Valve confirmed a major update on its hardware strategy. The company announced the Steam Machine, a compact console for living room gaming. The device will launch in early 2026, and it represents an exciting new era, especially for those interested in the evolving Steam Frame VR technologies.

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Valve Targets Living Room Gaming in 2026:

Steam Frame VR (New VR )

It gives Players a simple way to run PC games on a TV with high performance and direct Steam access. With the anticipation of new VR perks the Steam Frame VR promises, Valve builds the new console on SteamOS. The system runs fast and removes the setup issue that many players face while connecting a PC to a TV.

Steam Machine Sets New Direction for Valve Hardware

SteamOS Brings Clean Control to TV Gaming

Valve built the new console on SteamOS. The system runs fast and removes the setup issues that many players face while connecting a PC to a TV. SteamOS offers clean menus, strong controller support, and quick game switching.

Demand for More Power Leads to New Console

Valve said the success of the Steam Deck pushed the company toward a living room system. Users wanted more power, more storage, and smoother 4K output. The Steam Machine fills that need while integrating aspects of the Steam Frame VR setup. Steam Frame VR (New VR )

Two Storage Options for Different Players

The console comes in two versions. Each offers compatibility with the upcoming Steam Frame VR equipment.

Model	Storage
Standard Model	512 GB of storage
High-End Model	2 TB of storage

Valve will sell both models as standalone units. Players can also buy a bundle that includes the new Steam controller.

New Steam Controller Offers High Precision Input

The controller has magnetic thumbsticks and two trackpads. These features improve precision for shooters, strategy games, and PC titles that rely on fine control. This precision will likely enhance the Steam Frame VR experience. Valve will sell the controller separately for players who only need the accessory.

Six Times More Power Than Steam Deck

Valve said the Steam Machine delivers more than six times the power of the Steam Deck. The console supports 4K gaming at 60 frames per second. This gives players smooth output for modern titles on large screens. Your entire Steam library will load on the device through your account.

Console Market Faces a New Competitor

Steam Library Support Gives Valve an Edge

The console market is competitive, with Nintendo Switch and Sony’s PlayStation dominating segments. Valve enters the market with a strong advantage and the added potential of its Steam Frame VR headset:

More than 40 million people use Steam every day.
This built-in user base gives the company a strong launch window for both consoles and VR offerings like Steam Frame.

Expands Hardware with Steam Frame VR

Valve is also expanding into virtual reality. The company confirmed a new VR headset called Steam Frame. The headset will use SteamOS. Valve plans to release it around the same time as the Steam Machine.

Lessons Learned from Earlier TV Gaming Attempts

This is Valve’s second attempt at a living room gaming product. In 2015, the company tried a similar idea with partner-built PCs, but high prices and confusing branding hurt the project. Valve ended the plan after three years, shifting all hardware work in-house—a strategy that the Steam Deck success proved works.

Valve has not shared exact Steam Deck sales numbers, stating only that the device sold in the multi-million range. Plans for Steam Frame VR suggest that Valve wants to build a long-term hardware lineup.

Steam Deck Success Shapes Valve Hardware Plans

The Steam Machine focuses on simple setup, strong performance, and full access to PC titles. Players can run open-world games, esports titles, simulators, and indie games without changing settings or connecting external devices. This makes the console attractive for users who want PC power in a clean living room setup.

Valve plans to announce pricing and technical details soon, with more updates expected before the launch. The Steam Machine and Steam Frame show that Valve wants a bigger position in hardware. The company already controls the largest PC gaming store; now it aims to control the living room space with a high-power console that uses the same ecosystem. Steam Frame VR (New VR )

The gaming industry expects a strong response. The Steam Deck changed the handheld market. The Steam Machine, in conjunction with Steam Frame VR, may push the same impact on TV gaming. The device offers power, access, and simplicity in one compact system.