As Valve prepares to unveil its latest Steam Machine, industry analysts suggest the device could come with a hefty price tag—potentially hitting the $1,000 mark. While casual gamers often have varied guesses, experts with deep industry insight provide clearer expectations.

Michael Futter from F-Squared forecasts that the entry-level 512GB model might retail between $799 and $899. Meanwhile, the 2TB version could cost between $1,000 and $1,100. Futter highlights that the hardware may rival PlayStation 5 and even deliver PS5 Pro-level performance, which justifies a premium price. Yet, he notes Valve’s approach as a dedicated, high-performance gaming PC could mean the final cost remains below traditional gaming desktops.

Similarly, analyst David Cole from DFC Intelligence estimates a starting price around $800, with the 2TB variant approaching $1,000. Cole believes Valve might aim for minimal profit margins or break-even pricing, positioning the device slightly above high-end consoles but below premium gaming PCs.

These predictions raise questions about affordability and the future of gaming hardware pricing. Experts agree that the Steam Machine’s performance capabilities could justify a higher price point, especially for dedicated gamers seeking cutting-edge hardware.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.