By now you've undoubtedly heard that Steam is releasing a console/mini computer dubbed the Steam Machine (I love the name, no notes. Great job marketing team).

Promised to come in early 2026, the announcement has people wondering one thing one thing: is it worth it?

I could dive deep into the hardware, the specs, is this better than your normal gaming PC or not – but you can just read this announcement for all of that. Let's talk about whether you should save up for one or not, and why they're dubbing it a PC instead of a console.

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It's shorter than your average figurine! ∙ Video by Valve

Should you buy a Steam Machine?

You should if you...

  1. Want a gaming PC without all the hassle.
    If you're seeking to play more games that have computer options without having to worry about building your own or buying pre-built, get a Steam Machine.
    It is essentially a miniature pre-built gaming computer. So it's all the fun, none of the hassle. And, for you anti-Windows bros, it runs on Steam OS which is based on Linux. BUT you can still install your own OS if you'd like.
    It has Bluetooth-capability baked in (something you'd have to plan for if you were building your own), will be available in 512GB and 2TB storage options – with expandable memory – and will be able to run 4K gaming at 60 FPS.
    Plus, it's equipped with 1 Gigabit ethernet capabilities and promises to run quietly.
  2. Are looking for a space saving yet powerful option
    This cube is only approximately 6 inches wide! It doesn't have a power brick (its power is built in).
Here's the entire Valve crew, waiting eagerly for you. ∙ Video by Valve

You shouldn't if you...

  1. Already own a nice gaming PC
    The specs are great, but as I, personally, own a spaceship for my gaming PC, there's nothing the Steam deck has that my computer can't do. Granted, it has a much smaller footprint, but I could always change my case if I needed that.
  2. Don't plan to play a lot of PC titles
    While it seems most games have a PC version nowadays, if you are primarily a Nintendo Switch player, for example, and don't plan on changing that up, this isn't for you.
  3. Prefer to game on the go.
    While it's tiny and will certainly be able to be moved easily, this is meant to be treated as a gaming PC and live stationarily.
  4. Want the ability to customize your PC more specifically
    If you've dreamed of having that gorgeous custom build someday, I'd say save up instead of buying this. They do give you the ability to change the face of it but, you aren't getting that themed build. And this machine? I'm predicting that it ain't gonna be cheap. Might as well wait and get what you want.

Why is the Steam Machine being called a PC instead of a console?

I believe there are two reasons:

  1. It is a computer. And it is built to run the Steam library and whatever other PC games float your boat. But you already knew that.

The real hidden reason?

  1. They want to charge you, a lot, and you not get sticker shocked.

Now, this is 100% speculation so don't get your panties in a bunch if I'm wrong. However, if they marketed this as a console, they would have to list the price as comparable to that of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox. Since they are selling you an extremely accessible pre-built PC and are allowing you to save money using their Steam library, the company is positioning this as a premium product – that will certainly have a premium price tag. I'm better around at least $699.

Other speculators disagree with me and believe that, based on the Steam Machine's parts, Valve will price it between $449-$600.

Both of these speculations point to the system costing about as much as an entry level PC build. Which is why I advice that, if you want to get into PC builds, just save up and build your own.