Leaker predicts $600 Steam Machine price, otherwise PS5 or gaming PC is better value

As the wait for the Steam Machine release date continues, the cost of the console alternative remains a hot topic. With the memory shortage postponing the system’s launch, Valve has had to reconsider its MSRP. While some fans fear a $1000 price, a leaker believes it won’t be higher than a PS5 or an equivalent gaming PC.

Priced like a budget gaming PC?

On his latest podcast, Moore’s Law Is Dead addresses rumors surrounding the Steam Machine price. Responding to the highest guesses, he says those “people have lost their minds and perspective.” The YouTuber argues that despite the rising storage and memory prices, the specs don’t justify those estimates.

Tracking the Valve hardware since its November 2025 debut, MLID referred to an older Bill of Materials (BOM). He admits that RAM has doubled or tripled in value, with SSDs also impacted by AI data center demand. Adding $100-150 to earlier predictions, his new projection is $600-650 for the 512 GB model.

The insider is adamant that shipping the Steam Machine at $700-$1,000 would be a mistake. At that level, it would cost more than the base PS5 console or a custom-built gaming PC. Using budget components, AMD Zen 4 CPUs and some lower-end graphics cards are cheaper than they were several years ago.

The custom PC vs Steam Machine debate

When shopping for parts, the YouTuber configures a more powerful rig for $700-750. Even so, viewers note that discounted Micro Center motherboard/CPU/RAM bundles aren’t widely available. Other critics counter that prebuilt PCs, which are typically more expensive, are also more convenient.

If Valve offers the Steam Machine without a $99 Steam Controller, MLID thinks $499 is a possibility. Yet, other leaks suggest that this scenario is unrealistic. Fellow insider Brad Lynch hinted that the company was considering a significant Steam Machine price hike.

After its reveal, Valve implied that the hardware will demand a steeper investment than a console. Following another increase, the Digital PS5 Slim now asks $599 from buyers. It seems likely Gabe Newell’s company would also raise its pricing due to the memory shortage. Otherwise, with a reasonable $600 MSRP, it should be more anxious to pinpoint a release date.