The Steam Machine Doesn't Hold a Candle to The PS5

A comparison image featuring a black gaming console on the left and a white gaming console, resembling the PlayStation 5, on the right, with two controllers in the foreground.
alexa author
By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

A comparison image featuring a black gaming console on the left and a white gaming console, resembling the PlayStation 5, on the right, with two controllers in the foreground.
  • Primary Subject: Valve Steam Machine [2026 Launch Model]
  • Key Update: Early performance comparisons circulating online highlight the $1,049 Steam Machine underperforming against the baseline PlayStation 5 in demanding titles like Alan Wake 2, creating immense scrutiny around its high entry price.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: June 23, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Early testing indicates the Steam Machine struggles to offer better performance value than a PS5, especially considering its $1,049 starting price.

More information about the Steam Machine has come out, and it's looking like it's not worth it.

For months, people have been anticipating the release of the Steam Machine. Positioned as Steam's very own console, the Steam Machine is Valve's own gaming console that you can plug and play in the living room with the same freedom as traditional gaming.

While anticipation was high, critics have come out with console comparisons, and it seems that it doesn't even hold a candle to the PS5.

PS5 Still Has Better Performance Than The Steam Machine

Just a day after its price was announced, clips of the Steam Machine's performance in comparison to the PS5 took the internet by storm.

A black gaming console with multiple ports on the front, set against a beige background, labeled "STEAM MACHINE" at the top.
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Credit: Digital Foundry on YouTube

The Digital Foundry showcased a side-by-side comparison of the Steam Machine and the PS5 Base Model playing Alan Walker. The PS5 performed significantly better than the Steam Machine, with the former clocking in at 60fps while the Steam Machine ran on 40-50fps.

He also noted that the Steam Machine will run Crimson Desert at around 40fps, while the PS5 runs the game at 50 fps. Even if the settings were changed to run at native 4k at 1620p on the Steam Machine, the PS5 would run the same sequences of games like Forza Horizon 6 at a higher fps.

Others pointed out that if you played God of War on the Steam Machine, it would run on 60fps, while the PS5 would run it on 75fps and 110fps on the PS5 Pro.

For a console priced at $1,049 for 512GB, and it doesn't even come with a controller, this looks bad. It doesn't help that you have to pay an extra $99 for a controller. If you want the 2TB version, you'll be looking at an eye-watering $1,428.

A black gaming console with multiple ports on the front, set against a beige background, labeled "STEAM MACHINE" at the top.
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Credit: Valve

With the PS5 Pro priced at $899.99 AND it comes with a controller, it feels pretty cut and dry, which is the current best console to get.

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Valve pointed out that with the release of SteamOS 3.8, gamers can download the system and build their own PC with parts they have. Because SteamOS is completely free to download, it feels much safer - and will be safer for your wallet - to simply build a standard PC and download the software yourself.

So, should you get the Steam Machine? Right now, I would say it's a no. Hopefully, Valve will release more updates regarding the performance of the Steam Machine.

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