New Steam Machine + Steam Controller coming!
Not to mention the first real look at the new untethered VR set from Valve.
Welp, we talked about the controller the other day, and now look what we have: CONFIRMATION! Not only that, but along with the Steam Controller redesign, we have our first look at the upcoming new Steam Machine designed for the living room, and the new Steam Frame VR headset.
This is all just hitting today, so for now, I want to focus on the Steam Machine and Controller first, as this is likely going to be the pairing that will most interest the mainstream Steam user.
So let’s talk about it.
Purpose: Powerful, easy-to-use PC gaming in a small, mighty package for the big screen, according to the official listing on the Steam launcher.
Power: Over six times the horsepower of the Steam Deck, capable of playing your entire Steam Library, which Value says includes AAA titles.
Performance: Designed for 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). Without seeing one in action, it’s hard to say what if any hit you’ll see in your video settings, but if you’re asking me, it’s not going to be GTX5090 levels of GPU power under the hood. (And I would argue it doesn’t need to be.)
Internals: Features a discrete semi-custom AMD desktop class CPU and GPU. (Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T. Up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP. And for the CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs, 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP.)
Operating System: Runs SteamOS, with fast suspend/resume and cloud saves. (Similar to what we get now on Steam Deck.)
Form Factor: Small, roughly 6-inch cube (~160mm) form factor. The claim is it is ‘whisper-quiet’ on the fan noise. Built-in power supply (no external brick).
Connectivity: Gigabit ethernet and 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E. (Also Bluetooth 5.3.)
I/O Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, one USB-C, and four USB-A ports.
Storage: Available in 512GB and 2TB sizes, both with expandable storage via microSD.
New Feature: Includes an LED strip to display system status (download progress, etc.) with customizable colors/animations.
Software Verification: Will be included in the Steam Machine Verified program to show game compatibility and performance ratings. Again, very much like the current Steam Deck verification model.
They also go out of their way to remind us that this is a PC, and therefore you can do anything you want with it: New OS install, alternate OS’s, hack it, tweak it, etc. (I like this kind of talk.)
SCOTT’S TAKE:
Very excited about this, but notice we are missing one key element: price. We have no idea yet, but most estimates are in the $800 to $1,000 US range based on the specs. We’ll have to wait on that detail.
Back to the controller
Core Function: Provides all the necessary inputs to play your entire Steam library (mouse games included) across various devices. (The pads are there, like on Steam Deck, to give you some of that Mice feel.)
Compatibility: Configurable with Steam Input and works with PC, laptop, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and more.
Connectivity/Charging: Comes with a Steam Controller Puck, which acts as a fast, stable wireless transmitter and a magnetic charging station. Also supports Bluetooth and USB connections.
Thumbsticks: Features next-generation magnetic thumbsticks using TMR technology for improved reliability and capacitive touch (enabling motion controls).
Haptics: Includes High-Definition Rumble with powerful motors for immersive and accurate haptics (complex waveforms). The last one said it had good haptics but that was a lie, so we will have to see on this.
Motion Control: Introduces Grip Sense (a new input) that enables gyro aiming when the controller is gripped, and can be mapped like any other button.
Inputs: Trackpads for increased precision. Four Grip Buttons on the back for custom mapping without removing thumbs from the trackpads/thumbsticks. Standard thumbsticks, buttons, bumpers, and triggers.
User Interface: The Steam Button serves as both the power button and quick access to the library, store, and settings. A Quick Access Menu provides shortcuts for friends, chat, and notifications.
Customization: Fully customizable via Steam Input, and will have pre-populated community configurations available for thousands of games due to input parity with the Steam Deck.
Design: Built for comfortable extended play, accommodating hands of all sizes. I have sorta big hands, so I will need to hold it to see. But it sure seems a lot like the two sides of a Steam Deck, and that’s been great for me, so I have hope.
CONCLUSION
There is a lot more to say on this announcement, including the Steam Frame and other details, and you can expect much of that on the CORE podcast tomorrow at the usual time. Catch the show live in all the usual places, including right here on Core.Show! (Youtube as well.)
Personally, I welcome our Valve overlords and I kinda want all these things. Now, we wait for price to decide. :)