Your worst fears regarding Valve’s new hardware might be true. A Czech retailer, Smarty, seemingly leaked the cost of the upcoming Steam Machine. They listed the device on their website and hid the specific price tags within the source code. Consequently, the gaming community is now debating the high cost of this PC/console hybrid.
The Leaked Pricing Breakdown
Smarty is an authorised seller of Valve products in the Czech Republic. If their information is correct, the Steam Machine will launch in two specific versions:
- 512 GB model
- 2 TB model
The retailer listed the prices in Czech Koruna (CZK). However, Smarty typically imposes a 17% retailer margin. Therefore, we can estimate the actual Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) by removing this fee.
Here is the data found in the source code:
| Model | Listed Price (CZK) | Converted Price (USD) | Est. MSRP (Excluding 17% Margin) |
| 512 GB | 19,826 CZK | ~$950 | ~$811 |
| 2 TB | 22,305 CZK | ~$1,069 | ~$913 |
Based on these numbers, the 2 TB version will likely hit the $999 or $1,000 mark. This accounts for exchange rate fluctuations and potential last-minute internal changes at Valve.
Why Is It So Expensive?
Several factors are driving this potential price point. First, there is an ongoing global supply shortage of RAM. This shortage impacts the construction of PCs, phones, and consoles, including the Switch 2. Consequently, manufacturing costs are rising.
Furthermore, the Steam Machine uses expensive parts to bridge the gap between a PC and a console. Tech expert Linus from “Linus Tech Tips” previously commented on this. He stated the device would sell for at least $699 based solely on its $600 worth of raw components.
Is The Steam Machine Worth $1,000?
This pricing places the Steam Machine in a difficult spot. Many users argue that for $1,000, one could simply build a gaming PC. Additionally, reports suggest that accessories will not be included in the base price.
However, building a PC is also becoming costlier due to expensive GPUs and RAM units. Therefore, even at $1,000, Valve’s console could remain a competitive option. It serves as a “perfectly average” middle ground between high-end computers and standard consoles like Xbox or PlayStation.
Ultimately, Valve has yet to officially announce the release date or the final price tag. But if this leak holds true, interested buyers should prepare their wallets for a heavy hit.
