The Steam Machine is ready to preorder right now, and I will be getting one to review soon. But beyond my standard testing, I want to open the floor to any questions from you in a live Q&A.
Before we get to that, though, there are some other key questions we need to get to — namely, when you'll be able to buy one, and how much it will cost.
Spoiler alert on the latter: Steam Machine pricing starts at $1,049 (actually not as bad as I expected). But read on for all the information you need if you're keen to pick one up!
When is the Steam Machine launching?
Right now, you can sign up for the Steam Machine model (or bundle) that you're interested in. You'll be placed into a reservation queue and notified via email when it's your turn to purchase — an action that looks set to stop bots and scalpers snagging them all.
The first batch of these emails will be sent starting Monday, June 29th.
How much will Steam Machine cost?
This has been the big question here, and I've got all the details here. You'll be able to order the Steam Machine either on its own or as part of a bundle with the Steam Controller.
- Steam Machine 512GB: $1,049 / £879 / AU$1,609
- Steam Machine 512GB + Steam Controller: $1,128 / £938 / AU$ 1,728
- Steam Machine 2TB: $1,349 / £1,149 / AU$2,109
- Steam Machine 2TB + Steam Controller: $1,428 / £1,208 / AU$2,228
It's also worth noting that the Steam Machine 2TB + Controller bundle also comes with two additional faceplates: red fabric and solid walnut.
Is this a good price for the Steam Machine?
Honestly, given the RAMageddon fears we've all had, and how the huge Steam Deck price increase terrified all of us, this price could have been a lot worse.
That being said, it's still pricey, and Valve is straight up about how this has "proven to be a weird time to launch hardware."
"We felt like we had a good understanding of how those costs might change over time when we first started sourcing them for Steam Machine back in 2023," Valve wrote in its blog post.
"Over the past year or so, that has changed quickly and significantly, most visibly for RAM and storage components."
Because of these, Valve confirms that the company's original price goal is "no longer viable," and that this total reflects "the price of components as we've secured them over the past 6 months."
That being said, though, they do also say that the availability of these precious components has "impacted the number of units" Valve has been able to produce for launch.
Any further questions?
So chances are, with that price, you've got some questions about whether it's worth it for you. I'm getting one to test (a 2TB model to be specific), and can answer any questions you have about the hardware.
I can run tests beyond any of our standard suite for you, give you general thoughts, or see how far I can push the hardware. Whatever you want me to do, just throw your questions in the Live Q&A box below, and I'll start responding after I've fully reviewed the hardware.
And of course, we want to keep this a friendly community chat with all the consumer advice you'll need. Please treat everyone (including yours truly) with respect and avoid any nasty language.
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