Let’s cut to the chase – Valve has announced a new console that is basically a customized PC, and it’s hitting the market soon to get its slice of the pie. The obvious question is: how big is that slice, and do PlayStation and Xbox need to worry? The short answer is: yes, but mostly for the "Team Green" camp.
Why a console in the first place?
Console wars (and the beef between console and PC players) never go out of style. That’s why we need to ask why anyone even buys a console. For some, it’s the price. No matter how hard it is to admit, you really can’t build a PC for the price of a PS5 that will give you the same performance.
The second factor, just as important, is simplicity. A console is a "plug and play" device. You don't have to mess with drivers or worry if your hardware is strong enough to run a game. Buy it, download it, play it. A PC offers way more flexibility, but it just can't match that simplicity. Valve saw an opening here to jump in with the best of both worlds – console simplicity mixed with PC freedom and a massive library.
A small threat with big potential
One thing needs to be clear: the Steam Machine has no real chance of taking down PlayStation. We don't know the exact specs yet, but looking at the parts mentioned, it’s hard to expect the 4K 120Hz performance Valve is bragging about. It might even be weaker than the PS5, which becomes even more relevant now that everyone is already talking about the PS6 release date.
As for Nintendo, this "box" isn't going to hurt them much either. Nintendo has a very loyal audience that doesn't really overlap with PlayStation. Even the Steam Deck, which was supposed to compete with the Switch, didn't really do that. It sold a few million units – a number Nintendo hits practically on day one.
The only manufacturer that should be sweating is Microsoft. Their original idea was to deliver a hybrid between a console and a PC. Since Xbox has no exclusives (not even timed ones), they really have a reason to rethink their plans.
There is a chance…
Everything I said stands, but I’d be lying if I said there’s no chance for success. The biggest advantage is that the Steam Machine will be cheaper in the long run. We don't know the price yet, but even if it costs $800, it’s still cheaper than a PlayStation over time. You don't have to pay a subscription to play online, and Steam games are much cheaper. Plus, you have the Epic Games Store giving out free games constantly (since you can use it on SteamOS too).
On top of the price, there’s the library. A massive number of indie games hit PC way before they ever see a console. Some people were disappointed with the PS5 exclusives—partly because there weren't as many "true" exclusives as on the PS4, and partly because they all eventually came to PC anyway. That means they’ll be on the Steam Machine too. Toss in older games and emulation, and you get a massive catalog that covers almost the entire history of gaming.
Also, if you don't like Valve’s new controller, no problem. You can plug in whatever you want—DualSense, Nintendo controllers, or some cheap one from the flea market. You can even use a mouse and keyboard. That’s a level of freedom traditional consoles just don't offer.
…but there are problems
SteamOS is based on Linux. Since Windows is still the king, most games are optimized for it. This doesn't mean every game will have issues, but there will definitely be more bugs than expected. Console players will have to get used to messing with graphics settings to find the right balance between looks and performance.
But the biggest deal-breaker? Some of the most popular games today don't work on SteamOS. This includes GTA Online, Valorant, EA Sports FC, PUBG, Battlefield, and others. The list isn't huge, but these are some of the biggest games in the world, and there's a good chance you want to play at least one of them.
A different era is coming
In the end, it’s hard to predict exactly how much of an impact Valve will have. The problems are real—especially regarding optimization and game availability. However, as users, we should want Valve to succeed. Competition is always good. It forces "lazy" giants to make deals, lower prices, or—in Microsoft’s case—rethink why they are even in the console market.
The most interesting thing is seeing how the line between PC and console is slowly disappearing. Exclusives, which used to be the main reason to buy a console, are going out of style. Something that was unthinkable ten years ago—playing Microsoft games on a PlayStation—is now reality. It’s up to us to see where this leads.
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