An AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mini PC running SteamOS 3.8 outperformed Valve’s Steam Machine across multiple games, though its significantly higher price limits its appeal.
Valve has released official Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, making it easier to install Microsoft’s OS, though SteamOS still appears to offer better gaming performance.
Valve has open-sourced its Inkterface E-Ink faceplate for the Steam Machine, sharing 3D files, BOM, and firmware so anyone can build one.
MetaPCs has opened preorders for Steamroller, a $1,299 SteamOS gaming desktop built with standard PC parts instead of a console-style custom design
A SteamOS-style mini PC listing from China claims desktop AMD graphics, 2TB storage, and a low price, but the hardware details and chassis design raise major red flags
Valve’s Steam Machine may not be the most powerful gaming PC, but its fixed hardware target and SteamOS push could encourage developers to optimize PC games better.
Valve’s anti-scalper reservation system appears to be slowing resellers, but it has not stopped them entirely. Steam Machine listings are already popping up online.
Valve says it still wants to make a cheaper Steam Machine, but rising component costs mean gamers shouldn’t expect one anytime soon.
Valve says SteamOS 3.8 will let gamers build their own Steam Machines using standard PC hardware, with Nvidia support also being actively developed.
Valve says the Steam Machine is designed around an open PC ecosystem rather than the subsidized, locked-down pricing model used by traditional consoles