Valve has announced three new hardware products expanding the Steam Hardware family, all scheduled to launch in early 2026. The announcement introduces the Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame, joining the existing Steam Deck in Valve’s hardware lineup.
According to Valve President Gabe Newell, the expansion comes in response to continued demand from PC gamers. “We’ve been super happy with the success of Steam Deck, and PC gamers have continued asking for even more ways to play all the great titles in their Steam libraries,” Newell stated. “Our work over the years on other hardware and even more importantly on SteamOS has enabled Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame to do just that.”
And if you’re having a feeling of deja vu, a very similar announcement has happened almost exactly 10 years ago!
Steam Frame
Steam Frame is a wireless VR headset powered by a Snapdragon processor, also running SteamOS. The device supports both VR and non-VR games from users’ Steam libraries and features standalone play capability. Valve describes it as comfortable, lightweight, and designed to provide full controller input for PC gaming.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 185g core 440g with included headstrap (facial interface, audio, rear battery) |
| Processor | 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM64 processor |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, 2×2 Dual 5Ghz/6Ghz streaming for simultaneous VR and Wi-Fi |
| Storage | 256GB / 1TB UFS storage options microSD card slot for extended storage |
| Display | 2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye) Pancake optics 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental) Large FOV (up to 110 degrees) |
| Tracking | 4x outward facing monochrome cameras for controller & headset tracking 2x interior cameras for eye tracking Outward IR illuminator (for dark environments) |
| Wireless Adapter | Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz) Fast, direct, low-latency link between headset & PC |
| Foveated Streaming | Eye-tracking drives video stream, sending highest resolution to where you’re looking |
| Audio | Dual speaker drivers (per ear), integrated into headstrap Dual microphone array |
| Passthrough | Monochrome camera passthrough |
| Expansion | User accessible front expansion port (2x 2.5Gbps camera interface / Gen 4 PCIe) |
| Battery | Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-Ion Battery |
| Operating System | SteamOS Sleep / wake, cloud saves, Proton |
| Controllers | Full 6-DOF tracking and IMU support Capacitive finger sensing Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) for improved precision, responsiveness and reliability Haptic feedback Input parity with traditional game pad Replaceable AA battery (40hr life) Optional straps |
Steam Machine
Steam Machine is a compact gaming PC designed for big-screen gaming, measuring approximately 6 inches (160mm) as a cube. The device runs SteamOS, providing the same user experience as Steam Deck, and is designed to work with Steam Controller while supporting other accessories as well. Games that are Steam Deck Verified will automatically be verified on Steam Machine.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Models | 512GB model and 2TB model Steam Machine will ship in a bundle with Steam Controller and will also be available standalone |
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T up to 4.8 GHz 30W TDP |
| GPU | Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs 2.45GHz max sustained clock 110W TDP Supports 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR Ray tracing supported Over 6x more powerful than Steam Deck |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| Storage | 512GB & 2TB SSD models microSD card slot for expanded storage/portable catalog |
| Power Supply | Internal power supply AC power 110-240V |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K @ 60Hz Supports HDR, FreeSync, and daisy chaining |
| HDMI 2.0 | Up to 4K @ 120Hz Supports HDR, FreeSync, and CEC |
| Ethernet | 1 Gbps |
| USB-C | 10 Gbps, 3.2 Gen 2 |
| USB-A Ports | 4x Type USB-A ports 2x USB 3 in the front 2x USB 2 in the rear |
| Wireless | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E Dedicated BT antenna Integrated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio |
| Compatibility | Works with other controllers, accessories, and PC peripherals Wake with Steam Controller |
| Operating System | SteamOS Familiar, gaming first user experience Fast suspend / resume Steam cloud saves, and all the other Steam features you’d expect |
| Customizable LED Bar | Personalize with colors and animation Reflect system status (e.g. downloads, booting, updating) |
Steam Controller
Steam Controller features the same input capabilities as Steam Deck, designed to play all Steam games across multiple platforms. The controller includes next-generation precision magnetic thumbsticks, full-sized controls, trackpads, gyro functionality, and grip buttons. It’s compatible with PC, laptop, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Windows / Mac / Linux PCs PC handhelds iOS / Android (with Steam Link) Steam Deck Steam Machine Steam Frame |
| Steam Controller Puck | Pre-paired, plug and play Proprietary wireless connection Low-latency (~8ms full end-to-end) 4ms polling rate measured at 5m More stable than Bluetooth Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Puck |
| Bluetooth | Supported |
| USB Tethered Play | Supported |
| Battery | Li-ion rechargeable battery 35hr+ play time Charge with Steam Controller Puck or USB |
| Magnetic Thumbsticks (TMR) | Improved responsiveness and reliability Capacitive touch |
| Grip Sense | Quick way to activate/deactivate gyro Assignable input |
| HD Haptics | 4x haptic motors 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback 2x High output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble |
| Buttons | ABXY, D-pad L/R triggers, L/R bumpers View / Menu / Steam / QAM buttons 4x assignable grip buttons |
| Input Features | Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) 2x trackpads with haptic feedback Pressure sensitivity for configurable click strength 6-axis IMU Capacitive grip sense |
Availability
All three products will be available in regions where Steam Deck currently ships (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia), as well as in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan through KOMODO.
Valve plans to begin shipping in early 2026, with specific launch dates and pricing to be announced after the new year. The products are currently available for wishlisting on Steam’s official hardware pages.
Additional information, including product specifications and press assets, can be found on the official Steam Hardware pages and the new Steam Hardware Blog.
Media Review
You can view an in-depth video of the new hardware from Gamers Nexus here: