Key Takeaways
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- Valve is set to launch three new devices in 2026, including a PC enclosure (console), controller, and VR headset. The console will feature advanced AMD APUs based on Zen 4 architecture, RDNA3 graphics, and a minimalist design with improved connectivity options.
- The new Steam Controller will be released alongside the console, boasting magnetic TMR technology in the analog sticks to minimize drift issues, HD haptic feedback, gyroscope, rear paddles, and pressure-sensitive handles (Grip Sense) for enhanced gaming experience.
- Both devices will operate on SteamOS with the option to install alternative operating systems, staying true to Valves PC roots. The console will offer a choice between a 512GB SSD or a 2TB SSD model, and customers can expand storage as needed.
- Valve has yet to announce pricing for these new devices, but they aim to be competitive in the market. The success of this new console will depend on its ability to compete against established consoles and PC gaming market, a challenge faced by their earlier Steam Machines over a decade ago.
New Valve Console in 2026: Zen 4 AMD APUs, RDNA3 Graphics, and More
Valve, undeterred by the lukewarm reception of its initial Steam Machines over a decade ago, plans to release three new devices in 2026: a PC enclosure (or console), a controller, and a VR headset. The company seems ready to re-enter the hardware arena, backed by the resources of Gabe Newell. The new console will feature advanced AMD APUs based on Zen 4 architecture, incorporating six cores and twelve threads with clock speeds reaching 4.8 GHz. The graphics section will utilize RDNA3, offering 28 compute units, complemented by 16GB of RAM and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic, the system will be a compact black cube measuring 16cm wide and weighing 2.6kg. A single fan will manage cooling. Connectivity options include Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, four USB-A ports, a microSD card slot, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. An RGB light strip will indicate download activity. Customers can choose between a 512GB SSD or a 2TB SSD model, both offering expandable storage. Staying true to its PC roots, the console will operate on SteamOS, with the option to install alternative operating systems. In addition to the console, Valve is also releasing a new Steam Controller.
Upgraded Steam Controller with Magnetic TMR Tech, HD Haptics, and Grip Sense for Enhanced PC Gaming Experience in 2026
The updated Steam Controller will feature a design reminiscent of the Steam Deck, retaining the classic touchpads and familiar button layout. A key upgrade is the inclusion of magnetic TMR technology in the analog sticks, aimed at minimizing drift issues. Additional features include HD haptic feedback, a gyroscope, four programmable rear paddles, and pressure-sensitive handles (Grip Sense) for aiming. The controller will connect via a 2.4GHz dongle, supporting up to four controllers simultaneously, and will also be compatible with the Steam Deck. Pricing details remain undisclosed. From a technical standpoint, the specifications promise strong performance for PC gaming. However, Valve has not yet announced pricing, stating only that they intend to be competitive. To succeed against established consoles and the PC gaming market, they will need to avoid the fate of their earlier Steam Machines. The market will determine in 2026 whether this new console finds success or fades into obscurity.
In Case You Missed It
In a whirlwind of electrifying gaming news, we’ve got three must-reads from Players for Life that you won’t want to miss! First up, Sophie Laurent dropped a bombshell on November 10th with her post ‘Fatal Fury City of the Wolves: Leak Suggests Mr. Big’s Release Is Sooner Than Expected’. She explores an intriguing leak suggesting SNK might be pulling forward Mr. Big’s arrival in Season Pass 1, hinting at a possible December 9th release – click here to dive into the details and stay on the pulse of this exciting development Fatal Fury City of the Wolves: Leak Suggests Mr. Big’s Release Is Sooner Than Expected. But that’s not all! Carlos Mendoza’s latest post, ‘New Pokémon Already Has Release Date’, published on November 12th, has us buzzing with excitement. Mark your calendars for March 2026 as the upcoming game ‘Pokémon Pokopia’ is exclusively headed to Nintendo Switch 2 – dive in here to find out more and grab those pre-order details New Pokémon Already Has Release Date. And if that wasn’t enough, Jonathan Dubinski reported another stunning development on the same day. His article, ‘Valve to Challenge PlayStation and Xbox with New Steam Machine Console’, reveals Valve’s plans to shake up the console market with a suite of innovative products like the Steam Machine gaming computer, Gaming Commander input device, and Steam Frame VR headset. With its sights set on challenging industry giants PlayStation and Xbox, Valve promises a more unified and customizable gaming experience – check out Dubinski’s insightful piece here to explore this potential game-changer Valve to Challenge PlayStation and Xbox with New Steam Machine Console, Gaming Commander, and Steam Frame VR Headset.