In a nutshell

• Valve announces new hardware lineup: Steam Machine (console-like PC), Steam Frame (standalone VR headset), and redesigned Steam Controller, all launching in early 2026.
• Specs highlight performance: Steam Machine packs AMD Zen 4 + RDNA3, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 4K/60FPS gaming; Steam Frame runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with wireless streaming; Steam Controller features ergonomic redesign and full Steam Input support.
• Unified ecosystem strategy: Valve aims to connect PC, console, handheld, and VR gaming under the Steam platform, positioning itself as a direct competitor to PlayStation and Xbox.

Valve has announced a lineup of gaming hardware aimed to be released in 2026: the Steam Machine, the Steam Frame VR headset, and a redesigned Steam Controller.

Pricing has not been announced, but availability will be through the same channels as the Steam Deck. Whether Valve will expand on those channels or plans to make these widely available through retailers remains to be seen.

Steam Machine: Console-Like Power for the Living Room

The Steam Machine is designed as a console-style PC powered by SteamOS. Valve confirmed two models, 512GB and 2TB, both of which offer expandable storage via microSD.

Steam Machine Specs:

• CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 (6 cores / 12 threads)
• GPU: Semi-custom AMD RDNA3
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 system memory
• VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
• Performance: 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR upscaling
• Storage: 512GB or 2TB SSD, expandable via microSD
• OS: SteamOS with full PC flexibility

Valve claims the Steam Machine is over six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, making it a serious contender for living room gaming.

Steam Frame: Standalone VR Headset

The Steam Frame is Valve’s new standalone VR headset, built to run SteamOS on mobile ARM chips while also supporting PC streaming.

Steam Frame Specs:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM CPU
• Display: Improved optics with wide FOV
• Connectivity: Wireless dongle for PC streaming
• Controllers: Redesigned motion controllers with haptics
• Software: SteamOS VR with Proton compatibility layer
• Features: Runs SteamVR titles natively, supports Linux, Windows, and Android apps

Valve describes the Steam Frame as “a new way to play your entire Steam library”, bridging standalone VR with PC-powered experiences.

Steam Controller: Redesigned for Modern Play

The new Steam Controller revives Valve’s customizable gamepad with improved ergonomics and deeper integration with Steam Input.

Steam Controller Specs:

• Design: Ergonomic redesign with improved grip and precision
• Compatibility: Works across Steam Deck, Steam Machine, PC, and Steam Frame
• Customization: Full Steam Input support for remapping and macros, along with four remappable back buttons
• Connectivity: Wireless with low-latency response

This iteration addresses criticisms of the original 2015 model, aiming to deliver a controller that appeals to both casual and competitive players.

Are you looking forward to these new devices in 2026?