Valve is preparing a new Steam Machine and controller, aiming for a “really competitive” price point to challenge MicrosoftS dominance in the gaming hardware market. The declaration comes after the success of the Steam Deck and Steam deck OLED, which revitalized the handheld PC gaming segment.
Valve’s next-generation Steam Machine represents a significant shift from its previous attempt at a living-room PC gaming device. The original Steam Machine, released in 2015, faced challenges due to inconsistent hardware configurations and pricing. This new iteration, coupled with a redesigned controller, signals Valve’s renewed ambition to compete directly with console manufacturers like Microsoft and Sony. Details regarding specifications and release dates remain scarce, but Valve has emphasized a commitment to affordability.
According to an interview with IGN, Valve is focused on delivering a compelling price-to-performance ratio. The company intends to leverage its software ecosystem – Steam – to offer a unique and attractive gaming experience. The new Steam controller is also a key component of this strategy, promising improvements over previous designs.
The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED have proven Valve’s ability to innovate in the PC gaming space. The success of these handhelds has created a dedicated user base and demonstrated a demand for portable, PC-compatible gaming.Valve’s move into the living room PC market with the Steam Machine is a natural progression, building on this momentum and perhaps disrupting the established console landscape.
Source: Valve via https://www.ign.com/articles/valves-next-gen-steam-machine-and-steam-controller-the-big-interview
