Opinion: With A $949 Steam Deck, The Steam Machine Will Probably Be Very Expensive
ign.com May 28, 2026

Opinion: With A $949 Steam Deck, The Steam Machine Will Probably Be Very Expensive

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The Steam Deck's official price increase has raised concerns about the affordability of the Steam Machine, a PC gaming hardware device. The price hike follows a trend of rising costs in the gaming industry, with Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo also increasing their console prices. Analysts predict that the RAM crisis will continue to impact prices, making it unlikely for the Steam Machine to launch at a price under $1,000. The Steam Machine's delayed release has been attributed to the rising costs of hardware.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · A $1,000 price tag for the Steam Machine would make it less competitive with current console prices, potentially altering the gaming landscape.
  • · If the Steam Machine launches at a high price, it could shift consumer preferences towards more affordable gaming options, such as the Xbox Ally or other prebuilt gaming PCs.