It’ll cost an ARM and a leg
Valve has finally given us the pricing and launch date for its Steam Machine and it’s now! And it’s expensive! And we all know why!
The Steam Machine, something that really does feel like a device that can further help bridge the gap between PC and console gaming tendencies, is unfortunately also locked to the whim of the world’s “market conditions.”
First and foremost the product is launching now, with orders selected via random based on good standing within Steam’s purchase systems (different than what the Steam Controller just changed to, timing based). So, you may be waiting if you dip in and try to order.
But that may also give you some time to save up for the device, since it ain’t gonna be cheap. It ain’t gonna be affordable, either, compared to other video game consoles. Sure, we can draw comparisons to PC pricing but this isn’t a PC, it’s not nearly as easy to upgrade and modify, and it’s meant for the TV in the living room. The prices start from $1049 and work all the way up to $1428, depending on if a controller is desired or if more storage is needed.
To be honest this isn’t strictly Valve’s fault, as the entire world is a victim in this current AI- and politics-induced chip crisis. Prices have gone up on everything, from Nintendo’s Switch 2 to the PlayStation to the little motion-based gaming Nex Playground. It’s just another realization that we’re not going to get any reprieve any time soon. This is, unfortunately, the worst timing for Valve to launch this device, but waiting any more would have created other issues that could have really hurt it in the long run.
Here are the prices:
Steam Machine 512GB: $1,049 USD / 1,509 CAD / 1,039 EUR / 879 GBP / 1,609 AUD / 4,389 PLN
Bundle: Steam Machine 512GB + Steam Controller: $1,128 USD / 1,628 CAD / 1,108 EUR / 938 GBP / 1,728 AUD / 4,698 PLN
Steam Machine 2TB: $1,349 USD / 1,919 CAD / 1,359 EUR / 1,149 GBP / 2,109 AUD / 5,739 PLN
Bundle: Steam Machine 2TB + Steam Controller: $1,428 USD / 2,038 CAD / 1,428 EUR / 1,208 GBP / 2,228 AUD / 6,048 PLN
The 2TB options come with two additional faceplates: red fabric & solid walnut.
If you’re interested, if you can afford it, head over to Steam now to make the order.
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