On June 22, Valve confirmed that the Steam Machine will finally launch later this month, priced at $1049/ÂŁ879.
Thatâs just the 512GB version, though. For the 2TB version, itâll set you back $1,349/ÂŁ1,149 before you add on a controller.
As youâd expect, thereâs been some backlash to this costly sum, but Valve has since responded by saying the Steam Machine must be sold at that price to avoid being sold at a loss. This is due to rising component prices.
This has understandably got gamers concerned for the future of home consolesâŚ
Where The Steam Machines Less-Than Affordable Price Leaves Xbox Project Helix
Xbox Project Helix is going to be the boldest console the company has tossed out yet, as it wonât just be for casual gamers.
Itâs essentially a PC and console hybrid, so expect it to push performance beyond all limits whilst also being simple to use for less tech-savvy gamers. Sound familiar?
Thatâs exactly what the Steam Machine supposedly is, and yet Valveâs âconsumer-friendlyâ console is priced at over $1000.
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âThis Basically Also Means Helix Is Guaranteed To Be Over $1000 At Least Right?â speculated akbarock on the Xbox subreddit.
â$1049 WITHOUT a controllerâ, they continued. âIt’s over $1000 while being weaker than a base PS5, so it’s basically DOA. This basically means Helix is also guaranteed to be over $1000, especially if itâs an unsubsidized PC; it may be over $1500.â
It wouldnât be pessimistic to say this will be the case. In fact, the Steam Machineâs price might as well be all the confirmation we need.
While it likely wonât reach $2000, itâs definitely going to be a pricey piece of kit, making $1500 a solid estimate depending on its specs.
The good news is itâll supposedly support Steam, meaning, in theory, the games will be cheaper as long as they launch on Valveâs digital storefront. Thank God for Steam sales.
Still, a few discounts here and there arenât likely to sway the majority of gamers. Project Helix is shaping up to be an elite system that only a handful can afford, as the price of components continues to stay at an all-time high.
Itâs a shame the Steam Machine had to suffer as well. There was a lot of excitement for the system, especially amongst those who were interested in tasting the PC gaming experience without investing in a complex and expensive rig. At its current price, youâd be better off buying a normal gaming PC instead.
Thereâs no word on when weâll hear more about Xbox Project Helix, but hopefully, more news will be shared towards the end of the year.
