Valve has recently revealed that they are now taking pre-orders for the Steam Machine game console running the Linux-based SteamOS distribution. The first round of pre-orders is scheduled to be shipped starting on June 29. Interested buyers have the option to choose from four different configurations of the Steam Machine. These configurations include the Steam Machine 512GB ($1049), Steam Machine 512GB with Steam Controller ($1128), Steam Machine 2TB ($1349), and Steam Machine 2TB with Steam Controller ($1428).
The hardware of the Steam Machine is built around a System on a Chip (SoC) specifically designed for the device, featuring a desktop-class processor based on the AMD Zen 4 microarchitecture with 6 cores and 12 threads running at 4.8 GHz. The GPU belongs to the RDNA3 family with 28 computing units and operates at 2.45 GHz, boasting performance stated to be 6 times higher than the GPU found in the Steam Deck. The console also comes with 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB of video memory, and either a 512 GB or 2 TB SSD storage depending on the model. Various ports and expansions are available, including a micro SD slot, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C 3.2 port, USB-A ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The approximate size of the console is 15x16x16 cm.
The Steam Machine is equipped with a wireless interface to pair with the Steam Controller, which is included in some configurations or can be purchased separately. Users can also utilize controllers, peripherals, and accessories from other manufacturers. Additional features of the Steam Machine include a color LED strip with customizable animation, separate control of 17 LEDs, and the ability to indicate system status. Apart from gaming, the console can also function as a workstation with a built-in KDE graphical environment.
Performance tests show that the Steam Machine falls a few frames per second behind the PlayStation 5 when playing God of War Ragnarök and is notably behind the PlayStation 5 Pro. The noise level of the Steam Machine while playing God of War Ragnarök was measured at 41.4 dB, slightly higher than the 40.4 dB of the PS 5 Pro and 39.7 dB of the PS 5. Under load, the average power consumption of the Steam Machine was 176 W, reaching a maximum temperature of 70°.