Steam Machines Set to Launch This Summer, Confirms Valve

Valve is gearing up to launch the Steam Machine, its console-like PC, along with the Steam Frame VR headset this summer. The company announced this timeframe in a recent update, which also detailed enhancements to its Verified program for these upcoming devices.

“We’re expanding the Verified program to include Steam Machine and Steam Frame, both set to release this summer,” Valve stated in a blog update. While the announcement was exciting, it left many wondering about the exact release dates and, more critically, the launch prices for these devices.

Pricing will play a crucial role in the success of both the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Following a significant price hike of over $200 for the Steam Deck, Valve’s popular handheld PC, there’s a lot of apprehension about how much the Steam Machine will cost. Valve claims the Steam Machine boasts six times the power of the Steam Deck, which is promising for gaming performance but also suggests a potentially steep price tag compared to the Steam Deck’s nearly $800 base OLED model.

The remainder of the blog post focused on how the Verified program, which indicates whether a game is compatible with the Steam Deck through a green check mark, will function for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

The process will remain largely unchanged. Valve will test games, and those that meet the criteria will receive a green check mark. If a game previously struggled on the Steam Deck, it will be re-evaluated on the Steam Machine, and if it performs better, it will earn a Steam Machine Verified badge. The same verification process will apply to the Steam Frame. Let’s hope Valve is meticulous in its verification process.

However, the burning question remains: what will the price be? Some estimates suggest the Steam Machine could start at $1,200 or more. While that figure seems steep, considering the current RAM shortages and other factors, a $1,200 price tag might not be far-fetched and could even be the best-case scenario. It’s possible the price could exceed that. Place your bets now, and good luck!