Instead of purchasing a Steam Machine, Valve encourages you to construct your own.

      The company is enhancing desktop compatibility and collaborating closely with Nvidia for future support.

      Valve’s new Steam Machine may be getting attention mainly for its pricing, but the larger narrative might be that users won't necessarily need to purchase one. Valve has stated that SteamOS is becoming more desktop-friendly, allowing gamers to construct their own Steam Machines with standard PC components and the operating system that powers the Steam Deck.

      Valve intends for SteamOS to function on more than just its own hardware.

      In an interview with The Verge, Valve's Pierre-Loup Griffais indicated that with the launch of SteamOS 3.8, users can effectively build their own Steam Machine using any PC parts they choose. The recent SteamOS 3.8.10 update has already enhanced compatibility with modern Intel and AMD platforms, simplifying the installation of the operating system on desktop hardware.

      Valve is also addressing one of SteamOS’ significant limitations. Griffais confirmed that the company is working closely with Nvidia on graphics driver support, though he warned that full Nvidia compatibility may not be achieved this year. Nonetheless, the fact that Valve is openly discussing Nvidia support represents a significant shift in its desktop aspirations.

      While it has technically been feasible to install SteamOS on PCs previously, the process was often complex and largely focused on AMD-based systems. Valve now seems dedicated to establishing SteamOS as a genuine desktop operating system, with plans that might ultimately lead to simpler installation processes and improved compatibility with other operating systems.

      This could be the true story of Steam Machines.

      Interestingly, the response from gamers has been overwhelmingly favorable. Across Reddit and other community forums, many users appear to be more enthusiastic about the idea of using SteamOS on their current PCs rather than purchasing Valve's newly unveiled Steam Machine hardware. This allure is understandable, as many gamers already possess capable PCs but not everyone enjoys using Windows with a controller from the couch.

      That's where SteamOS excels. Over the past few years, Valve has quietly developed it into one of the most refined gaming operating systems available, featuring quick boot times, a controller-friendly interface, shader precompilation, and a level of console-like ease that Windows still struggles to match. If Valve can successfully extend that experience to Intel, AMD, and eventually Nvidia hardware, it could achieve something much larger than just launching another gaming console. It might finally establish SteamOS as a legitimate alternative to Windows for PC gaming, transforming every gaming PC into a prospective Steam Machine.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work spans...

      Devil May Cry has just arrived on your Switch 2 for a limited-time price of $30 until July 7.

      Featuring all four characters, 60 FPS in handheld mode, and a promotional price of $30 that ends July 7, today is an excellent day for Switch 2 owners seeking a fantastic hack-and-slash game to justify their purchase. Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition becomes available on the eShop on June 23, 2026, at a limited-time discounted rate. Considering it's a title from a franchise that has sold over 38 million copies, this is definitely a deal to note.

      Valve’s Steam Machine is not a traditional console, which highlights both its advantages and challenges.

      It resembles a console, connects to a TV like one, and provides a couch-friendly experience. However, Valve emphasizes that it is still fundamentally a PC. The price of the Steam Machine is firmly in the PC range. Valve's new living-room gaming box starts at $1,049 for the 512GB model, with the 2TB version priced at $1,349. Adding the Steam Controller to the package will set you back another $79.

      Priced like a PC, yet designed to act like a console.

      Steam Machine reviews commend Valve’s hardware, but the main issue is the four-figure cost.

      The review embargo for Valve's Steam Machine has finally lifted, and upon examining opinions from major outlets, it's clear that the reviews are not as mixed as social media might suggest. There seems to be a surprising level of agreement regarding what Valve has accomplished well and where it may have fallen short. Here’s how major reviewers rated the Steam Machine.