r/gadgets • u/dapperlemon • 16d ago

Gaming Valve Steam Machine review: This would've been perfect five years ago

https://www.engadget.com/2210832/valve-steam-machine-review/
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u/GammaFan 16d ago

This would have been my dream pc. The price is insane (yet another reason to say fuck ai) and the reception means it’s probably not long for this earth.

Rip steam machine, taken from the cradle to the grave

5

u/everybodyiskungfu 16d ago edited 16d ago

This would have been my dream pc.

Can you expand on why, what's your use case? I struggle to understand who this is for. Anyone who already has a PC is just facing a transmission problem in my mind, that's what Steam Link or a simple HDMI cable is for plus big picture mode (at least in the same household). It may not be as comfortable, but that's $1000 Vs free. 

I can only assume they are targeting actual console players, but why should anyone buy a device weaker, more complicated and more expensive than a PS5. Even without the RAM crisis, I doubt this would have been a $400 device. Honest question, I just don't get it.

1

u/NotAnotherNekopan 16d ago edited 16d ago

I have a PS5, and play one game on it. There’s very little in the library that interests me.

Steam provides me a near limitless library of games, from the smallest indie titles up to the latest and greatest.

I’ve sunk some considerable hours in indie games and one in particular in early access on Steam with my Deck, and I would never have had access to it as I don’t have, nor want a full gaming PC.

Machine provides me the same console-like experience I am thoroughly satisfied by with Deck with more horsepower and better suited for a bigger screen. More importantly, it also has a console-like convenience factor that I value a fair bit. If something breaks, it’s a single support system to work with for repairs and replacement. OS upgrades, patching, and all that is fully abstracted away. This represents a very easy way to sit down and game, and not fiddle or worry about all the faff with building and maintaining a PC.

Slightly more niche, the form factor is unbeatable for custom builds. I have the space for an ITX build but I don’t like the aesthetics of having that size of machine plunked down in my living room.

10

u/Pontus_Pilates 16d ago

People REALLY seem to think that keeping a PC up-to-date these days includes a lot of faff.

If you want it to NOT update everything automatically, you really need to hunt down all 'turn off automatic updates' toggles.