The gaming console market has received an unexpected player. Valve has officially announced the release date for its long-awaited Steam Machine system. However, the device's launch was accompanied by news that may deter many enthusiasts: the starting price of the base version of the new product exceeds the cost of Sony's most powerful console to date — the PlayStation 5 Pro.

Price Paradox and Specifications

The main reason for such a high cost, according to Valve, is the global crisis with spare parts. The base model of the device with a 512 GB storage drive will cost $1,049. Notably, the proprietary controller is not included in this price. If a gamer wants to get the full set with a gamepad, the price will rise to $1,128.

For those seeking maximum performance and storage capacity, top-tier modifications with a 2 TB SSD are available. Their cost ranges from $1,349 to $1,428.

For comparison: the premium PlayStation 5 Pro, presented at the end of 2024, costs $899. This is $150 cheaper than the base version of the Steam Machine. Moreover, the Sony console box already includes a 2 TB drive and a proprietary controller by default. An even more striking contrast is observed with the digital version of the PS5 Digital Edition, which after a recent price hike costs $599.99 — almost half the price of Valve's offer.

Technical Tests and Performance

First reviews from industry experts, including the Digital Foundry lab, paint an ambiguous picture. On the one hand, the interface operation and game launch speed on the Steam Machine are described as "practically flawless." On the other hand, in demanding projects such as Black Myth: Wukong and Alan Wake 2, the device shows results that are only roughly equal to the base version of the PlayStation 5, and in some scenarios, it even lags behind.

In terms of overall specifications, the system corresponds to the level of an entry-level gaming PC: it confidently launches modern projects but does not demonstrate outstanding graphics results.

Main Achievement: Form Factor

Despite the controversial performance metrics, Valve engineers have made a real breakthrough in design. The Steam Machine is executed as an elegant cube with an edge of about 15 centimeters. This makes the device significantly more compact than the bulky and massive PlayStation 5, turning it into a stylish interior element.

Ecosystem and Exclusives

In the context of fierce competition, it is difficult to call Valve a profitable purchase at launch. In addition to the price disadvantage, Sony's platform retains a key strategic advantage — its own exclusives. Although many hits from previous years, such as Marvel's Spider-Man or The Last of Us, eventually receive PC ports, Sony's new major single-player releases remain closed to Steam.

Analysts predict that the anticipated blockbusters Ghost of Yotei, Marvel's Wolverine, and God of War: Ragnarok (PC version) will not appear on PC in the near future.

Expert Verdict

Considering the high cost and lack of exclusive content, experts recommend that gamers at the start of sales pay attention to proven solutions from Sony or consider the option of building a full-fledged gaming PC and laptop, which will offer more flexibility for the same money.