Steam Hardware Surge: The New Steam Machine, Frame & More
Reboot
Valve is making a major return to console and VR hardware: the new Steam Machine, Frame headset and Controller are designed to bring your Steam library into the living room and headset era.
Machine
The Steam Machine console is a cube-shaped PC/console hybrid running SteamOS, built for living-room play and optimized for your Steam library without needing a full desktop setup. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Specs
Early specs: 6-core Zen 4 CPU, RDNA3-based GPU, 16 GB RAM, claimed to be ~6× the power of Steam Deck for full HD/4K gaming. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Timing
Valve expects the new hardware family to launch in early 2026, with preorder details coming soon and pricing to be positioned as ‘competitive value’. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Frame
The Steam Frame is a standalone VR headset running SteamOS, designed to play VR and non-VR games, and stream from your PC. It's Valve’s next plunge into immersive hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Controller
A redesigned Steam Controller arrives: trackpads, extra grips, wireless puck and multi-platform support bring flexibility for console, PC and handheld gaming. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Ecosystem
Together, the Machine, Frame and Controller form a new Steam hardware ecosystem – a choice for gamers who prefer PC-level games in more flexible formats. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Value
Pricing hasn’t been solidified yet, but Valve says affordability is a priority – aiming for strong value compared to building a custom gaming PC. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Library
Your full Steam library plays - the hardware runs SteamOS with Proton compatibility layers so many Windows games work on the new console and VR devices. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Conclusion
With this hardware refresh, Valve positions itself to blur the line between PC and console, while offering new ways to play. Are you ready for the next-gen Steam era?