The American technology company, Valve, has just announced three new hardware devices, scheduled to arrive on the market in 2026. The products are named: Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, each with its own purpose within the Steam ecosystem. This news is attracting attention, even from those who don’t follow the technology sector. With its new release, Valve is betting on integration and hopes to impact the way people play games. Fans of the brand can expect a line that works with all types of devices.
Steam Machine: Meet Valve’s next step
This release is part of the new generation of the Steam Machine and aims to revive an old project from the brand, which was once considered a failure. Now Valve believes this is the ideal time for the launch, as SteamOS has matured after the success of the Steam Deck. The new device is a small, discreet, and compact black cube, designed to fit anywhere.
The new six-core AMD processor is housed in the new device; its construction offers approximately six times the performance of the previous model, the Steam Deck. The new product aims to provide PC-level power with console-level practicality. Despite this, the company’s intention was always to keep it simple, with few connectors and an efficient cooling system.
The Steam Machine was also designed to communicate directly with other Valve hardware, most notably the new controller. This device will allow up to four Steam Controllers to be connected using a single, dedicated antenna system. The company is reinforcing its intention to become the center of gaming entertainment, especially in the home environment.
Steam Controller: Where comfort and precision meet for a second chance
The second piece of hardware is called the Steam Controller, making a comeback after its first version failed to win over the public. Now, Valve intends to show that it has learned from its mistakes. Therefore, the new model comes with two thumbsticks, a drift-resistant technology, a very important detail for users who value precision in games.
In addition to the sticks, the new version of the device features two trackpads inspired by the Steam Deck. They allow for finer movements, so they can even replace the mouse. Its design allows for slight tilting, improving user ergonomics and making the accessory suitable for both couch gaming and those using the interface.
Steam Frame: Valve’s most daring bet among new releases
The Steam Frame is Valve’s new virtual reality headset, the direct successor to the Valve Index model. This new version brings radical changes, the main one being its independence; this new model doesn’t need a PC to function, as it has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and SteamOS running internally.
The headset has received an upgrade in its resolution, which has been increased, and it’s now lighter and more compact, weighing only 435 grams. Those interested in playing games with PC-level graphics can still use a dedicated system to stream high-fidelity content.
A hardware ecosystem working together
Valve’s three new products were developed to function as part of the same family. They were all designed to maintain collective coherence, creating an integrated user experience. This marks the beginning of a project to create the brand’s own ecosystem.
The new hardware shows that Valve is investing in a more connected future for its devices. The brand’s focus is on developing simple products that prioritize user experience and serve not only gamers but also those seeking practicality for everyday life. With the new Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, Valve is entering a new phase. Now the public awaits the release of Valve’s new products.
