The Steam Machine Has a Serious Price Problem
Nearly 3 months after the console’s original reveal, Steam finally announced the starting price of the Steam Machine. The 512 GB base model (with no controller) will cost a concerning $1,049, with the highest tier (2 TB) being priced at a whopping $1,428.
Despite these high asking prices, the machine still seems somewhat bare-bones, both in terms of its specs and technological capabilities. These concerns raise the question of whether this console will have any staying power or struggle to attain a respectable position in the market.
The main issue with the Steam Machine is its general feeling of inadequacy. While it certainly performs the countless features listed on Steam’s website, it doesn’t really do any of those features exceptionally well.
For instance, Valve originally advertised the Steam Machine as being capable of consistent 4K 60 FPS gameplay. While this is TECHNICALLY true, it is only possible with AI upscaling technology. To make matters worse, playtesters have reported generally choppy performance even with medium/low graphics settings. Because of this, the aforementioned references to 60 FPS were quietly removed from the Steam Machine website a few days ago.
The Steam Machine’s performance in general is also somewhat disappointing. Some early reactions have criticized the system’s specs, as they are comparable to a mid-tier PC build. Considering the extraordinarily high cost of the machine, it’s likely that the average gamer could build a custom PC for the same price range with better parts.
Some could argue that these problems are offset by the Machine’s open-source software architecture. However, due to SteamOS’s dependence on Linux, there have been notable compatibility issues with certain games. This could certainly be a dealbreaker for more casual gamers. Specifically, many popular multiplayer games with built-in anti-cheat software experience compatibility issues.
While compatibility can (and in some cases, does) update over time, games such as Fortnite, GTA Online, and COD (Modern Warfare 2019 and later) have historically had issues running on Linux-based platforms.
Based on these concerning issues, it’s not likely for the Steam Machine to have a bright future in the console wars (especially considering the current state of console gaming). The console seems to be aimed at players who want a console-like experience in conjunction with Steam’s expansive library.
Unfortunately, outside of the niche audience searching for an “entry-level PC” experience, it is difficult to justify purchasing a Steam Machine when similarly priced PCs or consoles offer stronger value.
While I wouldn’t call the high price point a “killing blow” for Steam, it will still likely severely limit the reach the console could have otherwise had. Sadly, for a company usually focused on consumer-friendly innovation, the Steam Machine feels noticeably inconsistent.
Do you think the Steam Machine will do well in an industry as competitive as the console gaming market? Or will it become another niche piece of hardware? Let me know in the comments!
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