Steam Machine: Gamers praise Valve’s living-room PC – even though they do not want to buy it

Is the Steam Machine even an appealing option for the living room if a gaming PC or HTPC with a full Steam library is already connected to the TV? This question is likely on many gamers’ minds as Valve’s console approaches release. Arguments in favor of the Steam Machine often focus on its supposedly strong game compatibility. According to a Reddit post by u/Whazor, that is not the issue with his gaming PC connected to the TV. Instead, the user points to several other aspects that could make the Steam Machine an interesting living-room alternative despite clear disadvantages even compared to a gaming PC.

He is not referring to the compact cube design or the user-friendliness of SteamOS, but to convenience features that are typically only offered by a console in the living room. According to the Reddit user, his current gaming PC does not turn the TV on or off via HDMI-CEC. The computer also cannot be woken reliably from standby using the controller. On the couch, small things like this can quickly decide whether someone starts a game at all or simply keeps watching YouTube videos on the TV. The user also apparently has issues with HDR.

As a dedicated living-room PC, the Steam Machine could eliminate all of these shortcomings. Combined with SteamOS, a controller focus and console-like operation, it could be a more convenient solution for many in front of the TV – even if leaked benchmarks suggest that, in terms of raw performance, it cannot come close to matching a high-end gaming PC.

The only question is whether these advantages will be enough to convince enough gamers to buy one. According to current speculation, the Steam Machine could cost more than $1,000. On Reddit, many acknowledge the potential advantages of the living-room PC, but say they would probably still not buy a Steam Machine themselves. There could be more clarity on the price soon. Rumor has it that the Steam Machine could be unveiled on June 23.