Valve Unveils Steam Machine Featuring E-Ink Display

Key Takeaways

1. The Steam Machine is a small, cube-shaped device that functions as both a Linux desktop and a gaming console running on Steam OS.
2. Its performance is lower than that of the Sony PlayStation 5, which is priced starting at $499.
3. The design features a sleek black casing with a front LED strip, and third-party accessories are expected to launch soon.
4. Users can customize the Steam Machine with interchangeable front panels, including a unique e-ink display for real-time metrics (though not for sale).
5. Steam OS allows for extensive hardware and software customization, enabling users to tailor their Steam Machine experience.

The Steam Machine was finally revealed on Wednesday. This small, cube-shaped gadget acts as both a Linux desktop and a gaming console, operating on Steam OS. Its performance is a bit underwhelming when compared to the Sony PlayStation 5, which starts at $499 on Amazon. At first glance, the design seems quite basic.

Design and Accessories

Valve chose a sleek black casing with an LED strip located on the front. To help with what some might see as a “problem,” third-party accessories are anticipated to launch alongside the device early next year. Notably, dbrand has already shared plans for a skin inspired by the Companion Cube from Valve’s popular puzzle game, Portal, which we mentioned earlier today.

Customization Options

In addition, Valve has introduced several printed front panels with various designs that users can easily change. The front cover of the Steam Machine attaches magnetically, making swaps simple. One of the most intriguing front panels showcased to select press includes an e-ink display capable of showing real-time metrics such as CPU and GPU load, along with fan speed.

Sadly, this add-on is meant only for internal testing and won’t be available for purchase. Nevertheless, it’s likely that a third-party company will create something similar before long. Since Steam OS is built on Linux, users will have the ability to customize both the hardware and software, enabling them to modify their Steam Machine to fit their preferences. More information about Valve’s latest gaming console is available in our launch article.

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