Valve Officially Releases the Steam Machine

Today, the 22nd of June, Valve announced the release of the Steam Machine, Valve’s console using a Linux-based operating system called SteamOS. Its main feature set is total compatibility with anything that runs on Proton, a compact size, and something called “Steam Machine verified”, which requires games to be runnable on Linux, at a minimum of 30FPS at 1080P, or 60FPS at 4K, according to Valve’s marketing. 

Unlike the Steam Controller’s launch, Valve has made the smart choice here and has not immediately opened purchasing, using a randomised reservation system instead with the goal of dissuading scalpers. The reservations are open until June 25th, and due to the randomisation, you won’t necessarily get it later than someone who orders on June 23rd.

The Steam Machine is available for purchase directly from Steam in the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, it is available via KOMODO. Other regions are only serviced by unofficial resellers. The console will be available in four offerings:

• Steam Machine 512GB for £879.
• Steam Machine 512GB + Controller for £938.
• Steam Machine 2TB for £1149.
• Steam Machine 2TV + Controller for £1208.

As you can see, if you buy the controller together with the console, the controller costs significantly less than on its own. If you are interested and are from the regions serviced by Valve, you can reserve an order for the Steam Machine on its product page.