Worried About the Steam Machine’s Price? There’s Already a Cheaper Alternative

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Valve’s new Steam Machine is set to compete with consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Because it functions more like a full PC than a typical console, it’s expected to be quite expensive. However, gamers who want to play their Steam games on their TV without spending a lot of money have a more affordable alternative.

It’s tough to beat the Steam Machine as a gaming setup for your living room, and it comes with some seriously great features.

  • CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP
  • GPU: Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP
  • Supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR
  • Ray tracing supported
  • Over 6x more powerful than Steam Deck
  • 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
  • 512 GB & 2 TB SSD models
  • micro SD card slot for expanded storage/ portable catalog
  • Internal power supply, AC power 110-240V

While the new hardware is impressive, it’s probably going to be expensive, potentially putting it out of reach for most casual gamers. Interestingly, the existing Steam Deck is already a great option for playing games on your TV – just add a few accessories, and it works surprisingly well as a home console alongside the new Steam Machine.

The Steam Machine May Cost a Pretty Penny, So a Steam Deck Might Be the Next Best Thing

Valve has shared details about what’s inside the Steam Machine, but hasn’t said how much it will cost. Estimates range from $700 to $1000, which is similar to the price of a gaming PC, not a traditional console. Valve has confirmed that the Steam Machine won’t be sold at a loss – unlike many consoles, they won’t be making up the hardware cost through game sales.

Valve Hasn’t Announced the Steam Machine Price, But the Steam Deck is Already a More Affordable Option

If you’re one of the many Game Rant readers not interested in a Steam Machine, the Steam Deck offers a similar experience for a much lower price. Here’s a look at current Steam Deck prices:

  • 256GB LCD Model — $400 (currently on sale for $319.20)
  • 512GB OLED Model — $549
  • 1TB OLED Model — $649

The new 1TB OLED Steam Deck is priced similarly to the original Steam Machine. However, the less expensive Steam Deck models still offer a console-like gaming experience. These cheaper versions are comparable in price to the Nintendo Switch 2, which typically costs between $450 and $500, especially when bundled with games like Mario Kart World or Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Valve sells Certified Refurbished Steam Decks starting at $279, giving players a more affordable option if they don’t mind buying a pre-owned device.

How to Make a Steam Deck Function Like a Home Console

To connect your Steam Deck to a TV, you’ll need a docking station. Valve offers its own official dock for $79, but more affordable alternatives are also available. These docks work like the ones for Nintendo Switch, using an HDMI cable to project the Steam Deck’s display onto your TV.

When using your Steam Deck in docked mode, you’ll need a controller. While the new Steam Controller price hasn’t been announced, the Steam Deck also works with Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation DualSense controllers, both of which are typically available for around $50 – and you might even find deals on the DualSense controller during PlayStation’s Black Friday sales.

This entire setup – including the base 256GB Steam Deck, the official dock, and a controller – costs about $530. While not as powerful as the Steam Machine, this more affordable option lets players comfortably enjoy their Steam games from the couch without needing to spend as much.

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2025-11-27 16:11