Valve Won’t Subsidise Steam Machine, Expected to Be Pricier Than More Powerful PS5

Update [Sun 23rd Nov 2025, 5:30am]: Although we still lack definitive pricing for Valve’s Steam Machine, we are beginning to gain a clearer understanding of its anticipated cost. It appears unlikely that it will contend with the more robust PS5.

In a discussion with Skill Up, Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais indicated that the organization will not be subsidizing the new console-like device, and enthusiasts should prepare for it to be priced comparably to a similar PC.

He stated:

“I believe that if you construct a PC using parts to achieve essentially the same level of performance, that’s the general price we are aiming for. We aspire to be competitive in that area and offer a reasonable option, but we are in the process of fine-tuning that. Currently, it’s not an ideal moment to have a precise idea of the pricing because many external factors are at play. [So no, it’s not going to be subsidized], it aligns more with what one can anticipate from the existing PC market.”

Predicting the exact amount remains challenging. Estimates vary from $500 to $750 or even higher.

What is becoming increasingly evident, however, is that the Steam Machine will not intrude on the PS5’s domain at all and will cater to a distinct segment of the market entirely.

Original Story: The price of Valve’s new Steam Machine is still unknown, making it difficult to assess how competitive it will be against the PS5.

However, a report circulating from Linus Tech Tips suggests that the new console-like apparatus may not necessarily be in direct competition with Sony’s system regarding affordability.

As part of a narrative shared by Dexerto, the YouTuber remarked on the negative “vibes” during a recent preview session when he referred to the forthcoming device as having a “console price”.

“They inquired what I meant by console price, and I mentioned $500,” he said on the WAN Show, following his encounter with Valve. “No one uttered anything, but the ambiance in the room was not positive.”

This is far from a confirmation of any sort, of course: feelings are not declarations, and Valve’s personnel may simply be putting on their best poker face.

Nonetheless, given that the Steam Machine is weaker than the PS5, its overall value proposition would need scrutiny if it turns out to be priced higher than Sony’s console.

There are still benefits to the device, such as its open nature and access to Steam’s extensive library – but as Linus Tech Tips himself emphasizes, we believe it will be a challenging sell if it is priced over $600.

To be fair, Valve is likely not aiming at the mass market with this product anyway, so it may not be overly significant in the larger context. However, they will have to set a price for the hardware eventually, making it intriguing to see what the final cost will be.