NPC: Next Portable Console
Federico Viticci, John Voorhees, Brendon Bigley
Did You Put Your Email in the Bucket?
SummaryIn this episode of NPC: Next Portable Console, the hosts dive deep into the highly anticipated launch and pre-order process of the new Steam machine. Following a period of rumors and speculation, the team breaks down the official pricing, hardware specifications, and the realities of entering the market during a time of fluctuating component costs. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the value proposition of the device. While the hosts acknowledge that the machine’s price point reflects current market realities for storage and memory, they also debate whether its performance, which sits roughly on par with a six-year-old console, justifies the cost for enthusiasts. They explore the appeal of its compact form factor and quiet engineering, weighing these physical design benefits against the broader market trends that have made high-end hardware increasingly expensive. Beyond the hardware itself, the hosts highlight the role of SteamOS as the true centerpiece of the announcement. They discuss the long-term potential of the operating system, particularly the prospect of future support for diverse GPU architectures, and ponder how the machine serves as both a niche enthusiast product and a showcase for the future of living room gaming.
Updated Jun 30, 2026
About This Episode
This week on Next Portable Console, Federico, Brendon, and John consider the Steam Machine's pricing and early reviews.
Also available on YouTube here.
Links and Show Notes
The Steam Machine
- Steam Machine launches today! (Steam Hardware announcement)
- Valve prices the Steam Machine at $1,049 (The Verge)
- Steam Machine officially priced at $1,049 and $1,349 as Valve describes brutal RAM supply crisis
- The Steam Machine is the most ambitious game console I've ever played (The Verge)
- Even Valve is Disappointed – Steam Machine Review (Linus Tech Tips)
- Steam Machine Review: Valve's New Console/PC Hybrid (IGN)
- Steam Machine Review: Beautiful Hardware, But What About Performance... And Price? (Digital Foundry)
- Valve will finally let you build your own Steam Machine with SteamOS for desktop (The Verge)
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NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month.
Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the "regular" NPC episodes.
You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/NextPortableConsole
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Credits
Show Art: Brendon Bigley
Music: Will LaPorte
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