this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2026
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Steam Hardware

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[Discussion] I am finally in the Steam Machine reservation queue. Can you guys convince me to CANCEL my reservation? (piefed.social)
submitted 1 week ago by cloudless@piefed.social to c/steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
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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:

  1. Xbox series S is too weak for some recent games, even at 1080p
  2. 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
  3. I don't mind the Linux desktop environment, I actually prefer it over Windows
  4. Gaming laptops are too hot and noisy
  5. I don't want a large Windows PC, I like the steam machine form factor.
  6. My Xbox series S is also used only for streaming to my Logitech G Cloud
  7. GeForce Now has a limited library, there are many steam games I want that are not available on GFN
  8. I've considered getting a Mac Mini, but the new one is too expensive.
  9. 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.
  10. I love retro games and emulation (The Logitech G Cloud is too weak for PS2/Gamecube/PS3 emulation)
  11. 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
all 39 comments
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[–] grue@lemmy.world 14 points 1 week ago (1 children)
  1. I've considered getting a Mac Mini, but the new one is too expensive.

The cheapest Steam Machine is more expensive than the cheapest Mac Mini (although a Mac Mini with comparable RAM and storage is more expensive).

  • I don't trust most mini PC brands

I'm not sure how much that matters if you'd be running Linux on it anyway.

Sorry, that's all the argument I got. I myself just bought a Steam Machine with even less good reason, so...

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

The Mac Mini m4 is no longer available where I am, the new Mac Mini m6 is slightly more expensive than the Steam Machine.

The mini PC brands still matter even with linux, because I want hardware reliability and drivers support.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

The Mac Mini m4 is no longer available where I am, the new Mac Mini m6 is slightly more expensive than the Steam Machine.

Interesting. In the US, the Mac Mini is $899 for the cheapest model, while the Steam Machine is $1049. It's another $400 for 24GB unified RAM/512GB SSD to match the Steam Machine's specs, but the Mac Mini's low end starts lower.

The mini PC brands still matter even with linux, because I want hardware reliability and drivers support.

Ah, that's a different kind of "trust" than I thought. I thought you meant factory-installed malware because they're mostly no-name Chinese brands or something like that.

I have some experience with that, as I'm running Linux on four mini PCs of three different brands (a "Minisforum," a "Bosgame," and two "Nimo"). The Nimos have been fine (but I don't recommend the Amazon seller I got them from because he screwed me out of some RAM). I had a problem installing Debian on the Minisforum, but it works fine with Kubuntu.

The Bosgame is the most relevant: I got it for my parents and installed (I think) Kubuntu on it, but it seems to have some kind of driver problem with the power management because it doesn't wake from sleep properly. It also got hot enough to scare my mom, although I'm not sure how reliable her complaint is because what she thinks is too hot might still be within the normal operating range, for all I know. (It's at their house, so I don't have easy access to diagnose it myself.)

Anyway, even though it's massive overkill for their "hardly computer-literate Boomer" use-case, I'm replacing that Bosgame with a Steam Machine solely because it's the only mini PC I know of with first-party Linux support! (If it were me, I'd just deal with the slightly janky drivers rather than spend literally 5x the price, but my mom can be incredibly picky and stubborn.)

(Sigh) At least the grandkids might get some actual gaming use out of it when they visit...

[–] elucubra@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

If your parents are “hardly computer-literate Boomer”, their use will be pretty basic, no? Why waste a steam machine? Get a slightly used Lenovo or other enterprise grade SFF pc, or even a mini. Install Debian with KDE or Mint. Ultra stable, Massive support. If possible with a Ryzen. Plenty of graphics power even for ligh/medium gaming. Driver problems are unlikely in a 2-3 year old business machine, and will be relevant for 5-10 years for their kind of use.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Get a ... mini. Install Debian with KDE or Mint.

I already did that. Specifically, I got this and put either Debian or Kubuntu on it (can't remember off the top of my head and can't check because it's at their house, not mine).

My mom freaked out because it got kinda hot once and started whining about how she should've stuck with a Mac. So now if I want her to stay on Linux it has to be a mini PC that comes with it from the manufacturer, and AFAIK the Steam Machine is the only such thing that exists.

I fucking know it's irrational!

[–] elucubra@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 week ago

I hear you. When I mentioned a mini I didn't mean a no-name. Most enterprise manufacturers make minis, and support Linux. Search "Lenovo tiny Linux" for example.

[–] inbn@lemmy.zip 11 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I own one and these are the best arguments against:

  • much less upgradeable than a regular pc
  • still possible to build something much more performant for the same/less money especially if you compromise on size (although this is less true every day)
  • consoles still offer greater subsidized performance/dollar ratio

That said I love mine. I was nervous at first but even as a new release with some of the software kinks getting worked out it is still super low maintenance and has me playing more games than ever. I pulled the trigger based on my positive experience with the steam deck and I really do think it is a thoughtful, beautiful machine that is more than the sum of its (expensive) parts.

[–] Hiro8811@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

I don't think consoles offer any subsidised performance, they just make this allusion since they force you to buy games. You can pirate any game on PC

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week ago (1 children)

still possible to build something much more performant for the same/less money especially if you compromise on size (although this is less true every day)

Really? I was looking at building a PC instead of getting the Machine but every build I came up with was steep. I admittedly didn't thoroughly research everything but I did feel like I was picking lower tier parts and still was looking at well over $1000.

[–] inbn@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Honestly we may be past the point already given how quickly prices are still rising. I think the steam machine gave everyone sticker shock when it was first announced but if they manage to keep it at 1k base will end up looking like a deal compared to everything else sigh

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week ago

Yeah. I think it sounds expensive when you compare it to consoles, but for me, building a gaming pc, even before I checked prices, seemed like $1000 wasn't too bad. Especially knowing that meh graphics cards have easily been over $200 and a decent power supply and motherboard also could exceed $250 themselves. I mention those two components because I have gone as cheap as possible in the past, majorly regretted it, and had lots of issues and costly replacements which are very not fun. I would suspect a valve product is unlikely to suffer from issues like that, which to me is worth at least $100 just for the piece of mind.

[–] MystValkyrie@lemmy.blahaj.zone 11 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I'm not sure how you feel about upgradability or if the functional inability to play at 4K is a deal-breaker, but aside from those downsides, the Steam Machine is the best deal in PC gaming right now (weird to say considering how pricey it is), and would be an upgrade in your case.

It's likely going to be able to run new AAA games for at least the first half of the PS6 generation while likely being way cheaper now than what Sony will sell its competitor for. It's also incredible at emulating everything up to Switch, and even Bloodborne via ShadPS4, and I can say from experience that it handles PS3/GameCube/PS2 amazingly well.

And unlike most Mini PC manufacturers, Valve makes high-quality, long-lasting products, and you can find detailed guides and replacement parts on ifixit. I've had awful experiences with companies like Minisforum due to hardware issues, but I am a Steam Machine user and I can honestly say it's the best "console" or PC I've ever owned.

[–] barkingspiders@infosec.pub 10 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Based on what you said, you can get a slightly cheaper pre built that's more powerful. It'll run the newer games better. The cube will struggle even on 1080 on a lot of the new AAA games. The cube premium is mostly to do with the form factor and console like features such as the CEC control for your media center. If you don't care about that or the form factor get a cheaper pre built probably and install steamos or one of the forks.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 5 points 1 week ago

Yeah I do care about the form factor a lot. And I want a quiet device.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

He did say he didn't want a large PC. My gaming computer is damn near as small as it gets -- see size comparison pic below -- but (a) even that's over twice the size of a Gabe Cube, and (b) the ITX motherboard and SFX PSU do add some amount to the cost, along with the case itself. (I would've also mentioned the mandatory AIO cooler my particular case requires, but it turns out those are surprisingly cheap these days.)

(Note the Steam Machine measures 156 × 152 × 162.4 mm. About the same width as my A4-H2O, but only 2/3 as tall and 1/2 as deep.)

[–] artyom@piefed.social 7 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I mean it's not hard to create a compelling argument for not buying one. Just watch pretty much any of the reviews.

The easiest argument is that you can do better building your own PC and putting SteamOS or Bazzite or Cachy handheld editions on it.

However it will likely be much larger, less efficient, and possibly more noisy. And won't support HDMI-CEC.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Most of the reviews I have watched are very positive about the Machine. Building my own PC doesn’t really get any cheaper these days, and I want the Steam Machine form factor.

The only criticism I have seen are about not being able to do native 4K, which I don’t care for.

[–] artyom@piefed.social 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Hardware Unboxed had the harshest review I found, calling it "impossible to recommend", and the video was full of similar commentary. Honestly I unsusbscribed from this channel after this review (and based on many other of what I consider to be "bad takes"). But there were many other largely negative reviews that I came across with similar points. Namely the price is too high and the hardware is unimpressive.

DIY does get quite a bit cheaper. Especially if you look at used parts, and account for repairability and longevity. I just had a PSU crap out on me on my desktop. If that were a Steam Machine there would probably be no parts available, as it was ~10 years old. But since it is a standard modular PSU people have been producing for like 40 years, I was able to choose between several dozen models that suited my needs and it just bolted right in.

I don't particularly want to convince you not to buy one. And if it's the form factor and low noise you're after, there's not really anything comparable available. There are a thousand mini PCs but none of them have the giant fan/heatsink combo that creates the low-noise conditions. And it's so much better than any other console.

But you asked me to try 😅

[–] thingsiplay@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 week ago

Hardware Unboxed is really biased towards Nvidia. And they don't like Linux either from how they talk about it. Unsubscribed from that channel long time ago, about the time when unsubscribing from LTT channel.

[–] thingsiplay@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 week ago

You can't upgrade CPU or GPU. I think at that price you are better off building your own PC and install SteamOS on it. And the Steam Machine itself is not really that strong in my opinion. Years later you can simply upgrade your graphics card without replacing the entire thing.

[–] giminic@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

GG on your place on the list. Got mine a few months ago. Played like half an hour on it. Have fun!

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Why only half an hour?

[–] giminic@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

I have a more powerful PC but wanted something for the TV in the living room. For now I'm waiting for the frame, maybe then I will use the machine more.

[–] TachyonTele_Esq@piefed.social 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Do you want to cancel your steam machine?

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago

I don’t know. I’m 50/50 right now. I feel like my current setup is ok, the Steam Machine would be a nice to have and I am not sure if it is worth the cost for me.

[–] Waterpumpee@lemmus.org 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I quit GFN when they added the play time limits. Really gave me anxiety. Plus they tend to add games i could play with my framework laptop anyway. Was a good service until then.

If you are fine with GFN's service, my advice would be to stick to it. I think you cant get away cheaper. If you are OK with their limitations. Also you still own your games and build a library with GFN.

Speaking of owning. You don't own Steam games. You purchase a license to access them.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 1 points 1 week ago

Yeah I felt the same anxiety at first, but then I realised that with my Xbox and Switch, I don’t really need that many hours with GFN. With my busy life sometimes I even have my month of GFN completely unused.

I understand about the lack of software ownership, I was referring to the ownership of hardware vs GFN subscription.

[–] CalcProgrammer1@lemmy.today 2 points 1 week ago

Steam Machine has been awesome for me as a TV PC and couch gaming machine. Cloud gaming is anti-consumer and being able to get away from subscription-based nonsense would be a serious advantage if you do choose to buy it. Owning your own hardware puts you in control, not NVIDIA. SteamOS is great but the Steam Machine is just a PC at the end of the day, you can put SteamOS on another PC and you can install other OSes on the Steam Machine. I have my Machine triple booting SteamOS, Arch, and Windows.

[–] user_6282638282@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Did you get the order email at the same time? I've seen numerous reports of this, but didn't happen for me.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

No, I only got the reservation queue notice, not the order email.

[–] user_6282638282@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 week ago

Thanks for relieving some anxiety lol

[–] ericwdhs@discuss.online 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I know you asked for the opposite, but it actually sounds like you're a good fit for the Steam Machine. You didn't mention the price being a deal breaker. You will appreciate the form factor and quietness. You want performance, but you're apparently not a stickler for it, and the Steam Machine should be enough performance for a long while, especially with the market stagnating. You already like Linux. You mentioned a busy life, and the Steam Machine doesn't require you to build it, makes getting in and out of games as fast as it's possible to be on PC, and is popular enough that you will have the most possible reference material for quickly setting unique things up (like emulation) or doing troubleshooting.

Now, it does have less modularity and upgradability than your typical desktop PC, including small form factor builds (usually still at least twice the size and noisier), but how big of a negative that is is up to you.

You mentioned the Steam Deck being too heavy. Have you tried using it, or is that an assumption based on its listed weight? I personally find it so well balanced that it feels lighter than it actually is, and that's apparently a common opinion, but I'm always interested in seeing other opinions. It's probably the best backlog killer available now (including over the Steam Machine) if you can work with its compromises.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Yeah I have tried holding the Steam Deck. I guess my wrists are weak as I am getting old. I think the Steam Machine’s price is reasonable for what it is, I am just not sure if it is worth it for my use cases.

Thanks for writing a thoughtful response.

[–] ericwdhs@discuss.online 2 points 1 week ago

Fair enough, and you're welcome.

I will add that I have a Steam Machine I only occasionally use because I have a much better desktop already connected to my living room TV. However, I don't regret getting it, because it's genuinely a joy to use every time I have a good excuse to, and it's a nice refuge from a tech industry that largely feels hostile to its users.

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

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.

[–] cloudless@piefed.social 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

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?

[–] TrickDacy@lemmy.world 0 points 2 days ago

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.