At the other end of the spectrum, Superdata Research founder and SuperJoost newsletter author Joost Van Dreunen predicted the entry-level Steam Machine could come in as low as $549, rising to $749 for the 2TB version (plus an additional $50 for bundles including a Steam Controller).

Electronics accessory maker Dbrand is helping the new Steam Machine feel closer to its Valve roots with a Companion Cube skin. Currently listed on the site's limited edition section, players can sign up to be notified of when the possibly-sentient cube goes on sale.

"$400 with a controller. This would really send a message" One analyst on how Valve's Steam Machine could make the biggest impact on the games industry.

Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has welcomed Valve’s next-gen Steam machine in a congratulatory message to Valve.

If Valve takes that affordability approach, then the new Steam Hardware is potentially disruptive to several different areas within the gaming industry. It could pose particular issues for Microsoft, which has recently begun talking about plans for its next-generation Xbox, and to Meta’s current prominence within the VR space.

Valve is reportedly 'looking into' a standalone version of Half-Life: Alyx for its new Steam Frame VR headset, but still requires a lot of work.

As documented in this now ancient piece of Kotaku writing, we’ve been waiting for Valve to announce the next big Half-Life sequel for a very long time. And for a few years, Valve president and co-founder Gabe Newell and the rest of the studio seemed fine with talking openly about what was then called Half-Life 2: Episode 3.

The Steam Machine challenges Xbox in the living room with the power of PC gaming. is a senior editor and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.