Linus Tech Tips “Disappointed” by Steam Machine Pricing
▼ Summary
– Valve unveiled the Steam Machine gaming PC, a new VR headset, and Steam controller as their first hardware since the Steam Deck, with a planned 2026 launch.
– The Steam Machine will be six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, featuring an AMD CPU and GPU for 4K gaming at 60fps, with 512GB and 2TB expandable storage options.
– LinusTechTips suggested a $500 price point to Valve, but reported that the company did not respond positively to this console-like pricing model.
– He expressed skepticism about the Steam Machine justifying a price over $600, arguing it would lack justification compared to more powerful consoles like the PS5 Pro.
– Valve has not announced the price yet and is expected to reveal it close to the launch, similar to how Xbox handled the ROG Ally X.
The upcoming Steam Machine from Valve has ignited considerable discussion within the gaming community, particularly regarding its potential price. Set for a 2026 launch, this new desktop gaming PC promises a significant performance leap, reportedly offering six times the power of the popular Steam Deck. Engineered with an undisclosed AMD processor and graphics card, the system is designed to handle modern games at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. Buyers will have a choice between 512GB and 2TB storage configurations, with both models supporting further expansion through a MicroSD card slot.
While Valve has kept the official cost a closely guarded secret, this has not stopped industry figures from speculating. Popular YouTube personality LinusTechTips recently shared his perspective, revealing that his own pricing suggestion was met with a less-than-enthusiastic response from the company. During a recent broadcast, he recounted a conversation where he expressed disappointment that the hardware would not adopt a subsidized console pricing strategy.
“I can’t reveal the final price because I genuinely don’t know it,” he stated. “When I mentioned I was disappointed it wouldn’t follow a console model, where the initial cost is offset by the manufacturer taking a percentage of every game sold, I was asked what I meant by a console price. I suggested $500. There was silence, and the atmosphere in the room definitely shifted.” This moment occurred around the 37-minute mark of his show, highlighting the tension around the product’s market positioning.
Linus further elaborated that he believes the Steam Machine would struggle to rationalize a price tag exceeding $600. He argued that even at $600 or $700, the device would face stiff competition. He pointed to the anticipated power of the PS5 Pro as a major competitive hurdle, suggesting that Valve’s offering would need a compelling advantage to justify a premium. Another factor he noted is the absence of a physical disc drive, a feature that remains a selling point for some current-generation consoles.
Following a trend seen with other hardware launches, such as the Xbox ROG Ally X, it is probable that Valve will withhold the final price announcement until shortly before the Steam Machine becomes available to purchase.
(Source: Dexerto)
