With the announcement of the Steam Machine, hopes also rose for a console-PC in the same price range as PS5 and Xbox Series X. In an interview with SkillUp, Valve comments on the price of the Mini-PC and makes clear statements.
What does the community hope for? Many fans of Valve’s upcoming Mini-PC wish for a price of about 500 Euros. This would make the Steam Machine directly comparable to consoles and offer a direct alternative. Users share their opinions on Reddit:
- Dizzy_Key_7400 says: “The Steam Machine needs to cost about 500, otherwise it is already doomed to fail at launch.”
- Obvious_Platipus_313 writes: “I want this new PC-console experience and the convenience of not having to worry about hardware and settings.”
The assessment that the Steam Machine should cost about 500 Euros is also shared by the famous hardware YouTuber Linus Tech Tips. He has already been able to test the devices at Valve, inspect them, and ask questions about the price. However, Valve’s reaction was rather restrained.
If you want to know how Valve announced not only the Steam Machine but also the Steam Controller and the Steam VR headset Steam Frame at the same time, then watch the official trailer.
The price is closer to a gaming PC than to a PS5
What did Valve say about the price? Steam engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated in an interview with the YouTube channel SkillUp: “The Steam Machine should be priced more in line with the current PC market.” Their goal is to offer a good deal between price and performance.” This makes it clear that Valve does not intend to place the Steam Machine in the same price range as a console.
Furthermore, the engineer says: “It is very difficult to replicate a similar PC in our form factor with its features.” Given current hardware prices, this could mean that the Mini-PC might cost around 600 – 900 Euros, making it more expensive than a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
RAM, form factor, and special features are culprits
Why are console prices unrealistic for Valve? The current price increase of RAM is a cost factor that could drive up the sale price of the Mini-PC, as the price of this hardware component has been rising rapidly recently, and there is no end in sight. Additionally, special features like multiple Bluetooth antennas for a more stable controller connection are unique and could be decisive for the price.
Valve further argues with the feature set of the Steam Machine. The small form factor, its price-performance ratio, and low noise are not so easily reproducible. Thus, the dream of a 500-Euro Steam Machine is very unlikely.
Consoles like the PS5 are usually sold at a loss. This means that the manufacturer takes a loss to offer a console as cheaply as possible. This loss is then supposed to be compensated for by games and accessories.
Since the announcement of the Steam Machine, Valve’s Mini-PC has sparked a lot of interest among gamers. We have looked at the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming console alternative and found the answers for you: Steam Machine: The most important questions and answers
