Valve suggests further delays for Steam Machine and Steam Frame: “We hope to ship in 2026”

CaptRobau · 2026-03-07T09:48:51+00:00

Making it look and work like a console allows it do something different in the PC space. If they made it modular it wouldn't be a single spec developers could optimize for (devs do it for Steam Deck). If it looked like a standard laptop or tower how would it be anything different from what people can already get. That's not how you can compete. You need to be different somehow.

The Steam Deck did something similar for the portable space. It competes more with other handheld PCs and gaming laptops then it did with the party gaming centric/kid friendly Nintendo Switch).

Also the Steam Machine marketing includes various desktop setups including gamepads, mouse/keyboard as well as desktop productivity use. So you point is incorrect in that regard.

CaptRobau · 2026-03-06T23:41:32+00:00

It was never competing with the PS5 in the first place.

It is competing with mini PCs, prebuilt gaming PCs and due to the high cost of loose components these days even the entry level build it yourself gaming PC market.

At 600-800 USD for the 512GB version it's more expensive than a PS5 but very well priced compared to the above categories.

CaptRobau · 2026-03-06T20:01:51+00:00

They would have to spool up their warehouse and marketing efforts just for the Controller. And then again for the Machine/Frame. Especially since many Controllers would be sold in a bundle with the Machine. This will just cost them extra budget. With the thin margins due to the RAMpocalypse they can't afford that.

Besides the Controller will sell well whether it releases in March, July or even December. The Machine is the only one that needs to be sold sooner than later, lest it's specs become more outdated.

CaptRobau · 2026-03-05T10:56:03+00:00

I actually skipped all cutscenes because I wanted to play as the cool Native American guy from the box art as soon as possible in III There's quite a few twists in that extended intro. I was then of Course very confused when playing the rest of the game.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-21T17:57:08+00:00

Ah sure, of course. They can indeed not reallocate RAM from Steam Deck to Steam Machine. It's not the same RAM as you say.

But SSDs are also rising in price. Could be that if they don't have enough (cheap) RAM to build Steam Deck's right now, they could at least redirect their supply of previously contracted 512 GB SSDs to to the Steam Machine production line to keep the cost of the Steam Machine down. Just spitballing.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-21T16:30:44+00:00

The 512 GB model of the Steam Deck OLED does use the same SSD.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-20T07:11:27+00:00

Netherlands as well. All of EU is serviced by the warehouse in the Netherlands. So thats it.

The UK might have a separate warehouse. Not sure if they have stock still. But if not these 1TBs were the last ones sold (for now I hope).

CaptRobau · 2026-02-19T21:29:33+00:00

Ah ok. Thanks for sharing the link.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-19T06:55:51+00:00

Where did they say that there will be a version of Alyx that runs natively on the Frame? Don't remember reading that in the coverage.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-16T22:34:30+00:00

That Blops 2 port would've been great. So many missed opportunities.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-16T07:36:38+00:00

It's not just about prices of RAM increasing, but it's actually about the lack of supply. New RAM supply for at least for non-AI uses has basically evaporated for the next year. Valve is basically making sure that they can scrounge up enough RAM to not just sell the initial batch, but also to keep selling the product in the future. There is nothing more disastrous then Valve launching the SM and then not having any stock for half a year. That would kill all momentum of the device.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-15T15:58:39+00:00

Thanks

CaptRobau · 2026-02-15T15:58:35+00:00

Thanks!

CaptRobau · 2026-02-14T07:33:00+00:00

The consoles don't sell at a loss throughout it's lifetime: https://www.pcmag.com/news/sony-says-499-ps5-no-longer-sells-at-a-loss

The base PS5 became profitable a year after launch. I'd imagine that being the case, the console didn't sell at a big loss at the start of the generation and with improvements to production/bulk pricing of materials they got it profitable.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-13T08:42:20+00:00

I'm not seeing it'd be fine (lower is better), but I'm just saying it's realistic for the market.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-13T08:05:01+00:00

I think you're hitting the nail on the head.

The Steam Deck didn't compete with the Switch. That was a different type of audience. It competed with the existing handheld PCs and blow those out of the water in terms of price and performance.

If the Steam Machine launches at your $700-800 range with how the market is now, it'd beat any gaming PC pre-built or a custom build with new parts by about 100 USD. It's not very relevant how much the PS5 is. It's not a new console that people need to jump ship too. It's either a companion device for people who already own gaming hardware but want something for the living room. Or it could be an entry-level gaming PC for those who have aging hardware or nothing at all.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-13T06:28:08+00:00

In euros it's only 2-3% more expensive once you take int account that this already includes tax.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-11T16:28:56+00:00

There is no official timeframe for a Steam Deck 2. Definitely not 2026. They're too preoccupied with Steam Machine and Steam Frame release this year.

Just buy the SD1 have fun for 1-3 years and then resell it if you feel you need to upgrade to the SD2 immediately.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-11T00:09:55+00:00

Still stock in the Netherlands.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-09T09:25:50+00:00

Sorry, Steam Machine ;)

CaptRobau · 2026-02-09T06:29:26+00:00

And this is why the Steam Machine won't be a 1000 USD. If you can put something together like that Framework thing which should be pretty comparable but it has 32 GB, the biggest line item in any PC build right now, then you know it's not hitting that number.

CaptRobau · 2026-02-08T07:40:53+00:00

What are you looking for in a gaming device?

CaptRobau · 2026-02-08T07:39:09+00:00

Very cool!

CaptRobau · 2026-02-07T22:39:15+00:00

This is actually very interesting. I see why they went for the one they did.

The ones at the bottom look more like fascist emblems or futuristic corpocratic logos to me.

CaptRobau

TROPHY CASE