Valve announced it will release the Steam Machine, its new gaming console, this summer. The company made the confirmation after years of delays and speculation about when the device would reach consumers.
The Steam Machine represents Valve's latest effort to expand beyond its digital storefront into hardware. The console runs on a version of SteamOS and aims to bring PC gaming into the living room. Valve also announced the Steam Frame alongside the main console, though specific technical specifications for either device were not detailed in the announcement.
The company outlined new certification requirements for games on the platform. Titles seeking Steam Machine Verified status must meet specific performance standards. For virtual reality games running in standalone mode, Valve set a minimum frame rate of 72 frames per second, establishing a baseline for VR performance on the system.
The announcement comes as the gaming hardware market continues to evolve, with traditional console makers and PC manufacturers competing for players. Valve previously attempted to enter the console space with an earlier Steam Machine initiative that launched in 2015, which saw multiple hardware partners create systems running SteamOS. That effort largely faded as partners discontinued their models.
This new version appears to be a direct Valve-manufactured product rather than a partnership with multiple hardware makers. The summer launch window suggests the company aims to have units available for the peak gaming season, though Valve has not specified an exact release date or pricing information for either the Steam Machine or Steam Frame.