The first of Valve’s long-awaited Steam Machine consoles is now available to buy.
Valve announced the Steam Machine project more than two years ago. The idea was to bring PC gaming into the living room by packaging PC hardware in a console-like form factor, and adding the option of the Linux-based SteamOS.
The project has taken longer than expected to take off, but we now have the first proper Steam Machines available to purchase. Valve has launched a new section on the Steam website dedicated to browsing and purchasing Steam Machine hardware.
There are three Steam Machines to choose from at present: the Zotac Nen Steam Machine, the Syber Steam Machine and the Alienware Steam Machine. All contain spec options set forth by Valve itself.
Only the Alienware effort (pictured) appears to be offering UK pricing at present, with options from £449 to £699.
Related: SteamOS Guide – Steam OS and Steam Machines explained
Alongside these machines is another essential component – the Steam Controller. The development of Valve’s custom control pad has been laborious. Indeed, it’s the reason the whole Steam Machine project has taken so long, but it too is now ready and available to purchase for £39.99.
The Steam Link, meanwhile, is a £39.99 box that enables you to stream your gaming PC setup over your home network at 1080p.
If you’re eager to see what PC gaming has to offer, but are daunted by the set-up process or just want a simple plug-and-play living-room experience, a Steam Machine could be the ideal solution.
Fancy more traditional console thrills? Check out our PS4 vs Xbox One video:
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
