A new leak may have revealed the first clues about how much Valve’s Steam Machine will cost, and early signs suggest it could be far more expensive than current consoles like the PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X. The update comes from a November 13 video by Linus Tech Tips, who previewed Valve’s newly revealed system and shared the first meaningful hint about its pricing.
According to Linus, Valve did not give him a specific price or even a price window. However, the company did say the Steam Machine will be “priced like a PC” rather than a traditional console. This is a crucial distinction. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, Valve does not plan to sell the hardware at a loss and then recover costs through software sales.
That means no subsidized pricing. And because the Steam Machine is essentially a compact gaming PC that can perform all the functions of a desktop, expectations are rising that the price could land somewhere near typical PC builds.
With the PS5 Pro currently selling for about $749 and the Xbox Series X for around $649, many players are now wondering whether the Steam Machine could exceed $1,000. Linus noted that Valve emphasized PC competitive pricing, which suggests a four figure tag is not out of the question.
This possibility has drawn mixed reactions among Steam users. On Reddit, many players argued the device may struggle to find an audience if priced like a premium PC. Some said the Steam Machine risks being “dead on arrival” because PC gamers already own gaming rigs, and console players may not want a high priced PC alternative. Others questioned who the target customer is supposed to be, since many dedicated PC gamers already own both a desktop and possibly a Steam Deck.
These concerns echo rumors about Microsoft’s next generation plans. In October, leaks suggested the next Xbox may shift away from competing with the PS6 and instead become a premium PC hybrid aimed at the same high end demographic. Hardware watcher Moore’sLawIsDead estimated the next Xbox could cost between $1,100 and $1,300 based on its specs.
If Valve lands in a similar price range, the Steam Machine could end up competing more directly with custom gaming PCs and the rumored next Xbox than with any traditional console.
Still, pricing over $1,000 would make the Steam Machine significantly cheaper than most high end gaming desktops. For players who want a powerful, compact PC optimized for Steam, the system could still find a niche. But with no official price confirmed, everything remains speculation. Valve’s final announcement will determine whether the Steam Machine is seen as a premium bargain or an overpriced curiosity.