Debunk from dev Pierre-Loup Griffais @plagman.bsky.social
“we’ve done pre-release Mesa Vulkan work on every AMD architecture since Vega thanks to them kindly providing hardware, so there’s nothing meaningful to read into there.”
This could be nice for folks that want a console-like living room experience that “just works”.
Me? I built a Linux HTPC a dozen years ago and have periodically updated the graphics card (it gets the hand-me-downs from my main gaming PC) so I don’t need this. I’m far more interested in a Steam Controller 2 😄
I built a Linux HTPC like a month ago. I tried a couple of different distros, mainly because the Xbox controller (that I bought new) didn’t work with any distro. The Playstation one works perfectly, but that Xbox mf is a lost cause (I’m going to change it for a tattoo lmao, and save for another Playstation controller).
At the end, I landed on Bazzite distro and is working fine. The KDE plasma interface is really good (after like 10 years with Linux mint cinnamon, the plasma feel like I’m in the future)
That’s a bummer, because I was considering the same thing and was wondering what Xbox controller support would be on Linux.
I already had a ps4 controller (worked ok on Linux mint and perfectly with Bazzite), but wanted a second one to play with my wife, and I have seen people using Xbox controllers on Linux so I supposed it was “plug and play”, but not! You first need to connect it to an Xbox or a Windows PC to update the controller firmware. After this, the controller was supposed to work but it didn’t. This is were I learned that xbox controllers don’t use the standard Bluetooth protocol but a proprietary one.
This is were I learned that xbox controllers don’t use the standard Bluetooth protocol but a proprietary one.
Is there a source for this? I play a few time vampire games on my iPad and use my xbox controller BT paired with it just fine. Haven’t had a single issue in a year or so.
On Fedora using a wireless Xbox one controller with absolutely no issues.
Huh? Im using an xbox controller on my kubuntu for steam. alas connection only works wired, bluetooth is unusable for me. Give your controller one last chance ♥️
Nah, that controller problem had perfect time. I was trying to find a excuse to go to Rio during carnival and our tattoo artist friend said that he take the controller in exchange for a tattoo so I have no alternative that to go to Rio during carnival to make the exchange.
Didnt they already try this and it flopped? Is my memory playing tricks on me?
It would be a pretty dumb business move. It’s going to take a lot to unseat Sony and Microsoft, and the people familiar with Steam likely already have pretty powerful PCs. Case in point, the steam deck. Novelty product, it’s pretty cool, but it’s nowhere even close to unseating Nintendo Switch, let alone PS or Xbox.
Why is everyone assuming that you can only make a profit if you are the market leader? Even if you have a percent of Sony and Microsofts market share in the console market, you can still make a shit load of money of it.
Their original steam machine failed because Steam OS didn’t have Proton yet back then, so devs had to create dedicated linux versions of their games, drastically reducing steams catalogue. Now that they have perfected proton, they beat PlayStation and Xbox with their massive amount of games across way more niche genres.
It could easily target people that don’t want to tinker with hardware or settings on PC but still want to have all of the games that steam offers.
Late stage Capitalism burnt their brains
What a lot of people don’t realize though, is those consoles actually sell for a loss. 2025 is going to bring some crazy shit with it in regards to hardware pricing. Like in one aspect, ok if this thing is a decent price, and has decent performance, then yeah. But that is going to be really really hard to pull off right now. Meaning the thing is either going to be pretty crazy priced or it’s going to have lacklustre performance. In order to have good volumes of sales, you’ve got a very well established dominant two, that’s going to be hard to unseat. I dunno, I’ve been wrong before, and I’m sure I’ll be wrong again, maybe even here. But to me, that’s going to be hard to pull off.
But they don’t have to unseat them. Even if they sell their hardware with a profit for a higher price than the PS5, there are still plenty of people that have a large catalogue of games or people that aren’t willing to pay 60-80€ for two year old games. As long as they don’t sell at a loss, they just have to get back their R&D cost, which are significantly lower than with the steam deck, since they can just scale up their existing mainboard with a better processor and more ram.
I’m sure a stationary console targeting high settings 1080p for current gen games with 4k through FSR could very easily be made for 300-400€ and would fit right in their lineup.
Sure, but then why didn’t the first iteration of these succeed?
They made the Steam Link, which was a local network game streaming machine, not a full blown console that ran steam games independently.
The bast majority of steam users have lower end hardware. I could see this being a good companion box for a recent steam deck owner looking for a bit more graphical grunt for their TV set up.
Steam Machines flopped for a whole bunch of reasons. Many of those have been fixed over the intervening years. Consoles are now all basically PCs, and the market leader runs a variant of BSD (iirc). That makes native Linux gaming a much easier thing to pull off. Then, there’s Proton which is apparently basically some kind of black magic where Windows games can run better under Linux than under Windows. There’s also much better peripheral device support than there used to be. Valve has also created a basically fixed platform with the Steamdeck (and its AMD-basef competition), meaning developers have a defined set of features they can target for a good experience.
I’m here for this. If they can overcome the Nvidia issues, I’ll just stick my gaming rig in my loungeroom and build something smaller and cooler for my main workstation…
They did, and it did.
However, I would suggest with the current gen consoles, the market is different. Also, you don’t need to unseat Sony and Microsoft to be able to turn a buck.
So, kinda. “Steam Machines” was the old initiative from 2013(?). The idea was to build a coalition of 3rd party machines with a branding and hardware guidelines for Asus, Acer, etc to build a ton of console-likes. Basically trying to replicate the PC market of diverse hardware from a bunch of OEMs to create a new market segment in the console space.
The difference here is that Valve is allegedly building a console themselves, fully 1st party with their own hardware and software, like they did with the Steam Deck. I imagine if this one has enough market traction (as determined by Valve), they’ll iterate on the software hard for a couple of years (and possibly the controller, too), then expand with guidelines for OEMs to make their own versions of the console using SteamOS. Basically, just follow the Steam Deck playbook and hope it works like last time.
SteamOS
the way I see it, steam machines led to SteamOS, which will lead to a true steam living room console.
You are not misremembering. It did give us one of the most hilariously awful controller designs (though I applaud them swinging for the fences), and it it was the precursor to the steam deck, so it wasn’t completely worthless.
If they can take the lessons learned from their recent successes with the steam deck, I could see them making something that sticks around for a bit. There’s a market for people that want the steam ecosystem but are intimidated by PC builds or the toxic sub culture that sometimes permeates PC gamers. Having a pre-built PC with proper backing that just works out of the box with minimal tinkering could be an attractive option for some.
I still have 2 Steam Controllers and 3 Steam Links at home, one of the Links and one Controller are for streaming media to my TV from my PC (the rest are spares). I very much like the Controllers for Desktop use, but they aren’t great for classic twin stick games. They excel at stuff like RTS, FPS and Simulations tho!
Something something steam link…
This rumor has been going around for a few months now, mostly because of some commits targeting new unknown hardware to SteamOS afaik.
I hope the rumor is true, I love my steamdeck but something a bit more powerful that allows me to play Steam games in 4k on my TV would be awesome. If they run the same exact OS as on the steamdeck you could even do stuff like ad-free youtube using Firefox.
I know this isn’t exactly what you mean, but I use the Remote Play function to stream games from my PC to my living room TV, it works like a charm!
Yup I’ve been doing that as well using nvidia shield but it has become very unstable as of late. Network latency and input lag is also an issue in some games unfortunately.
Are you using Steam’s integrated streaming, or Moonlight/Sunshine? The latter has less lag and can handle higher resolutions, but is a pain to set up
Ah that’s unfortunate.
To clarify I use my Steam Deck in a third party dock with a LAN-port connected to my TV. I’ve had no issues at all and streamed FF7 Rebirth with 2k resolution and stable 120fps yesterday, no interruptions.
There’s also been some arm SoC work by valve, could be they’re gearing up for a new SteamStation, could be that they’re opening up SteamOS for 3rd party manufacturers like Lenovo. Only time will tell.
The ARM SoC work is likely for a VR headset to rival the Meta Quest line. Valve isn’t going to build a console-like PC without an x86 processor in it any time soon until x86 emulators like FEX and Box86 become more advanced and faster.
Undoubtedly, but a girl can dream right?
but something a bit more powerful that allows me to play Steam games in 4k on my TV would be awesome.
I got news for you! You can literally build a computer to do this right now, no need to wait for steam.
I know that. I want something ready to go with a dedicated controller and not fiddle around with components myself that may run too hot or are too noisy etc.
Good news: pre-built PCs are also a thing.
Pre-built PCs come with Windows and are not suited for a console-like experience out of the box like a machine with a preinstalled OS for gaming (whether that be SteamOS, Orbis (PS4/5), Horizon (Nintendo Switch), or Xbox’s OS).
Not everyone is comfortable with installing their own OS/deleting Windows either, regardless of how easy it is.
Something like a Steam Machine 2 can really appeal to console gamers who want to dip their toe into PC gaming while still maintaining a console-like experience.
Yeah I get all of that. I’m just saying if you want to do it, you can, today. And it’s not even terribly complicated.
technically? yes
but don’t act like it’d be the same
aesthetics, build quality, assurance that it’d all work smoothly, the whole experience just wouldn’t be the same
which is to say nothing about the fact that SteamOS doesn’t really work on hardware that’s dissimilar to the steamdeck… if they released a console, one would assume it would have higher specs
aesthetics, build quality, assurance that it’d all work smoothly, the whole experience just wouldn’t be the same
You’re right, it’d probably be way better…and it would be customized to your preferences and price point.
which is to say nothing about the fact that SteamOS doesn’t really work on hardware that’s dissimilar to the steamdeck…
You’re right again, you could use Bazzite or Nobara or Chimera and have an even better experience. Ask me how I know.
Steam has big picture mode, and gives the console experience. It’s not really that difficult to install steam on a PC.
Pre-built PCs come with Windows and are not suited for a console-like experience out of the box like a machine with a preinstalled OS for gaming
It isn’t that hard to install Bazzite. Literally the hardest thing to get it working great is finding a prebuilt that uses an AMD graphics card for the driver support.
And I’ve had people that don’t even use PC’s recommend Bazzite to me when I mention Linux. While not everyone knows what it is, you’d be surprised how much word of mouth has spread
Do you want some eggs? I got news for you! You can literally build a chicken shed right now, no need to wait for farmers.
Seriously, the same captain obvious answer all the time when a Steam console is mentioned. It’s infuriating. Consoles exist for a reason, to provide a ready and verified environment for playing games without any fiddling.
Can I build a chicken? That’s the real question…
Can you build computer parts from scratch?
Please don’t fuck a computer
Sure. First, you have to create a universe…
Please don’t fuck a chicken
I would argue that’s no longer the case.
I was a long time console gamer, for exactly the reasons you mentioned- no fiddling. I was time-poor, so I wanted to be able to slip the cartridge/disc in, and just play.
Those days are gone, my friend. I turn my console on less and less. Every time I do, I need to download game updates. But I can’t do that unless I download the system update. I need to sign in to various networks just to be able to do this. Usually with a paid subscription.
The article has been updated, this isn’t true unfortunately.
Or maybe they could do Half-Life 3 please.
Half-Life 3
Steam Console Exclusive
I don’t care. Gimme.
Huge half life fan here.
I would wait to emulate that shit.
A steam console will likely just be a Linux PC running SteamOS
No need to emulate
And why not? That’s all consoles are, now. Do you want the blue AMD laptop, or the green AMD laptop?
Again?
Third time’s the charm. Well, in their case second time was the charm, the steamdeck was such a success that I understand the decision to try out the steam machines idea once again.
If they build it as an actual console rather than the previous thing where anyone could put out a PC, install SteamOS on it, and call it a Steam Machine, then it will probably be genuinely competitive with Xbox. Sure, it’ll still be a standard X86-64 system running Linux, but they need brand control.
I run Bazzite HTPC Version on my gaming rig, i would consider this the best console experience nowadays. A huge amount of games, no need to rebuy games i allready owned on a previous PC and most games run out of the box just fine.
Is that a distro or launcher? Im switching to PC gaming and Im interested in your set up.
Its a distro. An alternative for Bazzite could be ChimeraOS
I think I’m part of steam machine’s target market. Games are leisure time. I don’t want to be worrying about processor-graphics cards combos. I don’t want to worry about which game runs, or optimising settings. I want to turn it on and have fun.
Sadly, I’ve been in emulating recently just to get away from micro transactions so I have to spend a lot of time tinkering. First mini pc that flawlessly runs 360/PS3 and is less than £500 I’m getting it.
You’ll have a long way to go on the software side before worrying about hardware
Like you said though, just buy a prebuilt and you’re already there
Like you said though, just buy a prebuilt and you’re already there
As long as Microsoft doesn’t push an update that fucks up your machine, or you don’t boot for a few weeks and have to wait 2 hours for an update…
Even the biggest Steam update takes a fraction of the time of a ‘routine’ Windows update. SteamOS/DeckOS is a huge quality of life upgrade over a desktop.
Why are you running Windows on any device prebuilt or otherwise?
Linux is the key there.
All your complaints revolve around Windows.
That being said, if you don’t want to fuck with computers any more than necessary, that route won’t be particularly pleasing until Valve can release their OS and Launcher updates, assuming they keep things user friendly.
Linux gaming is leagues better than it was 20 years ago. Still hard to beat a fresh Windows install (key: fresh) and most certainly a console when it comes to ease of use.
You should buy a console then
Xbone was my last console purchase and I considered it terrible value for money. AAA games aren’t generally worth looking at due to their monetisation strategies. Console wars are anti-consumer. Indy titles, what I mostly play don’t have the same availability. Steam workshop has no equivalent on console. Multilayer is a paid addition, not that multiplayer is worth it because the multiplayer games have the worst monetisation strategies. I could go on.
But you’re right, that’s what I want, a Steam Machine.
We need a steam deck 2 first
Nah I’d wait longer if I was valve so there’s an actual improvement, not just a small upgrade
The steam deck was on zen 2, I feel like we’ve had a lot of improvements since then
Yes but, I feel, not enough to justify a steam deck 2
Ok. And how much will it cost?
Likely more than consoles which are usually sold at a loss.
Instant pre-order for me. Steamdeck has been by far my favorite gaming console but TV performance is only good for low requirement games and I’d love the same experience for proper 4k gaming even if it’s medium fidelity.
From reddit:
is this trust worthy?
Extasis mentions this guy handledeck as the source
https://xcancel.com/HandleDeck/status/1886501899832021224#m
which links to this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgKzbHIWDK4
which just mentions this article https://www.phoronix.com/news/Mesa-25.0-RADV-RDNA4-State
saying: “by reading this article carefully we can come up to the conclusion that…”
Seems all bullshit.
What does Valve actually need: sell a x86 SoC PC for extra-extra cheap… barely capable to run 720p60fpd high quality, and extremely well optimized, videogames such as Resident Evil4 Remake and latest Doom, bundle the SoC with those games to the point it may look as you’re just buying regular bundled games but the PC to run it comes for free.
IE: 140€ to get Resident Evil Remake 2,3 and 4 for +the SoC: You just need to add the disk space (MictoSD/SSD) to download&run OS+games.
Thankfully you don’t work at Valve.
IE: 140€
Dude, you can’t even build a Raspberry Pi 5 based Retropie for that price. And the most you could run is emulated Gamecube games
Not a build, what I am thinking it’s exactly as a raspberryPi5 is, just slightly more powerful. The idea is to kickstart sort of DIY PC console, in which Valve sell you just the very bare bones (CPU/GPU/ram and only strictly necessary I/O, just like the RPI5 board) + some key license for games to test things out, then anybody can build up whatever they want, even plugging an external GPU if so they desire.
Does it come with a battery that’s not rechargeable and only lasts for exactly one playthrough of the game after which you throw the whole thing in the trash?
