![]() Although SteamOS may add support for additional games, Steam's offerings on Linux are incomplete, and accessing Steam's complete library requires a second PC to stream content. Q.: Is a Steam Machine better than a traditional console/gaming PC?Ī.: "Better" is a subjective term, but based on the evidence currently available, Steam Machines appear to have many limitations in comparison to a player-built PC, or even a console. The hoi polloi will have to wait until this fall to purchase theirs from other manufacturers, although at the time of this writing, no machine has a hard release date. Q.: When will Steam Machines be released?Ī.: Valve's 300 beta testers have already received their Steam Machines. Check our guide to the Most Anticipated Steam Boxes for more information. The cheaper ones are similar to the Xbox One and PS4 in terms of both cost and specs, but the more expensive ones can cost up to $6,000 and run any game at maximum settings for years to come. Q.: How do the different Steam Machines vary?Ī.: The Steam Machines vary in power and price. Furthermore, because SteamOS is freely available, other PC companies could produce Steam Machines without Valve's endorsement. If the initial run of Steam Machines proves successful, Valve may contract additional hardware companies. Valve also has its own Steam Machine but produced only 300 models exclusively for its SteamOS beta testers and has no plans to sell more. MORE: Most-Anticipated Games of 2014 Q.: How many Steam Machines are there?Ī.: Various hardware manufacturers, ranging from iBuyPower to Alienware, have announced 14 different Steam Machines. Furthermore, if you get most of your games from services other than Steam (Origin, GOG or even installing from DVDs), a Steam Machine may be of very limited utility. Since most Steam games are not compatible with Linux, SteamOS will have a limited library (unless you stream content from another computer). For the kind of hardware they boast, the Steam Machines are also rather expensive. SteamOS is free, and just about any gaming PC will support it. Q.: Why wouldn't I want a Steam Machine?Ī.: Steam Machines don't do anything unique. ![]() Likewise, gamers who already own a gaming PC but want to stream the experience into their living room could get some use out of a Steam Machine. If you find the Xbox One and PS4 restrictive and want to choose a system with different specifications, a Steam Machine could be a good choice. They offer the simplicity and (relative) portability of a console with some of the customization options of a PC. Q.: Why would I want a Steam Machine?Ī.: Steam Machines are, in some ways, a bridge between console gaming and PC gaming. ![]() The prototype is currently available for download via Valve's website, and Tom's Guide has written a more comprehensive FAQ about it. The OS will be free and available for anyone to download. A.: SteamOS is a version of Linux produced by Valve and designed specifically to power Steam Machines. ![]()
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