The VergeCast, with host David Pierce and reviewer Sean Hollister, delved into listener questions and feedback regarding The Verge's recent review of the Steam Machine. The discussion centered on two main themes: the product's functional value and price, and the impact of its developer, Valve.
One prominent email from a listener named Jude criticized the review for being too lenient on the Steam Machine, arguing that if it weren't a Valve product, it would have been "torn to shreds." Jude contended that the Steam Machine offers poor value compared to a PlayStation for those without a gaming library, or building a custom PC for those who already have a Steam library. This led to a core debate: is it better to buy a Steam Machine, build a custom PC, or opt for a traditional console?
Sean Hollister argued that the Steam Machine is a good deal primarily for individuals who do not already own a gaming desktop but desire a console-like experience. He emphasized the difficulty of building a custom PC that matches the Steam Machine's compact size, quiet operation, and aesthetic suitability for a living room, while maintaining a comparable price and performance. While acknowledging that some could build a *more performant* machine for the same price, they would likely sacrifice the form factor and quietness.
Hollister clarified the Steam Machine's 6/10 score, explaining it sits "just a step beyond 'just okay' and 'mediocre.'" The score reflects that the device is "not quite ready right out of the box," suffering from issues like unreliable suspend/resume functionality – a feature crucial for a console-like experience. He noted that if this core issue were resolved, the score would likely jump to a 7. He drew parallels to the Steam Deck, which also launched with issues but steadily improved through Valve's updates.
The "Valve of it all" became a significant point of discussion. Listeners like Adam praised Valve's historical commitment to supporting and improving its products over time, citing examples like the Steam Deck, Steam Link, and Steam Controller. Hollister agreed, stating that Valve has an "incredible, unprecedented track record of support," consistently releasing updates that enhance functionality rather than merely maintaining security. This contrasts with the more unpredictable future of traditional consoles, even as they embrace x86 architecture for better backward compatibility.
However, the Steam Machine's hardware longevity was a concern, raised by a listener named Jim. At $1000, the device offers limited modularity beyond storage and memory, and its graphics performance (roughly on par with an RTX 3060 with 8GB VRAM) is considered slightly underpowered for a PC in its price bracket. Hollister conceded that the machine "should have been either priced much lower or kitted much better." He acknowledged that while its compact, quiet design is a strength, it comes at the cost of typical PC upgradability. He expressed a desire for more powerful external expansion options, like Thunderbolt ports, to enhance its futureproofing. The podcast noted that unlike the Steam Deck, for which high upgradability isn't expected, a desktop-class device like the Steam Machine carries different expectations regarding its lifespan and ability to keep up with evolving game requirements.
The discussion also touched upon the strategic role of the Steam Machine. Hollister suggested that if Valve can sell enough units, it could establish a "lowest common denominator" for game developers, encouraging them to optimize games for its specifications, much like they do for consoles. This could slow the relentless pace of hardware advancement required for bleeding-edge PC gaming, making the Steam Machine a stable target.
Finally, the podcast addressed whether the Steam Machine could serve as a set-top box for streaming services. Hollister definitively stated that it cannot, explaining that Valve has not invested in streaming app integration. While browser-based workarounds might exist, the complexities of DRM and the lack of robust Linux support for features like HDR, Atmos, and 4K streaming make it impractical as a replacement for dedicated devices like Roku.
In summary, the Steam Machine is presented as a promising device with a console-like form factor and the backing of Valve's strong reputation for support. However, it currently faces significant challenges regarding its out-of-box software experience, price-to-performance ratio compared to both custom PCs and older consoles, and limited upgradability for long-term relevance, especially in the fast-evolving PC gaming landscape.