Steam Machine Review in Progress: So Many Questions for Such a Little Box

Commentary: Can Valve make a game console? Oh yes it can, but it's an imperfect mix at the moment. Still, there are parts that impress.

Scott Stein CNET 08 Jul 2026, 14:00 1 min read 6/10

Steam Machine Review in Progress: So Many Questions for Such a Little Box

Key Takeaways

The Steam Machine runs Valve's SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed for living room gaming.
Early testing shows compatibility issues with some Windows-only games, though Valve is working on Proton compatibility layers.
The included Steam Controller uses haptic trackpads and gyro aiming, offering a unique but polarizing input method.
Internal hardware varies by manufacturer; the unit tested features an AMD APU with Radeon graphics for 1080p gaming.
Valve plans regular software updates to address launch criticisms and expand game support over time.

Valve's Steam Machine is finally here — and it's a fascinating but unfinished experiment in console gaming. The long-rumored device, which runs SteamOS and aims to bridge PC and living room gaming, arrives with undeniable ambition but noticeable rough edges. In our hands-on first impressions, we found a compact, well-designed box that impresses in concept but stumbles in execution. The Steam Machine is a bold attempt by Valve to create a dedicated gaming console that leverages the vast PC library of Steam. However, early impressions reveal issues with game compatibility, interface polish, and controller ergonomics that make it feel like a work in progress. Despite these flaws, the device shows genuine promise for gamers seeking a PC-like experience on their TV. Our full review will continue as we test more games and updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Steam Machine is a gaming console developed by Valve that runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. It is designed to bring PC gaming to the living room, allowing users to play games from the Steam library on a TV.

Based on early impressions, the Steam Machine shows promise but has compatibility and polish issues. It may be worth it for PC gaming enthusiasts who want a console-like experience, but casual gamers might want to wait for software updates and more game support.

Pros include a compact design, access to the vast Steam library, and innovative controller features. Cons include limited game compatibility at launch, a learning curve with the Steam Controller, and occasionally rough interface performance.

The Steam Machine offers a different value proposition: it plays PC games and supports mods, but it lacks the exclusive titles and polished ecosystem of PlayStation or Xbox. Performance is comparable to a mid-range gaming PC at 1080p.

Valve has started shipping early units to reviewers and select customers. A broader release date has not been announced, but availability is expected to expand in the coming months.

Any game available on Steam that supports Linux or runs via Valve's Proton compatibility layer. Many Windows-only games work, but some may have performance issues or require tweaking.

Topics

Steam Machine Valve gaming console hardware review first impressions SteamOS PC games console gaming

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