Valve Says Steam Machine Will be Priced Like a PC

Valve has confirmed that its newly announced Steam Machine will launch in Q1 2026 with pricing set “like a PC, rather than like a console.” The company shared the update during a reveal event where it also introduced a new Steam Controller and a new VR headset.

A Valve spokesperson told Linus Tech Tips that the system will be “very competitively priced with a PC,” signaling that Valve will not subsidize hardware costs the way PlayStation and Xbox have historically done. Current console pricing sits at $500-$550 for PS5, $750 for PS5 Pro, and $600 for Xbox Series X, with both platform holders increasing prices this year.

PC-Like Pricing Linked to Valve’s Hardware Sustainability

Linus Sebastian said Valve did not disclose specific pricing due to “rapidly evolving market conditions,” but will finalize the number before launch. He noted that Valve hinted the device must be priced as a true PC because game sales cannot reliably offset hardware margins, adding that corporate or bulk purchases may not generate corresponding software sales, making sustainability a key factor in Valve’s approach.

Announced on Wednesday, the Steam Machine is a six-inch cube with “over six times the horsepower of Steam Deck.” Valve says it will support “4K gaming at 60 fps with FSR,” powered by a discrete semi-custom AMD desktop-class CPU and GPU. The device is also designed to stream games to other hardware, including the Steam Deck.

Ampere Analysis says pricing will shape the Steam Machine’s long-term performance. Analyst Katie Holt expects sales in the low millions, noting it could attract existing Steam users and buyers avoiding high-end PC costs, but adoption will depend on whether the price aligns with its specification tier.

Valve plans to reveal final pricing closer to release, a decision that will shape how the device competes with both mid-tier gaming PCs and rising console prices.