Valve's New Steam Machine Will Take On Xbox & PlayStation in 2026: Steam Frame & Steam Controller Tag Along

Valve Corporation has unveiled three new gaming devices: the Steam Frame VR headset, a revamped Steam Controller, and the Steam Machine console. This marks Valve's latest foray into gaming hardware following the Steam Deck in 2021 and its OLED version in 2023. All devices operate on SteamOS, enhancing the gaming experience across VR, console, and PC platforms.

The Steam Frame is a wireless VR headset designed for both VR and non-VR games. It can stream games from a PC or run them locally using a Snapdragon 8 Series processor with 16GB RAM. The device supports suspend/resume functions, cloud saves, and native app installations for standalone use.

Steam Frame: Advanced Features

Foveated Streaming is a standout feature of the Steam Frame. This eye-tracking technology enhances image quality where users focus their gaze while significantly reducing bandwidth usage. A 6GHz dual-radio adapter ensures low-latency performance by providing separate connections for visuals/audio and Wi-Fi.

The headset boasts 2160 × 2160 LCD panels per eye with refresh rates ranging from 72 to 144Hz. It features thin pancake lenses for comfort, four high-resolution monochrome tracking cameras with IR LEDs, and integrated stereo speakers offering spatial audio.

Steam Controller: Enhanced Customisation

The redesigned Steam Controller is compatible with all Steam platforms like PC, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. It connects wirelessly via the Steam Controller Puck, which also serves as a charging dock. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are supported as well.

Key features include magnetic thumbsticks with TMR sensors for precise input, capacitive touch Grip Sense for motion gestures and gyro aiming, four rear grip buttons, dual trackpads for mouse-like control, and high-definition haptics for immersive feedback.

Steam Machine: Compact Gaming Powerhouse

The Steam Machine offers console-class gaming in a compact form factor. It's designed to deliver 4K gaming at 60 FPS using a semi-custom AMD CPU and GPU with FSR upscaling support. The device includes suspend/resume capabilities, cloud saves, and a console-style interface suitable for living-room use.

This compact console features storage options of either 512GB or 2TB that can be expanded via microSD. Connectivity options include Ethernet, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB-C ports, four USB-A ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, built-in power supply, and customizable LED strip lighting.

Availability Across Regions

The new hardware lineup will be available in early 2026 in regions currently selling Steam Decks such as the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan (via Komodo), South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Pricing details and specific release dates are yet to be disclosed.

Valve's new devices aim to extend the versatility of the Steam library across various platforms while maintaining compatibility through features like the Steam Verified program on the Steam Machine. This ensures game compatibility while allowing it to function as a fully operational PC for additional applications or operating systems.