The Steam Machine is the new PC gaming-focused console revealed by Valve in November 2025. Alongside this reveal, we also got our first look at the new Steam Controller and new VR headset, titled the Steam Frame.
Not only is the Steam Machine a fun name to say aloud (go on, try it), but it has the potential to shape up the world of PC gaming by allowing you to easily play your games on the television. This means it could be the perfect option for anyone who either doesn’t have the space for or doesn’t want to invest in a gaming PC.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about the Steam Machine, then look no further. Down below I’ve taken a look at the Steam Machine release date and price, along with its design, features and specs. After that there’s the Steam Controller specs and the Steam Frame specs too.
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Steam Machine trailer
Valve released a Steam Hardware Announcement video alongside the reveal of the Steam Machine, new Steam Controller and Steam Frame. Want to watch it? Well here it is!
Steam Hardware AnnouncementWatch on YouTube
Steam Machine release date
At the time of writing, the Steam Machine release date has not been announced. Neither has the release dates for the Steam Controller or Steam Frame. Though, considering how the Steam Machine and Controller will be offered as a bundle, it’s safe to assume these devices will share the same release date.
In conversation with Will Judd, however, Valve did say “the products are going to be shipping in early 2026”. While this does hint at a release date somewhere within January to March (or Q1 if you want to get all business about it) though we can’t confirm anything at the moment. The release date could always be pushed back further, so we’ll have to wait and see what Valve decides to do.
When it comes to distribution, Kaci Aitchison Boyle from Valve’s PR team commented that they will be “distributing the exact same way as Steam Deck.” This means you’ll be able to purchase the Steam Machine, Steam Controller and Steam Frame directly from Steam and Komodo depending on your region. This also means that the new devices will be available in all of the regions that the Steam Deck is currently purchasable in. Valve also said that they have been working on improving Steam distribution, so hopefully the Steam Machine will have a smoother release compared to the Steam Deck.
Image credit: Valve
Steam Machine price
At the time of writing, the Steam Machine price has not been announced. Neither has the price for the Steam Controller or Steam Frame.
Keep in mind that there will most likely be a variety of pricing options available as there will be two Steam Machine models available – 512GB and 2TB. You’ll also have the option to purchase the Steam Machine with or without the Steam Controller.
When talking to Will Judd, Valve explained that they’re “still narrowing down the last few details with respect to production, exact SKUs [stock-keeping units] and exact price points.” With the exact prices coming “closer to the actual release”. This means we should hopefully learn the pricing around the same time as the release date.
Image credit: Valve
Steam Machine design and features
The Steam Machine is a new console coming from Valve which will allow you to play your PC games on your television. It’s essentially the answer to anyone who doesn’t want to invest in a gaming PC nor really fancies buying a Steam Deck (or can’t hold one because they have small hands like me). Though it may share the same name as the original Steam Machine released nearly ten years before the reveal of this cube, the new Steam Machine has been developed in-house by Valve.
While the Steam Machine may look like it’s an Xbox Series X cut in half, size-wise it’s actually more akin to the GameCube – being only a little taller and wider than Nintendo’s sixth generation console (be it without the handle). This means that the Steam Machine should be able to fit more snugly beneath your television unlike other, slightly more unwieldy consoles, like the PlayStation 5.
Though the Steam Machine wasn’t designed to resemble either the Xbox Series X nor the GameCube. Instead, when talking to Will Judd, Valve revealed that the console has been built around the fan with the laws of thermodynamics in mind. Valve then went on to explain that “if you know how much air you need, you can lock in a fan design pretty early on” and once you know “how big the fan is, everything else kind of falls from that.”
The fan on the back of the Steam Machine. | Image credit: Valve
The result is this sleek little black cube, with an LED bar running close to its bottom at the front. This light bar will actually be customisable too, allowing you to change the colours and animation. You will even be able to use it to showcase download status for games, whether something is updating or if the console is booting up.
The front plate above the light strip is also customisable, with the plate itself being magnetic to make it easier to clean. Valve is also planning on making the 3D files for this plate available, so people can print their own custom versions. I’m sure a whole variety of different plate options will be on sale on Etsy shortly after the Machine’s launch…
Valve plans to have two Steam Machine models available at launch – one with 512GB storage and one with 2 TB. You’ll also have the option to purchase the console in a bundle with the new Steam Controller (details on that further below). The new Steam Controller isn’t a necessity, however, as the Steam Machine will be compatible with other controllers, accessories and PC peripherals. Though the new Steam Controller will be able to turn on the Machine and, depending on your model, even your TV.
Enough about the Machine’s outside though, let’s take a look at its inside with the Steam Machine specs…
The LED light bar at the bottom of the Steam Machine. | Image credit: Valve
Steam Machine specs
Here’s a summary of the Steam Machine specs we know so far. Please keep in mind these specifications may be different when the Steam Machine is released.
Spec
Steam Machine
Models
512GB or 2TB; available standalone or bundled with Steam Controller
Dimensions
156mm (w) x 152mm (h) x 162mm (d)
CPU
Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C/12T, up to 4.8GHz, 30W TDP
GPU
Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 28CUs, 2.45GHz sustained clock, 110W TDP, 8GB GDDR6
Performance
Supports 4K gaming at 60fps with FSR, RT supported, 6x more powerful than Steam Deck
RAM
16GB DDR5 SODIMM (upgradeable)
Storage Expansion
Fits 2230/2280 NVMe SSDs, MicroSD slot
Power Supply
Internal, AC power 110V/240V
I/O
DisplayPort 1.4 (up to 4K 240Hz / 8K 60Hz) w/ HDR, FreeSync, daisy-chaining; HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K 120Hz) w/ HDR, FreeSync, CEC; gigabit ethernet; 10Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2; 4x USB-A ports (2x front USB 3, 2x rear USB 2); 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E; dedicated BT antenna; dedicated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio
Other Features
Customisable LED bar; works with other controllers, accessories and PC peripherals; wake with Steam Controller; runs SteamOS
When describing their goals for the Steam Machine to Will Judd, Valve explained they wanted to position the Machine to be “pretty close to the PC entry level” by offering “a good 4K60 experience using FSR upscaling for the whole catalogue”. To achieve this, the Steam Machine has been designed to be more akin to a desktop PC when it comes to the choice of CPU and GPU. This is quite different to the mobile chipset you might find in the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2.
To break this down a little further, this means that Valve hopes the Steam Machine will support any game with modern ray tracing at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, using FSR upscaling which is usually from a 1440p base resolution. While we will need an actual Steam Machine to performance test to see whether this goal has been truly achieved, as Judd points out in his analysis, this has the potential to allow you to run Cyberpunk 2077 at a double frame-rate compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
When it comes to OS (operating system), the Steam Machine will come running Steam OS just like the Steam Deck. If you fancy a different OS, however, you’ll be free to download whatever you like. Valve has also made it possible to install third-party apps and games you’ve brought elsewhere to ensure, in their words, you can “bootloader to your heart’s content”. Since there’s also an in-built micro SD card slot for expanded storage. It’s also perfect for moving games between your Steam Deck, Steam Frame or PC if you use this type of storage device. This would make part of your game catalogue more portable in doing so!
Looking a bit further into the Steam Machine’s inputs and outputs, you’ll find that it’s fully stocked with a variety of different ports despite its relatively small design compared to regular desktop PCs and current gen consoles. I won’t go into the full list as it’s in the table above, but you have four full-size USB-A ports divided between USB 2 and USB 3 speeds. The built-in power-supply also negates any need for additional power-related hardware, making the Steam Machine easy to add to your current gaming setup.
Image credit: Valve
Steam Controller design and features
The new Steam Controller was also revealed alongside the Steam Machine. While this controller has most likely been designed with the Machine in mind, it will be compatible with a variety of devices, such as the Steam Deck, and you can find the full list in the specs table further along this page.
Appearance-wise, the new Steam Controller looks very similar to the current gen Xbox controller – be it a bit more chonky in the middle where the touchpad sits. These touchpads have been canted (rotated inwards) to above a more comfortable design for long use too. When it comes to the button layout, however, you’ll find that it now follows what has essentially become the industry standard – two thumbsticks, four buttons on the right, D-Pad on the left, two back buttons on either side and three additional buttons in the middle.
The buttons on the right-hand side of the new Steam Controller. | Image credit: Valve
When talking to Will Judd about the controller’s design, Valve explained that the focus was to ensure anyone was “able to play any game on Steam, no matter if it’s designed for a gamepad and all the familiar inputs” or “designed for keyboard and mouse or any other inputs using the extra set of inputs that we’ve designed over the years.” What I’m personally hearing is that I should be able to play RuneScape on the Steam Machine using this new controller, but I’ll still have to playtest it to make sure…
There will be three main ways to connect the new Steam Controller to your chosen device – USB tethered play, Bluetooth and the Steam Controller Puck. Taking a look at this puck, it’s important to note that the Steam Controller will be able to connect to the Machine without it. Though it will still come in handy when charging the controller, which itself should have a minimum 35 hour charge according to Valve. Each puck also has the ability to support up to four Steam Controllers at once, with the latency hopefully remaining at 8ms regardless of how many controllers are connected. This should hopefully mean you’re able to take your Steam Controller round a friend’s house to game without encountering any problems.
Now let’s take a closer look at the Steam Controller specs…
The back buttons / triggers on the new Steam Controller. | Image credit: Valve
Steam Controller specs
Below you’ll find a summary of the new Steam Controller specs we know about so far. Keep in mind that these specs may have changed when the controller is released.
Spec
Steam Controller
Compatibility
Windows, Mac and Linux PCs, PC handhelds, iOS / Android via Steam Link, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame
Connectivity
2.4GHz wireless via Steam Controller Puck, Bluetooth, USB
Puck
Pre-paired and plug-and-play, proprietary wireless w/ 8ms end-to-end latency and 250Hz polling rate, 4x Steam Controllers per Puck
Battery Life
35+ hour play time, charge via Puck or USB
Thumbsticks
TMR for improved responsiveness, reliability and capacitive touch
HD Haptics
4x haptic motors, including 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback and 2x high-output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble
Inputs
Face buttons, d-pad, L/R triggers, L/R bumpers, View / Menu / Steam / QAM buttons, 4x assignable grip buttons, 2x trackpads, 6-axis IMU, capacitive grip sense
What’s notable about the new Steam Controller is that it’s arguably the first ‘first-party’ console gamepad to come with the TMR thumbsticks. These thumbsticks have a new type of magnetic sensor which is more precise in picking up your movements, which should result in smoother gameplay. Best of all, however, TMR thumbsticks are generally more durable and more likely to be resistant to issues like stick drift. This should hopefully give the new Steam Controller a longer life span compared to other models on the current market.
The Steam Controller also comes with optional gyro-based motion controllers. These are tied to ‘GripSense’ , a feature that is capable of detecting how you’re holding the controller and, in doing so, has the ability to activate or deactivate gyro aiming accordingly. Though you will also have the power to assign ‘GripSense’ to other inputs if you so choose. The result of this will hopefully be more fluid gameplay, with an aspect of customisation you can apply to different games. Plus, it will hopefully make gyro-based controls a little easier for anyone who struggles with them.
Image credit: Valve
Steam Frame features
For our final piece of hardware, we have the long suspected new Valve VR headset – the Steam Frame. With this headset, Valve aims to allow players to “play both PC VR games with tracked controllers, but also the wide catalogue of traditional desktop games”. To achieve this, the Steam Frame integrates two new technologies – Foveated Streaming and SteamOS on ARM. These should allow the headset to be capable of both streaming games rendered remotely and playing them directly on the Frame’s Snapdragon chipset.
Taking a closer look at Foveated Streaming, this has been designed to change how games will appear when using the headset by abandoning the traditional rendering method (using eye tracking to render what you’re currently looking at). This is done by, rather than changing how the images are rendered themselves, Foveated Streaming changes how the images are sent to the headset. This is done by using the two internal cameras within the Steam Frame to change each frame, then using the majority of the available bandwidth on the pixels you’re currently looking at while the rest is used to fill in other gaps. To break it down even further – the video stream concentrates the bandwidth primarily on what you’re directly looking at.
Image credit: Valve
In his analysis of the Steam Frame, Will Judd explains that this means the Steam Frame graphics to potentially look better than rival headsets without requiring high-bandwidth connections that could cause problems for cheaper router hardware. This is assisted by Valve ensuring there are separate antennas for using the 5Ghz and 6GHz spectrums for streaming VR and accessing Wi-Fi. This should ensure they don’t disrupt each other.
When it comes to running non-VR titles on the Steam Frame, said games will be marked as ‘Frame Verified’ in the Steam Library and store to help you differentiate between which ones will play well and which ones won’t. One such verified game will be Hades 2, which Valve brought up in conversation with Judd, as they’ve succeeded in running it at 1440p and 90Hz on the frame.
Image credit: Valve
Steam Frame specs and design
Below you’ll find a summary of the Steam Frame specs we know so far. Remember – these specifications may have changed by the time the Steam Frame is released.
Spec
Steam Frame
Weight
185g core, 440g with included headstrap, (Facial interface, audio, rear battery)
Processor
4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM64
RAM
16GB Unified LPDDR5X
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7, 2×2, Dual 5Ghz / 6Ghz streaming for simultaneous VR and Wi-Fi, Wireless Adapter included:
- Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz)
- Fast, direct, low-latency link between headset and PC
Storage
256GB / 1TB UFS storage options, MicroSD card slot for external storage
Optics
Pancake optics, 2160×2160 LCD (per eye), 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental), Large FOV (up to 110 degrees)
Tracking
x4 Outward facing monochrome camera for controller and headset tracking, x2 Interior cameras for eye tracking, Outward IR illuminator (for dark environments)
Audio
Dual speaker drivers (per ear) integrated into headstrap, Dual microphone array
Power
Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-On Battery
Foveated Streaming
Eye-tracking drives video stream, Sends highest resolution to where you’re looking
Monochrome Camera Passthrough
User accessible front expansion port, (x2 2.5Gbps camera interface / Gen 4 PCle)
SteamOS
Sleep / wake, Cloud saves, Proton
All-in-all the Steam Frame should be quite a light headset compared to others on the market. When combining the weight of the computer, pancake lenses, display, speakers and battery, it comes to roughly 435 grams in total. It should be noted that the Steam Frame will not come with a central strap, but you will be able to purchase an accessory pack if you do want one.
When it comes to cameras, the Steam Frame uses inside-out tracking. This means there are four monochrome cameras on the outside of the headset to see where it and the controllers are going. There are then two internal cameras for eye tracking, which are tied to the Foveated Streaming features which I’ve covered in the section above.
The LCD displays measure at 2160×2160, with refresh rates ranging from 72 to 120Hz. The field of view is slightly narrow at 100 degrees, but keep in mind that this measurement counts for both vertically and horizontally.
Finally, you’ll be able to download games either directly onto the Frame itself or install them using a MicroSD card inserted into the slot built into the headset. This will allow you to easily move games between the Steam Machine, Deck or your personal PC.
Our final stop on the Steam Frame train is a quick look at the controllers…
Image credit: Valve
Steam Frame controllers specs and design
Here’s a summary of the Steam Frame controller specs we know so far. Like all of the previous specifications, these may have changed by the time the Steam Frame is released.
- Full 6-DOF tracking and IMU support
- Capacitive finger sensing
- Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) for improved precision, responsiveness and reliability
- Haptic feedback
- Input parity with traditional game pad
- Replaceable AA battery (40 hours life)
- Optional straps
What stands out about the Steam Frame controllers is that they’re more akin to traditional console controls than those we’ve become accustomed to for VR headsets. This is all tied back to Valve’s desire to ensure non-VR games can be played on the headset. Due to this, the controllers have been designed with the ability to play any game that currently has, or will have, gamepad support in the Steam Library.
Alongside this, the Steam Frame controllers also have a number of features included in the new Steam Controller, such as the TMR thumbsticks.
Image credit: Valve
Valve November hardware announcements
Want to learn more about the hardware announcements Valve made in November 2025? Well here’s a rundown of our coverage:
Hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the Steam Machine, Controller and Frame!
