Valve is pushing the boundaries of PC gaming with a trio of ambitious new hardware releases: a powerful console-like device dubbed the Steam Machine, an advanced wireless VR headset called Steam Frame, and a revamped Steam Controller. All three devices are built around SteamOS and are slated to launch in early 2026. Pricing details remain under wraps for now.
The Steam Machine: PC Power Meets Console Convenience
The Steam Machine aims to bridge the gap between traditional PCs and gaming consoles. Valve boldly claims it’s six times more powerful than the popular Steam Deck handheld, capable of handling demanding AAA titles as effortlessly as indie gems. Think of it as a dedicated PC tucked neatly under your TV or on your desk. A key differentiator is the “Steam Machine Verified” tag, similar to its Deck counterpart, ensuring smooth gameplay for supported games from Valve’s massive library.
Measuring in at a compact 6-inch cube, the Steam Machine even features an integrated LED strip to visually track system activities like downloads. The promise is simple: log into your Steam account and instantly access your entire game collection without fuss.
Steam Frame: Wireless VR Redefined with Foveated Streaming
Valve’s new Steam Frame wireless VR headset emphasizes a streamlined streaming-first experience. Designed for comfort and weightlessness, it comes equipped with controllers and boasts “wireless, comfortable, lightweight VR for your Steam library.” But what truly sets it apart is the inclusion of Foveated Streaming, a game-changing feature leveraging low-latency eye tracking.
Essentially, Foveated Streaming directs the highest quality pixels directly to where your eyes are focused, optimizing visuals and performance. This means sharper, more detailed imagery without bogging down processing power.
Further enhancing its versatility, Valve states that Steam Frame can handle both VR and non-VR games, all identified with a dedicated “Steam Frame Verified” tag for compatibility assurance.
A New Era for the Steam Controller
Valve’s original Steam Controller, launched in 2015, gets a major upgrade. While retaining familiar buttons like A, B, X, and Y, along with traditional thumbsticks and a directional pad, the new model introduces two large trackpads positioned near the grips – mimicking the movement of computer mice for an innovative control scheme.
The thumbsticks utilize TMR technology for enhanced responsiveness and extended lifespan. Haptic feedback adds another layer of immersion, while a grip-enabled gyro dubbed “Grip Sense” allows players to toggle off gyro aiming simply by holding and releasing the controller.
Completing the package is the Steam Controller Puck, a wireless transmitter doubling as both a charging station and a reliable link to your hardware.
Seamless Integration: The Steam Ecosystem Expands
These new devices seamlessly integrate with existing Valve hardware like the popular Steam Deck handheld, further strengthening the SteamOS ecosystem.
This trio of announcements signifies a bold step forward for Valve, aiming to redefine PC gaming experiences across consoles, VR, and traditional controllers.
