Valve released an "almost console" with nuances: first Steam Machine reviews

The first reviews and tests of Valve's Steam Machine are out. The device, starting at $1050, is being compared to the PS5.

Reviews from major publications like Digital Foundry, IGN, The Verge, and several others have appeared online.

Journalists note that it is a well-thought-out and quiet "PC and console hybrid" that sometimes falls short of the PS5 in raw performance, compensating with convenience, VRR, and flexible settings. The main point of contention is the high price and the device's positioning.

Valve is not selling the Steam Machine as a regular product: buyers sign up for a waiting list and await the opportunity to purchase the device, which hints at high demand. Initial impressions show that this is a polished product.

Digital Foundry noted that "the experience of using the Steam Machine itself is practically flawless." Journalists praise the system, its quiet operation, and build quality, calling the device "meticulously crafted."

In terms of performance, it's not a breakthrough. The Steam Machine offers the level of a mid-range gaming PC, provides comfortable 1440p with upscaling, and in some cases "slightly lags" behind the PS5 due to memory bandwidth. However, a more powerful processor, VRR, and flexible settings make the overall experience comparable to a console.

The design and build are particularly praised: the device is quiet, premium, and fits perfectly into a living room, resembling a console more than a PC. The price remains the main drawback — $1050 for the base configuration makes comparisons with the PS5 and Xbox Series X difficult. Many believe that the Steam Machine should be viewed more as a compact gaming PC.

The overall conclusion of the first tests is moderately positive. Digital Foundry notes that the device "performs exactly as expected by its specifications" and doesn't change the market, but offers a quality platform for gaming. Meanwhile, The Verge highlights the successful idea of combining console convenience with PC openness, although it notes that the system is not yet fully "console-level" in simplicity.

The future prospects of the Steam Machine are also being discussed: many believe that the device will become more capable over time thanks to SteamOS updates and technologies like AMD's FSR 4. At the same time, skeptics point out that for the same money, one could build a more powerful PC or buy a console for less.