Valve has recently made a significant splash in the gaming hardware scene, announcing three new devices that expand their “Steam Hardware family” and are scheduled to launch in early 2026: the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and a new Steam Controller. This expansion builds upon the success of the Steam Deck, aiming to provide PC gamers with even more ways to enjoy their Steam libraries.

Here’s a detailed look at each of the newly announced hardware:

### Steam Machine

Valve is re-entering the living room console market with a new Steam Machine, a decade after its initial attempt. This iteration is designed to be a compact, quiet, and powerful gaming PC for the living room, capable of delivering 4K gaming at 60 FPS with ray tracing and FSR upscaling, targeting performance comparable to current-generation consoles.

**Key Specifications and Features:**
* **CPU:** 6-core AMD Zen 4 processor with peak frequencies of 4.8 GHz boost. It’s a semi-custom AMD chip with a 30W TDP.
* **GPU:** Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 with 28 Compute Units, running at 2.45 GHz sustained clock with a 110W TDP. Valve collaborated with AMD on custom firmware and software for optimization.
* **Memory:** 16GB of DDR5 system memory and 8GB of GDDR6 video memory.
* **Storage:** Available in 512GB or 2TB SSD models, with microSD expansion. The SSD is also replaceable with standard M.2 drives.
* **Operating System:** Runs on Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS, optimized for TV, offering features like fast suspend and resume.
* **Connectivity:** Features 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless adapter for the Steam Controller, DisplayPort 1.4 (up to 4K 240Hz), HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K 120Hz with DSC, VRR, HDR, HDMI CEC), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, and Gigabit Ethernet.
* **Design:** A roughly 6-inch (160mm) black cube designed to blend into a standard shelving unit, with a removable front panel for customization and an LED indicator.

### Steam Frame

The Steam Frame is Valve’s next-generation wireless VR headset, which can function as a standalone device without needing to be hooked up to a PC. It has been in development since at least 2019 and is inspired by both the Valve Index and Steam Deck.

**Key Specifications and Features:**
* **Processor:** Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
* **Memory:** 16GB unified LPDDR5X RAM.
* **Display:** Dual 2160×2160 pancake displays per eye, offering increased clarity and a more compact design compared to the Valve Index. It features a 110-degree field of view and refresh rates from 72-120Hz (144Hz in experimental mode).
* **Storage:** 256GB or 1TB SSD models with microSD expansion.
* **Tracking:** Four outward cameras for controller and headset tracking, and two interior cameras for eye tracking, which drives foveated streaming to sharpen resolution where you look.
* **Connectivity:** Dual Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 6E, with a dedicated 6 GHz dongle for high-fidelity PCVR when connected to a gaming PC.
* **Battery:** Rechargeable 21.6Whr Li-On battery, offering standalone play capability.
* **Controllers:** New controllers that resemble a standard gamepad split down the middle, with magnetic TMR thumbsticks, capacitive finger sensing, and powered by a single AA battery in each.
* **Operating System:** Runs SteamOS with full suspend/resume functionality.
* **Design:** A featherweight design, weighing 185g by itself and 440g with the included head strap.

### Steam Controller

Valve is also releasing a new Steam Controller, sharing DNA with the Steam Deck and designed for high performance and ergonomics. It aims to provide a versatile input method across the entire Steam ecosystem.

**Key Specifications and Features:**
* **Inputs:** Features next-generation precision magnetic thumbsticks, two capacitive trackpads with haptics, gyro controls with capacitive “Grip sense” sensors, and grip buttons.
* **Connectivity:** Offers three ways to connect: 2.4 GHz (with an included puck), Bluetooth, and wired USB.
* **Battery Life:** Boasts 35+ hours of battery life.
* **Compatibility:** Compatible with SteamOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS/Android with Steam Link.

All three products are available for wishlisting on Steam’s official hardware pages, with specific launch dates and pricing to be announced after the new year, but shipping is planned for early 2026. They will be available in regions where the Steam Deck currently ships, as well as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan through KOMODO.

It’s worth noting that Valve has stated they are not interested in releasing a “Steam Deck 2” anytime soon, preferring to wait for a genuine generational leap in performance rather than incremental improvements.