Who is a steam engine suitable for? Industry experts weigh in

Valve just recently announced a slew of new hardware, including a console-like Steam machine. It's a small six-inch cube-like device that can play computer games on your TV. Who wants to do this? How big is the market? According to Alinea analysisRoughly 20% of Steam Deck users (or millions of people) connect their systems to their TVs to play games, indicating a “clear interest” in devices like the Steam Machine that offer a “couch-friendly PC gaming experience.”

“So the Steam Machine is partly aimed at current Steam users. It's an attractive second device for PC gamers who want to play games in their living room without having to build a full rig or invest in another ecosystem,” said Alinea's Rhys Elliott.

He went on to say that the Steam Machine is a good example of Valve's ambition to “make PC gaming more accessible and flexible.” With Steam Machine, users don't have to worry about upgrading components because everything is already in the box.

“Compared to a traditional gaming PC, there's no tinkering, fewer cables, and no drivers. The best of both worlds,” Elliott said.

“It's clear that Steam Machine is not just for hardcore PC gamers, but also for curious console gamers who want the freedom and affordability of PC gaming but without the complexity,” he said. “For young consumers, steam engines Can As the gateway to PC gaming, it bridges the gap between consoles and the open PC ecosystem. Streaming partnerships can help here. “

Elliott also said in the post that the Steam Machine could eat Xbox's lunch. He noted that Xbox is already pushing players toward PC-like devices, such as the ROG Xbox Ally X . Microsoft's next-gen console is rumored to be “essentially a PC,” Elliott said, adding that “Xbox seems to be abandoning console hardware.” Against that backdrop, Elliott said, “Valve is just building the bridge faster and potentially giving disgruntled Xbox fans an enticing console-like entry to PC. And there are a lot of them.”

“If successful, Steam Machine could eat into Xbox's core proposition: console-like simplicity with PC-like openness behind it,” Elliott said.

Another important component of a steam engine is its sales potential priceElliott said the “best price” for the device, including system and controller, is $400. Elliott said that if the price exceeds $500, it risks “being viewed as an expensive niche PC.”

Selling a Steam machine for $400 “does send a message because console makers have been raising prices. The digital version of the PS5 is priced at $499, while the digital version of the Xbox Series X is priced at $599,” Elliott said.

Valve has yet to officially announce the price of the Steam Machine, Steam Framework, or new Steam Controller. The company's goal was to make steam engines Acquire land at competitive and affordable price pointsValve has said.