Valve's new console is on track, according to AMD, and it should start shipping early this year.
AMD Says Valve is on "Track" and Will Start Shipping Steam Machine in Early 2026; Also Confirms Microsoft's Next-Gen Xbox is on Track for 2027 Launch
AMD itself has confirmed that Valve's next-gen gaming console will start shipping this year. In the Q4 2025 Earnings Call, AMD's CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, stated that Valve is on track to start shipping the Steam Machine in early 2026. We know from earlier reports that Valve is reportedly launching the Steam Machine in 2026, and while AMD or Valve didn't disclose the exact date, we know for sure that the new AMD chip-based console will be arriving soon.
...From a product standpoint, Valve is on track to begin shipping its AMD-powered steam machine early this year....
- Dr. Lisa Su, CEO, AMD
The Steam Machine will be powered by AMD's custom Zen 4 chip that will offer integrated graphics based on RDNA 3 architecture. According to reports, the Steam Machine is expected to as an alternative console to PS5 and Xbox Series S/X devices, but detailed specifications are unknown. The device is said to support 4K gaming, and according to Valve, the Steam Machine offers performance equal or better than at least 70% of the gaming PCs.
This indicates the cubical device will be powerful enough to play most modern titles with ease, but pricing will be the key. Reports suggest that the Steam Machine will get 16 GB system RAM and an additional 8 GB as VRAM for running titles smoothly. Of course, 8 GB won't be enough for intensive titles, particularly at higher resolutions, but running most games smoothly with 8 GB VRAM is feasible.
...And development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC is progressing well to support a launch in 2027...
- Dr. Lisa Su, CEO, AMD
That said, AMD has also confirmed that the development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox console is also on track, and the device is expected to launch in 2027. Microsoft's next-gen Xbox device will be powered by AMD's semi-custom SoC, and it's expected that it will be based on Zen 6 architecture, while the iGPU will utilize the upcoming RDNA 5. As of now, the Steam Machine remains the most interesting console as its launch is scheduled for this year, but pricing will determine its position in the current market.
Since DRAM prices have gone insanely high, the device is expected to launch at a higher price tag than originally planned. Based on what we saw recently, the 512 GB model for the console could be priced at $950 and $1070 for the 2 TB version.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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