Poll: Does the Steam Machine Pose a Threat to PS5?

In case you overlooked it, Valve revealed the (undeniably well-titled) Steam Machine earlier this week. And no, it has nothing to do with Daft Punk.

It’s a intriguingly diminutive unit that aims to sort of merge the divide between PC and console. Essentially, you can connect this device to your TV and utilize it as a Steam-centric console, granting full access to your Steam library via a straightforward account login.

The query, however, from our PlayStation viewpoint, is whether it presents any threat to Sony’s enterprise.

To clarify, Valve has previously examined this concept of console-oriented hardware. Back in 2015, the company introduced a range of gaming systems that operated on SteamOS. At that time, the same inquiry regarding a new rival in the console market was posed — but it quickly became apparent that Valve was primarily just testing the waters.

This version of the Steam Machine is far more cohesive in terms of vision, though, and Valve is launching it on the back of the achievements it has attained with the Steam Deck. It instantly feels like a more thoughtful endeavor to broaden Steam’s potential influence.

Regarding how it will actually compare to the PS5 at its launch next year, the Steam Machine is reportedly less powerful than Sony’s fundamental hardware — but it should still be more than capable of handling the major titles of this generation.

Attempting to penetrate the console market is immensely challenging — as demonstrated by a clear absence of new contenders for several decades. We’re currently at a juncture where Xbox has altered the trajectory of its entire brand in a quest to stay relevant moving forward.

Ultimately, it could all hinge on price. If Valve can position the Steam Machine as a comparatively affordable and highly effective means to enjoy your favorite games, then we could say there’ll be a demand for it. Whether that will be sufficient to take some — or any — of Sony’s limelight, remains to be established.

So, what are your thoughts? Will PlayStation be monitoring the Steam Machine, or will it be categorized as a well-received, but more niche device, much like the Steam Deck? Vote in our polls, and then share your thoughts in the comments section below.