Valve has unveiled three new pieces of hardware: the Steam Machine, the Steam Frame headset, and an updated Steam Controller. The Steam Machine is a compact cube designed to bring your entire Steam library to the living room, while the Frame is a wireless, streaming-focused headset that supports both VR and non-VR titles. The controller pairs with Valve’s ecosystem and includes a magnetic charging and wireless puck. All three are slated for release in early 2026, with Valve not yet disclosing final pricing or exact ship dates.
Steam Machine
Valve describes the Steam Machine as roughly the size of a 6-inch cube and more than six times as powerful as the Steam Deck. It runs SteamOS—an OS tailored for gaming with quick suspend/resume and cloud saves—and is intended to be a plug-and-play way to play your Steam games on a TV simply by signing in to your Steam account.
- Semi-custom AMD desktop-class CPU and GPU tuned for 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR.
- Storage options: 512 GB or 2 TB, both user-expandable via microSD.
- Connectivity: 1 Gbps Ethernet, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, 1× USB-C, 4× USB-A.
- Wireless: 2×2 Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 with a dedicated antenna.
- Built-in wireless adapter for the Steam Controller and an internal power supply—no bulky external brick.
- Programmable LED strip along the base to display system status, download progress, and customizable lighting effects.
Valve is extending its Verified program to cover Steam Machine compatibility, so players can see how individual titles are expected to run. Despite its console-like simplicity, the Steam Machine remains a full PC—you can install other software or even swap operating systems if you prefer.
Steam Controller
The redesigned Steam Controller is built to integrate tightly with Steam Input and works across PC, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and the Steam Frame. It combines traditional controls with touch-sensitive trackpads and advanced motion features for a hybrid control experience.
- Magnetic thumbsticks using TMR sensors for improved tactile feedback and longevity.
- Capacitive touch support for motion tracking, high-definition haptic feedback, and a grip-enabled gyroscope.
- Includes the Steam Controller Puck—a magnetic charging dock that doubles as a low-latency wireless transmitter. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are supported as alternatives.
- Buttons, bumpers, triggers, and quick-access controls (including a Steam button and a quick-menu key) designed for comfort and versatility.
Valve confirmed the controller will arrive in early 2026 but has not yet announced pricing or a specific launch date.
Steam Frame
The Steam Frame is Valve’s streaming-first, wireless headset built to play both VR and non-VR Steam titles. It’s described as lightweight and ergonomically balanced, designed for quick use without complex setup or tethering.
- Supports streamed gameplay via a plug-and-play 6 GHz wireless adapter that handles both VR and non-VR content.
- Foveated Streaming optimizes rendering by increasing detail where your eyes are focused to improve efficiency and perceived fidelity.
- Functions as both a streaming client and a standalone device, depending on the experience you want.
Like the other announcements, Valve intends to include the Steam Frame in its Verified program. It’s expected to ship in early 2026, with pricing and exact availability still to be confirmed.
