Forget Playstation and Nintendo: New gaming platform lands in 2026

A new take on the gaming console of the future is on its way to the market.

In early 2026, Valve will launch a compact machine called Steam Machine to take on giants like Playstation, Nintendo and Xbox.

A small machine with big ambitions

The Steam Machine measures just 16 by 16 centimeters and is described as a hybrid between a game console and a gamer computer.

It was developed by Valve, which since 2003 has been behind the Steam gaming platform, one of the world’s largest digital stores for computer games.

This is not Valve’s first foray into hardware.

In 2015, the company launched an earlier version of the Steam Machine, but it never caught on.

This time around, Valve hopes a more powerful model can change the picture and reignite competition in the console market.

Can create new competition in the market

According to gaming expert Thomas Bense from Pixel.tv, the launch is big news that could re-energize the gaming console market, which has long been dominated by Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.

He said to the Danish media outlet TV 2.

He believes that the Steam Machine is particularly aimed at those who want to play games on TV but don’t want to invest in an expensive and advanced gamer computer.

Bense explains that many gamers stay away from PC gaming because it quickly becomes both technical and expensive.

With Steam Machine, they have the option of a simpler solution that can also deliver high performance and image quality.

In recent years, Microsoft and Xbox have shifted their focus from traditional consoles to digital gaming platforms, and according to Bense, this has reduced competition.

Steam Machine could therefore be Valve’s real entry into the console market and create new competition.

He believes that Valve is well placed to succeed because Steam already has a strong position as a provider of games.

However, he points out that it may be difficult to convince the most dedicated gamers, who are unlikely to replace their existing equipment.

Valve officially reveals the Steam Machine:

– Console type machine that plays your Steam games
– Over 6x the power of the Steam Deck
– 4K 60 FPS with FSR
– 512GB or 2TB options
– Runs SteamOS but can install Windows
– Zen 4 CPU, RDNA3 GPU with 28CUs, 16GB RAM
– Early 2026 pic.twitter.com/uMOgToguHj

– KAMI (@Okami13_) November 12, 2025

Optimized for Steam’s own universe

The Steam Machine is marketed as a compact yet powerful computer that can play games in 4K resolution and connects directly to the TV.

According to Valve, it is optimized for the platform’s own games and should provide a more stable experience than regular PCs.

With the new launch, Valve is entering the global console war in earnest.