I keep hearing how easy it is to connect a pc/laptop to a tv and just game like that.
In addition you can use your pc for productivity. Plenty of companies already sell mini pcs. Not sure hpw big of a market this will be.
You're right, hooking up a laptop, desktop, or mini‑PC to a TV is technically easy, and plenty of companies already sell compact systems. But "easy" doesn't always mean "ideal."
The difference with a Steam Machine is that it isn't just about making the connection, it's about delivering a console‑like experience. Instead of juggling Windows menus, scaling quirks, or noisy fans, you get a device that boots straight into your Steam library, is optimized for controllers, and fits seamlessly into your entertainment center. It's the difference between duct‑taping a PC into your living room versus owning a purpose‑built console that speaks fluent PC.
And when it comes to performance, the pricing gap is real. If you actually want 4K at 60 FPS in modern games with fewer compromises, laptops capable of it typically start around $1,200 to $2,000, while mini‑PCs with discrete GPUs or the latest Ryzen AI MAX chips often run $900 to $1,500. Steam Machines cut out the productivity overhead and portability tax; you're paying directly for living‑room gaming performance, in a compact, quiet box designed for the couch. Sure, you could build a small‑form‑factor rig that matches or beats it, but that usually means higher cost, more noise, or extra effort to achieve the same living‑room fit.
A Steam Machine, sold at the right price, isn't just another PC, it redefines living‑room gaming by combining convenience, performance, and quality of life in one package.