Valve launched its new Steam Machine console, Steam Controller and Steam Frame virtual reality headset on Wednesday. All three are optimized for Steam. The company didn’t reveal a release date or pricing, but released a trailer:
The 6-inch cube-shaped Steam machine features a separate, semi-custom Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) desktop-class central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) capable of 4K resolution, 60 FPS (frames per second) and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). The console will come in two storage options: 512 GB and 2 TB. Both have the ability to expand storage via microSD. The system also features 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 as well as dedicated antennas. Valve says the Steam Machine is six times more powerful than its Steam Deck handheld device, while remaining quiet and cool. A Steam machine can be connected to a TV or monitor and games can be streamed to a phone, tablet, laptop, Steam Deck or Steam Frame. It is also considered PC.
The Steam Controller can be used with Steam Consoles, Steam Frames, and any other device that uses Steam. The controller features magnetic joysticks, grip-enabled gyroscopes (which the company calls “Grip Sense”), a trackpad, back buttons, a Steam button, a quick-access menu button, and HD rumble. The Steam Controller Puck is a wireless transmitter that connects to the controller. Puck can also be charged by magnetically connecting to a Steam controller.
This lightweight, wireless Steam Frame headset can be used to stream all Steam games, VR or not. The system uses Foveated Streaming to optimize detail by tracking where the eyes are looking. The headset comes with the Steam Frame Controllers, a pair of separate controllers that contain buttons and motion controls. Steam Frame uses a wireless adapter to stream games from your PC to your headset. There are also dual radios, one dedicated to streaming audio and video, and the other for connecting to Wi-Fi. As a PC, Steam Frame also supports stand-alone gaming without the need to stream from another computer.
Steam Deck Portable PC Games comfort roll out February 2022. Steam Deck was originally scheduled to launch in December 2021, but later Delay due to global supply chain issues and material shortages. There are three versions of the console, including a 64GB model. 256GB version, and exclusive Steam Community Pack. Steam Deck allows players to access their Steam library.
