Valve's long-gestating Steam Machine aims to bring a PC gaming library to the living room, a goal the company has pursued for over a decade through initiatives like Big Picture Mode and earlier third-party Steam Machines. This review focuses on the user experience of living with the device, its suitability as a living room console, and its place as a PC gaming hub.
The Steam Machine is not inexpensive, with pricing ranging from £879 for the 512GB model to £1,208 for the 2TB version bundled with a Steam Controller. These figures are significantly higher than originally planned, a consequence of market conditions and component shortages that Valve has stated were beyond its control. This pricing positions the Steam Machine in a complex market, challenging comparisons not only with budget gaming PCs but also with established consoles like the PlayStation 5 Pro.
The Steam Machine as a Console Alternative
While Valve distinguishes it from a traditional console, the Steam Machine's purpose-built form factor and living room focus invite comparison. For users seeking to expand their gaming options beyond a Nintendo Switch, the Steam Machine offers access to a vast PC game library. Its design is a notable strength; the compact, minimalist cube is aesthetically pleasing and comes with customizable faceplates, including walnut and red fabric options, allowing for personalization. It operates remarkably quietly and maintains low temperatures, even when placed in enclosed spaces, a contrast to the audible fan noise and heat generation of some other consoles.
However, its performance relative to its cost is a significant drawback when viewed as a console. Benchmarks suggest performance akin to a mid-range PC build, such as one featuring an Nvidia RTX 5050, which generally performs slightly below a base PS5. This means that on a cost-per-performance basis, the Steam Machine struggles to compete with the PS5 Pro, which offers more powerful gaming performance for a lower price, especially when considering 4K output and access to future PlayStation exclusives.
Furthermore, the console-like usability is hampered by certain PC-specific limitations. Games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat software, such as GTA Online, Apex Legends, and Fortnite, are unplayable due to security restrictions. Users will also need to manually adjust graphics settings for optimal performance in many titles, unlike the pre-optimized experiences typically found on consoles. While Valve's Linux-based OS functions much like a desktop OS, allowing access to other storefronts like Epic Games or GOG via Desktop Mode, features like Quick Resume are absent. The user interface, while improved from earlier iterations, can feel like a PC interface retrofitted for controller navigation rather than a native controller-first design, with multiple overlapping menus contributing to a less streamlined experience.
The Steam Machine as a Living Room PC
When considered as a PC designed for the living room, the Steam Machine's strengths become more apparent. Its flexibility allows for the use of games from various storefronts and a wide range of controllers and input devices with minimal fuss. Storage expansion via the SD card slot is straightforward, and internal storage and RAM can also be upgraded. The customizable light bar on the front adds a subtle aesthetic touch.
The device's compact size, quiet operation, and attractive design make it a visually appealing addition to a living room, especially for those who prioritize aesthetics over the utilitarian look of traditional PCs. Furthermore, the cost of PC games and multiplayer services is generally lower than on consoles, and the breadth of available titles, spanning decades of PC gaming and indie releases, is unparalleled.
However, the Steam Machine is less upgradeable than a typical desktop gaming PC, limited primarily to RAM and storage. Its current hardware specifications place it at the lower end of mid-tier PC hardware, with a performance ceiling that may limit its longevity, particularly for demanding games on high-resolution displays. For users who already own a capable gaming PC or plan to build one, the Steam Machine offers little advantage unless aesthetics are the absolute primary concern. Alternatives like a discreetly wired PC or a small form-factor build might offer better long-term value and upgradeability for a similar cost.
Conclusion
The Steam Machine occupies a unique, albeit niche, position in the market. For those prioritizing upfront cost, raw performance, and plug-and-play simplicity, consoles like the PS5 Pro present a more compelling option. However, for users who value flexibility, the vastness of the PC game library, long-term cost savings on games, and a device that is both visually striking and unobtrusive, the Steam Machine offers a distinct appeal. Had it launched at a significantly lower price point, it might have been a more direct competitor in the mainstream console space. As it stands, it represents Valve's distinct approach to living room PC gaming, characterized by a love for design and a unique perspective on hardware.