Valve launches Steam Machine gaming PC

Valve has officially announced the launch details, pricing, and reservation plans for its new Steam Machine. Designed as a compact, cube-shaped gaming PC, the system brings your entire Steam library directly to your TV. It runs on Linux-based SteamOS, giving it console-like ease of use while remaining a fully open PC where users can install third-party software, emulators, and storefronts.

Because of ongoing component shortages, Valve is starting the price at $1,049 USD for the base model. Unlike traditional console makers like Sony or Microsoft, Valve isn’t lowering the price of the hardware to sell it at a loss.

Steam Machine is here, and you can sign up now:

Steam Machine 512GB
Steam Machine 2TB

Plus bundled versions with Steam Controller
Learn more and sign up here: https://t.co/n6RlOy3wHd pic.twitter.com/8W42GfYo6n
— Valve (@valvesoftware) June 22, 2026

Steam Machine Specifications

Both models share the same internal hardware:

Processor: A 6-core, 12-thread AMD Zen 4 CPU (up to 4.8GHz).
Graphics: An AMD RDNA3 GPU with 28 compute units.
Memory: 16GB of DDR5 RAM (installed as a single removable stick, leaving a second slot open for future upgrades) alongside 8GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
Expandability: Standard M.2 slots for storage upgrades and a built-in microSD card slot that lets you swap games directly between the Steam Machine and a Steam Deck.

Steam Machine Pricing

Valve is releasing two main storage configurations, with optional bundles that include the new Steam Controller.

512GB Model: $1,049 (or $1,128 bundled with the Steam Controller)
2TB Model: $1,349 (or $1,428 bundled with the Steam Controller)

The 2TB version also includes two extra decorative faceplates finished in red fabric and solid walnut.

Why is the price so high?

Many players noticed that the final cost sits well above traditional home consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Valve explained that its original, more affordable target price became impossible to maintain due to global hardware supply issues.

“The prices we’re sharing today reflect the state of the world for manufacturing… it reflects the price of the components as we’ve secured them over the past 6 months.” — Valve Corporation

A massive surge in demand from artificial intelligence (AI) companies has driven up the cost of critical computer components worldwide, specifically RAM and solid-state storage. Because Valve does not use the traditional console business model—where hardware is sold at a loss and paid back through locked-in software subscriptions—the retail price directly mirrors what it costs to source the parts.

How to buy Steam Machine

Because initial stock is highly limited, Valve is using a randomized lottery system to prevent automated bots and scalpers from buying up the inventory.

1.Check account eligibility: Prerequisite.

Make sure your Steam account is in good standing and has logged at least one purchase made prior to April 27, 2026.

2.Register your interest: Deadline: June 25, 10:00 AM PT.

Go to the official Steam Machine store page while logged in and sign up for the reservation list.

3.Wait for the lottery draw: June 25 onwards.

Once the registration window closes, Valve will run a one-time randomization to sort the waitlist.

4.Check your email: Starting June 29.

If your name is drawn, you will receive an email invitation to finalize your purchase. You will have exactly 72 hours to complete the order before your spot is given to the next person in line.

Valve plans to continue rolling invitations out to waitlisted accounts as more units are manufactured through the end of the year.

Steam Machine release date

The official release date for the Valve Steam Machine is June 29, 2026 (with retail availability formalized through June 30, 2026). On June 29, 2026, those who won a spot in the reservation queue will be notified to finalize their orders, and the very first batch of units will begin shipping out.