3 min read
Valve has surprised the gaming world once again. Following the massive success of the Steam Deck, the company recently unveiled a brand-new hardware lineup. This includes a new flagship VR headset called the “Steam Frame“, a new controller, and the star of the show: a fully revamped Steam Machine.
While many gamers caught the basic announcement, several key details flew under the radar. Here is a compilation of every confirmed specification and hidden feature regarding Valve’s upcoming console-PC hybrid.
Steam Machine: A Tiny Cube with Big Specs
Valve targets a 2026 release for the new Steam Machine. They designed this device to bridge the gap between home consoles and gaming PCs. Consequently, the specifications are impressive for its size.
The system runs on a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU (6 Cores/12 Threads) and a semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU with 28 Compute Units. Valve claims this hardware delivers performance six times that of the Steam Deck. Furthermore, the company aims to run virtually any Steam game at 4K 60fps, though you may need to use upscaling for intensive titles.
Full Tech Specs:
- CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 (Up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP)
- GPU: Semi-custom AMD RDNA3 (2.45GHz max clock, 110W TDP)
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Storage: 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.3
Design, Upgradability & “Hidden” Features
Valve packed these components into a compact chassis measuring just 152mm tall, weighing about 2.5 kgs. Surprisingly, the Steam Machine features an internal power supply. This eliminates the bulky external power brick common with smaller devices.
Additionally, customisation plays a huge role here. The device features a customizable RGB light bar. Beyond aesthetics, this light bar serves a functional purpose: it displays your game’s download progress via different zones.
For tinkerers, the Steam Machine offers a middle ground between a console and a PC. You can easily swap out the RAM and the M.2 SSD storage. However, the CPU and GPU are soldered on.
The system ships with SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) and the KDE Plasma desktop. Since Valve views this as a PC product, you can install Windows 11 or other operating systems if you choose.
The New Steam Controller: TMR Technology
The new Steam Controller brings major innovations to the table. It features “Grip-Sense” technology. This allows you to activate gyro controls simply by touching the buttons on the back of the controller. You release the buttons to turn gyro off.
Moreover, Valve utilises Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) for the thumbsticks. These are superior to Hall Effect sticks, offering better reliability and precision for shooters.
The Steam Machine hits shelves in 2026. While pricing remains a mystery, the choice between 512GB and 2TB launch models suggests Valve wants to cater to a wide range of budgets.
