Valve’s new Steam Machine is a standalone SteamOS gaming PC for a TV or desk—not a Steam Deck with its screen removed. The redesigned Steam Controller is an optional, separately sold gamepad. As of October 8, 2026, Valve’s store catalog listed the Steam Machine at $1,049 USD and the controller at $99 USD; prices and availability can vary by region and change over time.
What is the new Steam Machine?
Valve announced the Steam Machine, a redesigned Steam Controller, and the Steam Frame VR headset on November 12, 2025, for release in 2026. The Steam Machine is a compact PC built around SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system, and designed for gaming on a living-room TV or as a desktop PC replacement. It is a separate computer, not a modified Steam Deck.
Like other SteamOS devices, it offers a desktop mode. Ars Technica reported that Valve said users can install Windows, with drivers available from Valve. That adds flexibility, but it does not make the Steam Machine identical to a conventional Windows gaming PC: its default experience is centered on SteamOS and Steam.
Steam Machine specifications and performance claims
These are the announcement-era specifications reported by Ars Technica in 2025; they should not be mistaken for independent test results.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
| Component | Announced specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4, six cores, up to 4.8 GHz |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 3, 28 compute units |
| System memory | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB dedicated GDDR6 |
| Storage | 512 GB or 2 TB SSD configurations |
| Size and ports | 160 mm cube; front USB-A and SD card expansion; rear USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4 |
Valve described the machine as “over 6x more powerful than the Steam Deck” and promoted 4K gaming at 60 frames per second using FSR upscaling, according to Ars Technica’s report on the announcement. Those are Valve’s claims, not independent benchmarks or a promise that every game will reach 4K/60. Frame rate and image quality will depend on the title and settings; no independent performance test is established here.
How SteamOS affects game compatibility
SteamOS uses Proton to run many Windows games on Linux. Valve says the vast majority of the Steam library runs through Proton, and Valve engineers told Ars Technica that “almost all games just work out of the box.” That broad description is not a guarantee for every game, anti-cheat system, third-party launcher, or peripheral.
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Before buying, check compatibility for the specific games and services you care about. This matters especially if your library depends on competitive games with anti-cheat, a launcher outside Steam, or particular accessories. Windows installation may be an option, but it is a different setup from the machine’s default SteamOS experience.
What is different about the new Steam Controller?
The redesigned controller is a physical gamepad for Steam, sold separately and also reported as available in a bundle with the Steam Machine. It is distinct from Valve’s original Steam Controller, released in 2015.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- With broad game support, the Logitech Gamepad F310 works with old standbys to today's biggest titles, so it's easy to set up and use with your favorite games.
- Profiler software allows the gamepad to be programmed to perform keyboard and mouse commands for games without gamepad support.* * Requires software installation.
- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
- Dual touchpads sit below the thumbsticks, alongside a conventional d-pad and face and shoulder buttons.
- Four programmable rear grip buttons, haptics, and a six-axis IMU support additional inputs and gyro controls.
- TMR thumbstick sensors are part of the design.
- It connects over Bluetooth or wired USB. For the proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless link, the Steam Machine has a built-in radio; the included wireless puck can connect up to four controllers.
Ars Technica reported an approximately 8 ms end-to-end latency figure for the proprietary wireless link as an announced design specification, not an independently measured result. The report does not establish compatibility with PlayStation or Xbox consoles; such support would require collaboration with those console vendors.
Price and release dates listed by Valve
At the October 8, 2026 research timestamp, Valve’s Steam store hardware catalog displayed the following USD prices and release dates. These are catalog values observed at that time, not a guarantee of current stock or a universal price.
Rank #4
- 🎮 EasySMX X05 controller compatible with Black Myth: Wukong. 🎁 Includes a pair of thumb grips 🎁 This EasySMX X05 PC game controller supports Bluetooth & 2.4G & Wired.
- 🎮【RGB Lights】 The X05 game controller features RGB lighting effects, allowing you to change the lighting to your preferences and creating an immersive gaming experience.
- 🎮【Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers】Enjoy enhanced joystick control with our four hall effect sensors. These sensors provide precise and reliable input detection, allowing for smoother and more accurate movement in-game. Whether you're navigating through virtual worlds or aiming with precision, our hall effect technology ensures a seamless gaming experience.
- 🎮【750mAh Battery with 10‑Hour Playtime】This wireless game controller features a 750mAh NMC lithium‑ion battery, with 1.5× longer life than regular polymer batteries, supporting up to 10 hours of continuous gameplay on a full charge.
- 🎮【Ceramic Charging Cable】 Your X05 PC controller's ceramic charging cable ensures a stable and reliable wireless connection, minimizing signal interference and providing a seamless gaming experience. It also offers low power consumption, extending the usage time.
| Product | Catalog price | Catalog release date |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Machine | $1,049 USD | June 22, 2026 |
| Steam Controller | $99 USD | May 4, 2026 |
Check Valve’s Steam hardware catalog for the listing in your region. Taxes, local pricing, inventory, or subsequent catalog changes may affect what you see.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need the Steam Controller for the Steam Machine?
No. The controller is an optional accessory, not a requirement to use the Steam Machine. It is a natural fit if you want a gamepad with touchpads, programmable rear buttons, and gyro input, but factor its separate price into your total if you choose to buy it. The supplied information does not establish that a controller is included with every Steam Machine configuration.
Best Value
- 【For PC & Steam Game Conosle 】Wireless gaming controller supports PC (Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 /11), Steam PC gaming consoles.
- 【2.4G Wireless Transmission】2.4G Wireless Transmission Technology (with USB receiver) ensures a stable connection without any delay.
- 【Improved design】The classic new left and right shoulder button design is easy to use, has 12 function keys, Supports 2 controllers at the same time (requires game support)
- 【Vibration feedback 】PC wireless controller provides automatic vibration feedback to ensure riveting gameplay every time to enhance the game experience.
- 【High-performance chip 】The PC controller uses a high-performance chip, which has good stability and zero game delay.
Steam Machine, Steam Deck, or another gaming PC?
“Steam Deck minus the screen” is a quick visual analogy, not a useful full buying comparison. The Deck is a portable handheld; the Steam Machine is a stationary PC intended for a TV or desk. A Steam Deck can also be connected to an external display using a third-party USB-C dock, as Ars Technica notes, which may be enough for an existing Deck owner who wants occasional TV play.
For a purchase decision, compare the setup you actually want rather than relying on the performance slogan:
Quick Recap
- Total cost: Include the Steam Machine storage option, any controller you want, and any display or peripherals you still need.
- Your games: Check compatibility for important titles, anti-cheat systems, launchers, and accessories.
- Target performance: Treat Valve’s 4K/60 with FSR statement as a claim, not tested performance for every game. Consider the resolution and settings you expect to use.
- Living room or desk: A compact TV-focused PC prioritizes a different setup from a flexible desktop gaming PC.
- Operating system: Decide whether SteamOS suits you, whether you would use its Linux desktop mode, or whether installing Windows is important.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
