The first wave of Valve's Steam Machines has begun to reach early adopters, marking a significant milestone for the company's PC gaming console initiative. Celebratory posts showcasing the hardware have flooded the Steam Machine Subreddit, offering a glimpse into the initial unboxing experiences.
Reports indicate that shipments commenced in Asia and other regions on Tuesday evening, with subsequent confirmations of deliveries emerging globally, including in the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. Early impressions from owners highlight the console's compact size, with one user noting its significantly smaller footprint than expected, illustrated by a comparison with a banana. Another owner described the Steam Machine as "whisper quiet" during gameplay, also using a fan for a size comparison.
While many are sharing their excitement, a substantial number of consumers remain on waitlists, anxiously awaiting order confirmations. The rapid sell-out of initial stock has led to some frustration among those still hoping to acquire a unit, with many continuously refreshing their inboxes for shipping updates.
The community has also seen moments of levity, such as a user's post about a "Help! My Steam Machine arrived but it's completely bricked!", which was later revealed to be a meticulously crafted replica made of Lego bricks.
Notable figures in the gaming industry, including former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida, have also shared their engagement with the new hardware, alongside the editorial team at Eurogamer, some of whom are awaiting their own units while others remain uninterested.