The Steam Frame Might End Up More Expensive Than the Steam Machine
News Source
β’Mon, 3 Aug 2026 18:20:03 +0000
π° What Happened
Valve is reportedly working on a new device called the Steam Frame, but it might cost more than the original Steam Machine. The Steam Frame is expected to be a home console-style device that plays PC games through Steam. Pricing concerns suggest it may struggle to compete with PlayStation and Xbox if it costs too much.
π The Backstory
Valve first tried to enter the console market with Steam Machines in 2015, but they failed because of high prices and a limited game library. Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC released in 2022, was much more successful. The Steam Frame would be a different approach, likely a set-top box that streams or runs games on a TV. Valve has been steadily building its SteamOS platform to work on more devices.
π― Why It Matters
A Valve console could give PC gamers an easy way to play on their TV. But if it costs too much, it might not compete with cheaper consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
Valve is reportedly working on a new device called the Steam Frame, but it might cost more than the original Steam Machine. The Steam Frame is expected to be a home console-style device that plays PC games through Steam. Pricing concerns suggest it may struggle to compete with PlayStation and Xbox if it costs too much.
Valve first tried to enter the console market with Steam Machines in 2015, but they failed because of high prices and a limited game library. Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC released in 2022, was much more successful. The Steam Frame would be a different approach, likely a set-top box that streams or runs games on a TV. Valve has been steadily building its SteamOS platform to work on more devices.
A Valve console could give PC gamers an easy way to play on their TV. But if it costs too much, it might not compete with cheaper consoles from Sony and Microsoft.