Valve’s latest venture into PC hardware isn’t a successor to the popular Steam Deck but a dedicated desktop device designed to integrate seamlessly into your entertainment setup. Marketed as a “Steam Machine,” it aims to replace traditional game consoles by fitting perfectly into your living room, either on a desk or hidden within an entertainment center beneath the TV.

Having experimented with a DIY version of this concept since May, I can attest to its potential. By installing SteamOS on standard PC components, I’ve created a compact gaming hub that delivers console-like performance. This approach proves that a dedicated Steam Machine could offer a more streamlined, powerful gaming experience without the hassle of Windows-based PCs.

While the final price remains uncertain, early indications suggest it could be an appealing option for those seeking a plug-and-play alternative to gaming consoles. For tech enthusiasts and tinkerers, the future of living room gaming is already here, promising more control and customization than ever before.

Experts highlight that a dedicated Steam Machine could significantly simplify the gaming setup, making high-quality gaming accessible to a broader audience. As Valve continues to develop this concept, it may well redefine how we integrate gaming into our daily entertainment routines.

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.