Category: Game

Valve has unveiled the Steam Machine, a new compact gaming console designed to bring PC gaming into your living room. Scheduled for release in early 2026, this device blends the power of a PC with the ease of a traditional console experience.

Hardware and Design

The Steam Machine is a small, black cube that fits neatly into your entertainment setup. It features a customizable front plate and an LED light strip, letting you personalize its look. The device includes multiple ports: USB-A and a microSD card slot on the front, plus DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and ethernet on the back.

Inside, it runs on a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU paired with a semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 GPU. It comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM combined with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Storage options include either 512GB or 2TB of SSD space. Valve claims this hardware delivers roughly six times the performance of their handheld Steam Deck, supporting 4K gaming at 60 frames per second with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).

Steam Controller: A New Way to Play

Alongside the Steam Machine, Valve has introduced a revamped Steam Controller. This wireless controller combines multiple input methods found on the Steam Deck, including thumbsticks, face buttons, grip buttons, triggers, bumpers, dual trackpads for mouse control, and gyro sensors.

The controller connects via Bluetooth or a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless puck that doubles as a charger. You can customize control layouts for each game and share profiles with others. It’s compatible with the Steam Machine, Steam Deck, Steam Frame VR headset, and any device running Steam.

A Playful and Inclusive Vision

Valve’s design for the Steam Machine stands out from typical gaming consoles. Unlike bulky or austere devices like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Steam Machine embraces a playful, approachable look. Its compact size and customizable features make it a conversation piece in any room.

Valve is also emphasizing inclusivity in their marketing, showcasing diverse users enjoying the device. This approach aims to draw in casual gamers who might find PC gaming intimidating or complex. By offering an accessible, stylish console, Valve hopes to appeal beyond hardcore gaming circles.

Part of a Growing Ecosystem

The Steam Machine joins Valve’s expanding lineup, which includes the Steam Deck handheld and the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset. All devices run on SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system tailored for gaming.

Valve envisions the Steam Machine as a hub for 4K PC gaming, as well as a streaming source for other devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Frame. Fast suspend and resume features allow you to quickly pick up where you left off on your sofa.

Availability and Pricing

Valve has not yet announced official prices for the Steam Machine or Steam Controller. Early impressions suggest they aim to price competitively with comparable gaming PCs and controllers. The launch in early 2026 will initially cover major markets including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

This new console could offer you a powerful, flexible way to enjoy your Steam library on the big screen, bridging PC performance with console convenience in a distinctively Valve style.

Horizon Steel Frontiers is set to expand the Horizon universe into the MMORPG genre, offering a fresh and massive multiplayer experience focused on giant machine hunts. Developed through a collaboration between NCSOFT, Guerrilla Games, and supported by PlayStation Studios, this new title is designed specifically with mobile players in mind, while also being accessible on PC through NCSOFT’s proprietary PURPLE platform.

A New Horizon for MMO Fans

Unlike previous Horizon games, Steel Frontiers embraces an MMO structure, placing players in the vast open world of the Deadlands a region inspired by the landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico.

As machine hunters, players can expect to encounter thousands of others, creating a dynamic environment where cooperation and competition go hand in hand. Whether teaming up to take down colossal robotic beasts or vying against rival tribes for scarce resources, the game promises a living, breathing world rich with emergent gameplay moments.

The game’s combat system draws inspiration from the original Horizon series but adapts it to suit large-scale multiplayer battles. Players will engage in strategic fights against mechanical monsters, utilizing a mix of ranged and melee weapons.

A standout feature is the continuation of Horizon’s iconic weak-point targeting mechanic, allowing hunters to dismantle specific machine parts to weaken foes and claim valuable loot.

Additionally, players can climb onto enemies using tools like the Pullcaster, set traps, and even commandeer weapons dropped by defeated machines for use in future battles.

Deep Customization and Social Features

Customization plays a central role in Horizon Steel Frontiers, reflecting a strong influence from Korean MMO design philosophies.

Players can craft their own unique machine hunter, choosing from various tribes known from the Horizon lore such as the Nora, Tenakth, Utaru, or Oseram. The character creation system offers extensive options, covering facial features, body types, hairstyles, and intricate details like makeup, allowing for truly personalized avatars.

Sharing these customized characters with the community is encouraged, fostering a vibrant social scene within the game. Beyond character design, the MMO aspect incorporates social features and raid-style boss fights, emphasizing teamwork and strategic planning among players.

This focus on collective gameplay aims to capture the thrill of hunting giant machines together, a core appeal that NCSOFT and Guerrilla Games are eager to expand.

Platforms and Release Outlook

Horizon Steel Frontiers will primarily launch on mobile devices, both iOS and Android, ensuring players can dive into the action anywhere, anytime. The PC version will be available through NCSOFT’s PURPLE platform, enabling cross-play between mobile and desktop users. Notably, there is no current confirmation of a PlayStation or wider console release, despite the franchise’s strong history on PlayStation systems.

Currently, no official release date has been announced. However, industry expectations suggest a launch window in the second half of 2026 or later. Meanwhile, Guerrilla Games continues to develop other Horizon projects, including a multiplayer live-service game for PlayStation 5 and PC, as well as a sequel to Horizon: Forbidden West.

As we anticipate Horizon Steel Frontiers, it’s clear that the collaboration between NCSOFT and Guerrilla Games aims to bring the rich, immersive world of Horizon to a broader audience through the exciting lens of MMORPG gameplay. The promise of vast machine hunts, deep customization, and a bustling online community positions Steel Frontiers as a standout addition to the franchise’s evolving legacy.