A Dreamcast Mini is on the way, and it might just outshine Steam Machines for my gaming setup.

I hate to burst your bubble, but it seems an official Sega Dreamcast Mini is unlikely to ever see the light of day. While that’s disappointing for fans of this underrated console, it opens the door for mini PC creators like Acemagic to pay homage, and their latest offering might just outshine the Steam Machine.

At CES 2026, the Acemagic “Retro X5” was showcased, packing an AMD Gorgon Point Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 or Ryzen AI 9 465, up to 64GB of RAM, and a whopping 4TB of storage into a design that channels Sega’s iconic retro console. This isn’t just a nostalgic throwback like the NES Classic; it’s a mini gaming PC equipped with two LAN ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and both USB-C and USB-A ports.

As a ’90s kid, I can’t help but be drawn to the Dreamcast-inspired design, complete with its round buttons and faux disc tray. Honestly, it resembles a Japanese white Sega Saturn more closely, thanks to the maroon button on the front. But for those who grew up with the NES, there’s a version that pays tribute to Nintendo’s classic system as well. This model is quite similar to the Ayaneo Mini PC AM02, though it lacks the quirky pop-open cart door and top screen.

There’s something inherently fun about new devices that evoke nostalgia, but I can’t help but wonder if Gorgon Point mini PCs could serve as viable alternatives to Steam Machines. The internals are more akin to a gaming handheld, while Valve’s console relies on a custom chipset. However, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470’s Radeon 890M GPU offers solid 1080p performance.

It seems Acemagic is targeting minimalist desktop setups rather than the compact console market, despite the Retro X5 being a capable gaming machine. This is evident from the “Co-pilot” button replacing the traditional power switch found on a Dreamcast—a design choice that feels a bit disrespectful to classic consoles.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for mini PCs and systems that could rival Steam Machines, and of course, I plan to give Valve’s box a try when it launches. If it comes with a steep price tag, DIY solutions will become essential in 2026, especially with desktop rig prices being affected by AI-driven component cost increases.

If you’re looking to enjoy classic games on the go, check out the best retro handhelds for emulation devices and consoles. And if you already own the Steam Deck OLED, consider exploring the best Steam Deck docks and accessories to elevate your portable gaming experience.