Steam Machine 'Will be Priced Like a PC, Rather Than Like a Console'

Steam Machine Will Be Priced Like a PC, Not a Console

Valve intends to price the upcoming Steam Machine in line with a personal computer, rather than a traditional gaming console. This information comes from a statement by a Valve representative during an interview with Linus Sebastian from Linus Tech Tips.

Pricing Context

Sony and Microsoft have both raised prices for their current-generation consoles in 2025. The PlayStation 5 series now ranges from $500 for the Digital Edition, $550 for the standard model, and up to $750 for the PS5 Pro. Meanwhile, the Xbox lineup costs $600 for the Digital Series X, $650 for the standard Series X, and $800 for the 2TB version. The Series S is offered at $400 for the 512 GB model and $450 for the 1TB version.

Valve’s Position on Pricing

"Valve wasn’t able to give any specific numbers due to the rapidly evolving market conditions, but they will obviously have it nailed down when the Steam Machine launches in Q1 202, alongside the new Steam Controller," said Linus Sebastian.

"They did offer me one hint, though: they said that while they expect it to be very competitively priced with a PC, it will be priced like a PC, rather than like a console with games subsidizing the upfront hardware purchase."

Possible Reasons Behind the Strategy

Valve did not specify why it chose such a pricing approach. According to speculation by Sebastian, the decision may aim to preserve profit margins for software and game partners while emphasizing the Steam Machine’s identity as a complete personal computer.

Launch Timeline

The Steam Machine and Steam Controller are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 202, marking Valve's return to PC hardware design with a market-driven pricing model.

Author’s summary: Valve’s new Steam Machine will debut priced like a PC to maintain partner margins and position the hardware as a full computer rather than a subsidized console.

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