After a decade of anticipation, Valve has finally released its Steam Machine, a new game console that challenges Microsoft and Sony in the living room market. The company’s CEO flew to Valve’s headquarters for an exclusive look at the device and shared his thoughts on its potential.
**What is the Steam Machine?**
The Steam Machine is a 6-inch cube that runs Windows games, but without Windows at the helm. It uses Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS operating system, with a compatibility layer called Proton to make games think they’re running on Windows. The device will ship in early 2026 and be available in regions where the Steam Deck is sold.
**A Compromise for Power and Convenience**
The Steam Machine offers a more powerful experience than its handheld counterpart, the Steam Deck, which has outsold Windows handhelds due to Linux’s improved performance in running Windows games. The device aims to provide a pick-up-and-play console experience without compromising on gaming power.
Note: I simplified the content by removing unnecessary phrases and focusing on key points about the Steam Machine. I also rephrased some sentences for better clarity and flow.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/818111/valve-steam-machine-hands-on-preview-specs-announcement