I am in the Steam Machine 2026 reservation queue now. Please convince me NOT to buy one. I don’t really have a gaming PC right now. I am hoping that the Steam Machine can replace my productivity laptop, so I can play modern games on it and also have better general performance for productivity apps.
My current gaming setup:
- Laptop with integrated Intel Iris XE graphics (only for productivity and limited 2D gaming)
- 1440p monitor
- Xbox series S
- Switch Lite
- Switch 2
- Logitech G Cloud
- GeForce Now performance subscription
I spend most of the time playing on handhelds (native/streaming), but occasionally on the computer monitor. Currently I stream from either GFN or the Xbox (remote play) to my Logitech G Cloud.
I have a huge backlog, and very limited time to play games due to busy life.
Other points to consider:
- Xbox series S is too weak for some recent games, even at 1080p
- I am not just going to use the Steam Machine with the monitor, I will mostly stream the Steam Machine to my Logitech G Cloud
- I don’t mind the Linux desktop environment, I actually prefer it over Windows
- Gaming laptops are too hot and noisy
- I don’t want a large Windows PC, I like the steam machine form factor.
- My Xbox series S is also used only for streaming to my Logitech G Cloud
- GeForce Now has a limited library, there are many steam games I want that are not available on GFN
- I’ve considered getting a Mac Mini, but the new one is too expensive.
- I worry that GFN will raise their prices or put further limits. Or new games I want won’t be available on GFN. I feel like with GFN, I own nothing and it is out of my control.
- I love retro games and emulation (The Logitech G Cloud is too weak for PS2/Gamecube/PS3 emulation)
- I have very good internet connectivity and good wifi 7.
Additionally:
- Gaming handhelds such as the Steamdeck and ROG Ally are too big and heavy.
- I want to be able to play upcoming games such as Fable and Elder’s Scroll 6
- I do not need to play on the couch with TV
- I only play single player games, mostly RPGs
- I enjoy the cheaper game prices of Steam (vs Xbox/Nintendo)
- I don’t need native Microsoft 365 apps, I am happy with Linux apps
- I don’t trust most mini PC brands
- I am mostly a patient gamer, and often wait until at least 50% discount to buy games
I am curious if you bought it. I ended up buying one myself and it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. I went looking in this community for any posts about people getting them and yours was the closest I found. Surprisingly little chatter about these things on Lemmy. I’m kind of excited about getting mine.
After thinking about it for ages, I realized my current gaming setup is totally fine and I don’t need a Steam Machine to level up my gaming. BUT I ordered one anyway! I’ve kind of wanted a replacement for my PC for a while, and it came down to a Mac Mini or a Steam Machine. The Steam Machine would save me more money overall. Then it hit me how much of my free Epic Games library would suddenly be playable on a proper gaming PC.
I ordered it last Friday, but there’s still no ETA. Apparently there are too many orders, so delays are coming. In the meantime I’ve been researching the best way to set it up. I’m planning to dual boot CachyOS and Windows (gasp).
How are you liking your new cube so far?
I hope your order is shipped soon! I really like this device. The experience has been pretty smooth so far, the performance is better than anticipated also. It functions well and it looks beautiful. The thing is tiny. I’m just running the stock SteamOS. I did not know windows was even an option on these actually.
