Key Takeaways
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- Steam is launching a new Steam Machine for tabletop gaming, designed to run on SteamOS and support 4K resolution. It will also enable game streaming between other Steam devices.
- The Steam Frame VR headset is a standalone device with built-in computing capabilities, eliminating the need for an external PC. It comes with tracked controllers featuring standard VR inputs and supports expandable storage via SD card.
- An upgraded Steam Controller includes the Steam Controller Puck, which functions as both a wireless transmitter and a charging station. The controller features magnetic levers with faster response times, high-definition vibration motors, Grip Sense, and trackpads for mouse and keyboard emulation.
- The Steam Deck, already confirmed for release in Brazil, boasts high-end specs comparable to modern computers, including 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. It supports 4K resolution and offers storage options of 512GB and 2TB.
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New Steam Machine and VR Headset Announced for Tabletop Gaming and Standalone Use in Early 2026
On Wednesday, December 12, Steam announced three upcoming projects: a new Steam Machine console for tabletop gaming, a Steam Frame VR headset, and an upgraded Steam Controller. No release dates or prices have been revealed, but Correio Braziliense reports that these devices are expected to launch in early 2026. Currently, the Steam Deck is Valve’s only device with a confirmed release in Brazil. The Steam Machine, designed for tabletop gaming, runs on SteamOS (Valve’s operating system, also used in the Steam Deck and Big Picture mode) and supports 4K resolution. It allows game streaming between Steam devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Frame. The Steam Frame is a standalone VR headset with built-in computing capabilities, eliminating the need for an external PC. Powered by a Snapdragon 8 processor and 16GB of RAM, the Steam Frame kit includes Steam Frame Controllers tracked by the headset itself. These controllers feature standard VR inputs, including analog sticks, action buttons, triggers, and top buttons. A development kit is also available.
Expandable Storage Options for Steam Machine and Steam Frame, Updated Controller Features, and High-End Specs for Steam Deck
Both the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame offer expandable storage via SD card. The Steam Machine will be available with either 512GB or 2TB of storage. The Steam Frame will come in 256GB and 1TB options. The upgraded Steam Controller introduces the Steam Controller Puck, which functions as both a wireless transmitter and a charging station. It also supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Featuring magnetic levers with TMR technology for faster response times and high-definition vibration motors for immersive feedback, the controller also includes “Grip Sense,” which activates the gyroscope with a touch. Additionally, it offers trackpads for mouse and keyboard emulation. The Steam Deck, Valve’s portable device already slated for release in Brazil, features high-end specs comparable to modern computers. More compact than its predecessor, the Steam Deck includes an LED indicator for power and download status, supports 4K resolution, and features 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Storage options include 512GB and 2TB.
In Case You Missed It
In our tech news roundup, Jonathan Dubinski has been keeping a close eye on Valve Corporation’s recent moves. First, he explored the potential of their latest trademark filing in “Steam Frame Could Be Valve’s Console to Rival PlayStation and Xbox” (published on September 3rd), sparking speculation about AMD-powered hardware and console accessories. Then, we saw an exciting development in virtual reality as Dubinski delved into the Steam Frame VR headset running Steam OS on ARM architecture using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which you can read all about in his post “Steam Frame: The Long-Awaited Independent VR Headset Running Steam on ARM” (published on November 12th). But Valve’s ambitions don’t stop at just one headset; they’ve announced plans to launch a whole line of hardware, including the Steam Machine console and gaming accessories like the Gaming Commander, aiming to provide gamers with a more personalized experience by tapping into their vast Steam library. Dubinski takes an in-depth look at this ambitious venture in “Valve to Challenge PlayStation and Xbox” Valve to Challenge PlayStation and Xbox with New Steam Machine Console, Gaming Commander, and Steam Frame VR Headset.