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The Verge·

🎮Steam Machine Launches at $1,049 for Basic Model

Valve's Steam Machine is pricey but packed with games

TL;DR

The Steam Machine launches at $1,049 for the basic model, including a massive game library. It competes with pricier PS5 and Xbox Series X but offers unique value.

Valve's Steam Machine is now available starting at $1,049 for the base model, which includes access to Steam's extensive game library. This price point makes it more expensive than alternatives like the Switch 2 ($499) or even a PS5 Pro ($899), but it offers comparable performance and unique features. The global RAM shortage has driven up costs across gaming hardware, making Valve's pricing model stand out as non-traditional for consoles. Developers and gamers need to weigh the value of Steam's vast game library against the higher entry cost.

Steam Machine Launches at $1,049 for Basic Model — The Verge

Key Points

1

Steam Machine basic model: $1,049 (512GB memory), bundled with controller: $1,128

2

2TB version of Steam Machine: $1,349 without controller, $1,428 with controller

3

Xbox Series X 2TB: $729.99, PS5 Pro: $899.99; Switch 2 cheapest at $499 starting Sept.

4

Steam Machine includes access to Steam's vast library of games and is performance-wise comparable to PS5

5

Apple plans RAM price hikes due to global shortage, impacting PC gaming and portable devices like the Steam Deck

Why It Matters

If you're a heavy Steam user looking for console-level hardware with unparalleled game access, the Steam Machine's $1,049 base model might be worth it. However, smaller libraries or those on budget constraints may find alternatives more appealing.

Steam MachineValvegame consolespricingRAM shortage

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're a heavy Steam user looking for console-level hardware with unparalleled game access, the Steam Machine's $1,049 base model might be worth it. However, smaller libraries or those on budget constraints may find alternatives more appealing.

What happened?

The Steam Machine launches at $1,049 for the basic model, including a massive game library. It competes with pricier PS5 and Xbox Series X but offers unique value.

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