS.

Steam Machine will be by far a better PC gaming experience in the living room than a Steam Deck and a dock.
 
Now that Playstation is porting all their games to Steam, Gabe is reaping the benefits.

There is a good reason Nintendo don't port their games on PC. Once ported, they wouldn't be able to milk it with remakes and such they way they do it and Valve would always take 30% of their work.

Long term : Playstation hardware business (so the very lucrative PS Store) will be doomed. It's inevitable as Steam app is so much better than PS Store. What happened to MS will happen to Playstation (and Sony don't have trillions in the bank to buy all the industry).
 
Last edited:
And that's why I'm saying what I'm saying.

If you want a pc gaming experience in your living room for under $500, this ain't gonna be it.
Get a Steam Deck and a dock if you just want RTS.

But I need a little bit more power. Plus I'm not interested in a portable PC, so if the price is right, I'll get the Steam Machine.
 
If you guys don't make a mini PC buyer spec/price comparison thread once we know the price I'll be very disappointed.
We'll have to see, the Miniforum Neptune HX99G that was a Radeon 6600m versus the basically 7600m in this was $1,000. Mini PCs with discrete GPUs were always in the $800-1,000 range. That's why I'm worried about where this will fall.

If Valve can hit ~$500 it will be a major success. More than that and just get a MicroATX system for several times the performance.
 
The 1st part of that sentence is the key point. This is a conversation about price in this context.

Ok.....docked Steam Deck in the living room isn't a great experience at any price really though. If you are going to spend that much, might as well spend a couple hundred more for Steam Machine. There really isn't much in the mini PC market that is comparable to this so the pricing is difficult to nail down.
 
Top Bottom