New Steam update shows four Steam Machine models, though we still don't have a release date
https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-pcs/new-steam-update-hints-at-four-separate-steam-machine-models-and-a-reservation-system/
171 points · 30 comments · view on lemmy.world
30 Comments
Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz · 69 pts · 125d
The four models are probably 2 storage sizes, with or without an included controller.
panda_abyss@lemmy.ca · 30 pts · 125d
They have disclosed 2 storage sizes in their tech specs (512gb NVMe SSD vs 2tb), you’re probably right on the controller.
My only disappointment is the one USB-C port and 4 USB A ports. If it were me I’d trade a microsd slot and usb a3 for a usbc.
Cethin@lemmy.zip · 12 pts · 124d
I think the micro SD is important for what they're trying to do. I think you can store games on it and play it on the Deck or Machine, just by moving the card, IIRC.
I agree, it isn't what I'd want, but the entire product isn't what I want. It's not really made for people who are willing to build a PC for themselves.
panda_abyss@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 124d
Assuming the price for this thing isn't insane, I would still buy it and just never use the microSD port. That's fine.
What I am a bit annoyed at is the lack of any good USB-C ports. USB 4 or thunderbolt are incredibly useful for fast drives and display support, and not having that sucks. I'd be buying this as an HTPC for gaming, so again, it's not a deal breaker, just annoying.
In 2026 I don't think users need 4 USB-A ports and one token USB-C port?
echodot@feddit.uk · 2 pts · 124d
My gaming headphones still use USB A so I guess that's why that's there. But yeah, I don't need 4.
PalmTreeIsBestTree@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 124d
I wonder if that usb c could run an external gpu
panda_abyss@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 124d
Definitely not. It's USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, which is 10gb/s.
let_s_get_started@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 123d
nope can't it is just normal usbc 3.2 gen 2 (10gbit)
bjoern_tantau@swg-empire.de · 18 pts · 125d
So that's how I can get a controller!
warmaster@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 125d
I'm sorry, we're out of stock! But you can get the Steam Frame Combo Orange Pack which includes both the Steam Machine AND a Steam Controller.
Oopsie, we're out of stock of that too!
We're sad you were unable to complete the purchase, please understand that we are a small family business and we are still learning.
Thank you for your interest in Newell's Family Farm
Quibblekrust@thelemmy.club · 1 pts · 125d
Two Steam fanboys downvoted you.
warmaster@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 125d
Well, I don't care. I freaking love Steam, I was able to switch to Linux 2 years ago thanks to them!. If someone can't take a joke, let them be. I'm the biggest GabeN fan there is. But I fear for his death. It fills me with uncertainty. Hopefully things don't change and also GOG learns of Valve's way. Imagine GOG officially supporting OpenGamePad UI and contributing to Proton. Dreaming is free!
Datz@szmer.info · 2 pts · 125d
I'm not a fan of people thinking Gabe does everything, from haters and lovers alike (though, based on what I'll say, there's maybe more reason to hate Gabe for getting the credit). We need more appreciation for the current Valve team, especially the engineers who made Steam Deck and all the Steam features happen.
If Gabe dies, whoever gets the reins (kid or close friend) literally just has to do nothing, and the team just has to keep getting younger likeminded folk onboard.
This isn't a Nintendo situation where most higher ups are greedy bastards and Satoru Iwata had to hold all of them off.
warmaster@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 124d
Yeah, I'm not worried about the actual work. I'm worried about company culture. Example: If the new owner of the 51% decides to go public, we are all royally fucked.
Datz@szmer.info · 1 pts · 124d
But why WOULD he?
M137@lemmy.today · 6 pts · 125d
You get one by reserving one, next batch for US and Canada is next week, then Europe, UK and Australia in the following weeks. You can reserve one if you haven't bought one yet, have a steam account with good standing and have made a purchase on the stream store via that account before April 27, 2026.
BananaTrifleViolin@piefed.world · 5 pts · 125d
Or maybe lower RAM models to try and have entry level machines that are at least tolerably priced since AI distorted the RAM market?
HarkMahlberg@kbin.earth · 4 pts · 125d
I don't see any mention of how much RAM these units will have, just their storage capacity. So I wonder if the two lowest priced SKU's have no RAM in them at all and they expect you to add in like SODIMM's.
rotopenguin@infosec.pub · 18 pts · 125d
The early reporting on it was "every system is 16GB". The memory is replaceable, but you have to do an excessive amount of surgery to get at it, including removing the heatsink.
I don't see any reason for Valve to ship a "it doesn't work out of the box" sku.
Die4Ever@retrolemmy.com · 10 pts · 125d
Yeah no way Valve sells a non-functional device, defeats the entire purpose of the product
jordanlund@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 125d
They could do a base model where you supply your own RAM and storage...
fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 9 pts · 125d
It's not really a console at that point. The biggest upside to selling a fully complete out of the box experience is you've set the floor. Much like how the steam deck set the floor for handheld performance. People have one point of comparison, how does it compare to the steam machine. Not how does it compare to a steam machine.
mrmaplebar@fedia.io · 3 pts · 125d
I think you're probably right, but I also think selling the Machine without the Controller is an odd choice, given Valve's bigger vision of it being a living room console.
With that said, they've already sold many of us a controller, so... It's kind of a mess.
fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 28 pts · 125d
I mean not everyone might want a controller either. If they’re fine with an Xbox controller (which would work just fine) why force them to buy another controller?
Eggyhead@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 125d
This. The Steam controller will be the best one, but it’s not everyone’s favorite, and one of the cool things about steamOS is you can use a controller you already have and love. I imagine there are plenty of people who would prefer saving money by buying one without a controller packaged in.
yermaw@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 125d
Absolutely I mean i want the controller it looks pretty sexy but I also really will want to eat food that month too so
Quibblekrust@thelemmy.club · 1 pts · 125d
I plan to eat only rice and beans that month.
woelkchen@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 125d
People who already have four Xbox controllers probably are fine with the option not to pay for additional controllers.
lambipapp@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 125d
For some, yes. For others it's exactly what we want. I plan to buy the steam machine to use as a small form factor desktop pc
let_s_get_started@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 123d
The 4 models could as well be:
-512gb storage
-2tb storage
-unit without storage but with ram
-unit without ram but with storage
So people who do have some sodimm ddr5 or storage spare, could buy these. Would make perfect sense during this memory shortage.