Consoles are running on adrenaline. Serious damage has been dealt but the pain hasn't fully set in yet, so like an MMA fighter blissfully unaware that their forearm has gained a cool new elbow, manufacturers are staggering through the same old motions. And in today's AI-driven component drought, consoles are hurting. Gaming has never been less affordable. But what actually scares me is the apathy I feel at the thought of another console generation.

We're coming up on the seventh year of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. The same old motions demand a new box be enshrined in the hallowed media center, but many of the factors hurting current-gen consoles will only get worse with a new generation. This leaves me wondering: does anyone actually want new consoles any time soon?

The next generation

The Nintendo Switch 2 just barely made it. Even Nintendo, whose strategy of staying well behind the cutting edge of processors is really paying off today, has marked up prices in response to ballooning production costs (and US tariffs). And Nintendo got lucky, launching its latest handheld just before the landscape soured.

Valve, the latest living room contender, got unlucky, and its Steam Machine's dizzying price offers a glimpse of what is staring down the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix. Nobody is happy with the Steam Machine, least of all Valve. The company wanted, and planned, to price its box significantly lower. Even if you like the Steam Machine – and it has some genuinely solid features and upsides, including a great OS – there's no denying that it costs too much for what it can do. Because of course it does. Everything costs too much right now! And in a world where Valve is selling a weaker PS5 for $1,050 at base, I don't see the PS6 or Xbox Project Helix getting over the price hurdle.

Console gaming faces mounting challenges. First of all, if you hike the price of consoles too high, you risk pricing them out of relevancy altogether. Microsoft just went through this with Xbox Game Pass. It got so expensive that it lost its use case for millions of people. Everything has a price threshold where people stop caring, and that's especially relevant here because affordability and convenience are core selling points for console gaming. You pay $500 for a box that plays games. Oh, how good we had it.

This is an essential part of the console bargain. It's the fast food problem – worse, really, because games aren't a need. But I get fast food because it's cheap. If fast food and sit-down food are the same price, I'm not going to Taco Bell. In this analogy, console platform holders can thank their lucky stars that PC gaming hardware is also on fire and everyone is pawing their way through the smoke.

But games exist elsewhere, too. Free games that run on phones and potatoes alike are already eating a huge chunk of the rapidly aging gaming market, to say nothing of other media in the attention market. Never mind bringing new or younger players into the next generation; an intimidating price could also block existing console gamers from trading up, and consoles have survived this long by remonetizing the same people in a matured market. Underpinning this is the existential threat of a vanishing audience, which is worthy of its own screed.

Your money's worth

Now put two more bricks on the scale. New consoles have to justify themselves with software and hardware. Does this have enough awesome new games to warrant a purchase? Does it run or display my games appreciably better?

Performance gains have gotten smaller and smaller with each passing console generation. Now more than ever, Sony and Microsoft have to deliver big enough upgrades to distinguish new systems without pushing the price so high that people tune out, and I don't know if any architect can do that with the AI monkey on their back. Godspeed, Mark Cerny.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to buy a new console right now anyway, not just because life has gotten more expensive, but also because my PS5 and Xbox Series X still work fine and, frankly, feel untapped. This has not been a great generation for exclusive games, and for many reasons.

A lot of the bids on live service games and studio acquisitions amounted to nothing at best and disaster at worst. Remakes have been injected into release schedules like liquid bandages. As much as a third of developers have been laid off in the past few years. Loads of studios have canceled exciting projects or closed their doors entirely. And bloated production cycles have given us between zero and maybe two games from almost all of the big first-party hitters in the past seven years.

I do not want to minimize the far more important human toll of the games industry's contraction. I just want to also point out that there ain't many system sellers 'round here. (Again, I think Nintendo's strategy of not firing its best people is pulling ahead.) The list of PS5 exclusives could fit on a napkin, or a gum wrapper if you trim it to console exclusives. Xbox is in even worse shape because Microsoft's primary export is layoffs. Sony and Microsoft haven't done a great job securing games for the newest consoles I already have. How are they going to sell me on an even more expensive version?

PlayStation, for one, is transparently charging more for less. In January 2028, PlayStation will end production of all new physical games. The future of the brand is digital-only, and if you think the new consoles won't follow suit, I've got a bridge to sell you. Maybe programs like Microsoft's rumored disc-to-digital library can take the sting off backwards compatibility, and maybe we get another add-on disc drive to bring PS5 games forward. But physical copies are also a major selling point for consoles. Losing discs hurts, and it hurts everyone.

I'm not predicting the end of console gaming, but year after year of unprecedented times has upended the industry's established cycles. Now does not feel like a good time for new consoles. Few seem ready or willing to buy one, and platform holders appear equally incapable of delivering a product people will or should accept. Frankly, as soon as we got consoles with NVMe SSDs, I was basically comfortable for life. I'd be happy to hunker down for several more years, enjoy the consoles I have, let the AI monkey jump into a woodchipper that it hallucinated was a pile of money, and talk about a new console generation when we aren't living through a particularly heavy chapter of future history books. I would like my times to be a little more precedented. And at this point, I'd be happy if the next few years somehow go that smoothly.

On the topic of using what we already have, check out the best PS2 games that made Sony's second-gen console such an icon.

The Steam Machine is supposed to feel like a console, but I didn't think it'd get Xbox 360 "Red Ring of Death" symptoms like one. Yes, ten years on from the catastrophe that bricked millions of Microsoft's sixth-gen systems, a user has encountered a similar error code after using Valve's mini PC for just 20 minutes, and official error codes suggest the worst.

In a Reddit post titled "Well, the Steam Machine was pretty cool for the 20 minutes that it worked," user me_hill shares a photo of the mini gaming PC with a specific red lightbar pattern. According to Valve's own error code guidance, if the LEDs are "red, right half breathing", it means that the "system detects GPU failure", which adds up since the user says they're getting no video output.

Prior to the fault code, the unlucky Steam Machine owner says, "got five minutes of No Man's Sky in, then I installed the update the machine had available, and it bricked itself." As someone who has experienced similar "bricked" symptoms after updating the Steam Deck OLED, I'm wondering whether the issue is actually tied to BIOS or software shenanigans that can be fixed using recovery mode, rather than a physical GPU chip fault.

Well, the Steam Machine was pretty cool for the 20 minutes that it worked from r/steammachine

Rather than tinkering, me_say has shrugged off suggestions for DIY fixes, and rightfully exclaims, "Holy shit this thing is a week old, best send it to Steam Support." I'm certainly the type that would tirelessly try to get it working myself before conceding and reaching out to Valve, but the user has a point when they say it "does seem to kind of defeat the purpose of plug and play."

Honestly? I'm right there with this unlucky Steam Machine user. When you spend $1,049 on a console rival, you shouldn't have to fiddle with reflashing firmware, and while PC players might be up for troubleshooting, players that'd normally reach for a PS5 or Xbox Series X may feel a bit lost trying to implement fixes.

The sort of good news here is that while Valve's codes suggest GPU failure, there's a good chance a firmware update has failed and borked the startup process. In theory, that would make the graphics side of things unreachable, resulting in an error code and no idea output.

I don't blame the user for not messing around and waiting for Valve's support to get back. At the same time, I'm itching to troubleshoot the box and find a quick solution, as it could help the many new players receiving their Steam Machines right now from day-one hiccups. I have no doubt that if there are any serious software quirks, an update will swiftly sort them out (we've already just had a SteamOS patch that enhances VRAM management, after all), and I do doubt that this is a physical chip fault.

If Valve's box is suffering from a PS3 YLOD (Yellow Light of Death) Xbox 360 RROD scenario, it could be catastrophic for the Steam Machine. Pricing is already causing upset, with even former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida criticising the MSRP in a mini review, so the PC giant ends up needing to RMA units due to physical faults or even classic soldering issues, which could simply lead to even higher prices or stock scarcity.

Again, I would be surprised if GPU board connection issues are an issue with the Steam Machine. Not least because I can't see No Man's Sky ramping up thermals to a degree that'd crack faulty solder joints like with the Xbox 360, but I'll be patiently waiting for the support verdict. In brighter news, Valve has just shared how to make your own Steam Machine e-ink faceplate, so if you're already up and running without any ominous red HAL lights, you could jazz your box up with an Inkterface.

Swing by the best Steam Deck docks if you're looking to use the portable as a makeshift machine.

Valve just dropped everything new Steam Machine owners need to make their own e-ink faceplate, and the timing is impeccable. Right now, the cube is landing on the doorsteps of early adopters around the world, and I've no doubts that some of them were originally lured by the "inkterface" and its papery stat screen abilities.

The freshly uploaded Steam Machine Inkerface kit includes 3D print files, a complete bill of materials, and instructions to guide you through making the e-ink panel (thanks, Brad Lynch). There's even a video detailing the process step by step, providing invaluable steps that should help make some of the steps, like soldering wires to its Adafruit brains, a little less intimidating.

I know not every new Steam Machine parent will have a 3D printer to hand or the confidence to solder. The nice thing is that since the 5.83-inch Adafruit e-Ink panel actually connects via Bluetooth, there's less chance of you doing something that'll blow up your beloved new cube. That said, it would be nice if Valve would just make one of these screens, but thankfully, renowned Steam Deck dock maker Jsaux is ready to step in (again).

Yes, just like when it beat Valve to releasing its docking station, Jsaux is already planning its own Steam Machine e-ink faceplate. At the moment, the landing page still says "coming 2026", but I suspect plans will be moving forward now that the mini is actually a thing.

At the moment, renders depict an entirely white Steam Machine shell with an e-ink panel similar to the one used by Valve. That could mean we'll get an entire kit that lets you swap out the case, which would make sense, given that it's sitting next to an additional transparent box on the site. In any case, if it actually arrives (and is a reasonable price), it will save you from resorting to DIY methods, even if the project sounds pretty fun.

If I manage to get hold of Valve's console rival in the future, I'll no doubt end up making my own Inkterface for the box. So far, we've only really witnessed it displaying performance stats, but I reckon someone will eventually add an LCD to the front and make it look like a faux Sony PVM CRT monitor. Even if that's not possible, if Shuhei Yoshida's mixed Steam Machine review is anything to go by, the former PlayStation boss will be delighted at the e-ink panel after praising Valve's face plates.

Swing by the best gaming handhelds if you'd rather take your backlog outside.

It might sound like a betrayal, but PlayStation legend Shuhei Yoshida has a Steam Machine perched next to their TV. The former president even took time to share a bullet-point review covering their thoughts after a few hours of play, and oh boy, does he have mixed feelings about the new PS5 rival, its $1,049 price tag, and PC gaming capabilities.

In an X post appropriately titled "Thoughts after a few hours of playing with Steam Machine," Yoshida rhymes off a pretty long list of testing takes. I'm not sure how I'd feel if I were Valve, sifting through some of these for some industry veteran insight, as he kicks things off with "3D performance is just…meh." Yikes.

If I'm being real, that first bullet sounds like the sort of critique you'd see tied to the Sega Saturn or a cheaper graphics adapter back in the day versus the PS1. That said, seeing as Yoshida's final role at PlayStation was heading up Sony's Indie developer initiative, I imagine he means that smaller, non-AAA outings naturally run better on Valve's mini PC.

However, Yoshida's hit list does feature both positives and negatives. Yes, exclaiming, "Am I going back to the PS4 days?" regarding the Steam Machine apparently recommending 1080p is firmly still a burn, and the ex-PlayStation head also says, "Some games take a looooooong time to boot, what is it doing?" Yet, there's praise in there, as he calls being able to boot up with a controller button press a "killer feature" and describes the system UI as "easy to use."

From where I'm sitting, Yoshida's Steam Machine review captures the typical reactions I'm seeing from gaming PC and console players alike. Yes, it can serve as a solid alternative to the PS5 or Xbox Series X, but it's certainly not a console killer, and it has landed on planet earth with a very specific objective.

"It allows me to play Steam games on my living room TV, which is a reason enough to keep it", is a closing line on the list that perfectly explains what the box is all about, and I'm pretty sure Valve would agree. The mini PC can serve as a lower-end desktop rig should you so desire, but breaking through to couch players and offering up access to a vast ecosystem with newfound controller-friendly access is the reason the system now exists, even if that $1,049 price tag is hampering the mission.

Naturally, the big "but" in Yoshida's Steam Machine assessment is Valve's unfortunate MSRP. "But the price was very unfriendly. Hard to recommend to people unless for research," is the closing line on this mixed bag of punches and praise, and it's exactly how I feel as a hardware reviewer discussing the mini PC. The $1,049 barrier makes the box feel like it's almost in early access, and only those privileged enough to have over a grand for a console rival will be experiencing what could be the future of mainstream gaming.

That said, Valve is already working on improving its newly released box, as the Steam Machine has already received updates that improve its VRAM abilities. I can certainly see a future where prices start to fall, and performance hits consistently harder than a base PS5, but by the time AI datacentres stop gobbling vital components, we might be looking at a sequel.

If you've got Valve's handheld, it's maybe time to grab a Steam Deck dock and use the portable as a low-spec Machine.

No one is happy with the Steam Machine costing over a grand, and that includes Valve. But, the storefront giant isn't holding back on trying to make the mini PC a success, and I'm thrilled to see what looks like a previously pitched Linux VRAM management fix put into action with the latest SteamOS update.

The SteamOS 3.8.20 Beta patch notes allude to the Steam Machine receiving "greatly improved VRAM management, improving performance and stability in cases where VRAM is limited." That sounds a lot like a Linux Kernel patch proposed by a savvy Valve engineer back in April, and if it is indeed that same fix, it'll help the box use "every last byte" of its 8GB GPU memory for gaming.

I know, the idea of a gaming box not doing that by default sounds a little silly, but SteamOS still has some janky old Linux elements under the hood. That's not to say Windows 11 suffers from fewer quirks, as that's not remotely true, but in the case of devices like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck OLED, crucial data for games in memory was at risk of being "evicted" by other processes.

By adding "Device Memory Control Groups", or "Cgroups" for short, to the Linux Kernel, Valve developer Natalie Vock was able to prevent games from being sent to a slower GTT (Graphics Translation Table) fallback memory reserve, which would lead to big performance woes. While SteamOS 3.8.20 Beta doesn't explicitly mention using this exact approach, the description featured in the general updates section does sound exactly like this previously proposed Kernel tweak.

Simply put, running beefy games on the Steam Machine like Cyberpunk 2077 on 8GB VRAM should be far more stable. That's not going to help its $1,409 price tag hold up against custom PC builds or consoles, but it will demonstrate that it can provide OS-level optimization more like the latter.

The way I see it, the Steam Machine is setting the stage for Valve's console-PC hybrid platform, rather than stealing the show right away. Had the box arrived for the same price as a Steam Deck like originally planned, it'd perhaps be more of an immediate threat to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, especially with the latter set to get even more expensive.

For now, though, the Steam Machine is a premium platform that has some growing to do. The latest SteamOS Beta is also bringing an updated Mesa graphics driver to the cube "containing many ray-tracing performance improvements, as well as other performance and functionality improvements." I'd say that's an excellent start for a mini PC that's been on the scene for a week, and the updates will also benefit custom builds, gaming handhelds, and anything else using Valve's Linux-based Windows rival.

Side note, but if you've already spotted cheaper Chinese Steam Machine clones making the rounds, you may want to tread carefully.

You'll want to peek at the best Steam Deck docks if you're sticking with Valve's gaming handheld for now.

PC and mobile accessory and case maker dbrand was forced to cancel and refund all sales of its Steam Machine Companion Cube case after realizing and publicly admitting that it never got permission from Valve to make the dang thing.

In a Reddit post you'll be redirected to from the Companion Cube case's now-defunct listing page, dbrand confirms the product "was eviscerated from our website" and won't be coming back.

The Portal-inspired case began as a joke posted on the heels of the Steam Machine reveal, dbrand says, but a wave of real consumer interest sparked some hasty development and, "in the months that followed, we built the idea into something real without ever asking Valve if we could."

"We're going to regret that decision for a very long time," dbrand says.

Across seven months, dbrand says "more than a thousand hours went into engineering" the case, with 44 sets of injection molding tools created. "By the end, we were losing money on every $99 Poverty Cube sold, but it didn't matter," the company says. "This had turned into a passion project for the entire organization. Unfortunately, being proud of the thing we made did not give us the right to make it."

Dbrand even took pre-orders for the case beginning June 22. It became "the second-fastest selling product in our 15-year history," but those pre-orders will be refunded today, as this was what finally triggered alarms and action at Valve.

"Shortly after, Valve's legal team reached out," dbrand adds. "They stated that the Companion Cube is Valve intellectual property, for which dbrand does not have a license. They requested we take down the product and launch film immediately. This was entirely within their rights, and they were direct, fair, and respectful throughout."

Dbrand did try to salvage the work put into all this by finally asking Valve for permission, but the company "said no." Dbrand admits that, "given our backwards approach of building first and asking permission later, it was a fair answer." It also stresses that "Valve didn't do anything wrong here," and concludes by saying, "We should've asked first."

Rarely do companies publicly take eggs to the face so willingly, especially companies this established. But I suppose it is also rare for experienced manufacturers to forget about licensing for seven months.

Journalists often have to dig to get even modest acknowledgements of blame from large companies. In this case, a Reddit user responded to dbrand's statement and said, "You guys are fucking stupid, you know that?" The company replied, "Yes."

On Steam Machine, Valve engineers say "the cheaper the better," but a price drop is unlikely "any time soon."

There's customer service, and then there's customer blessing, and indie game creator Luka Hizo Algo is now adept at the latter. The benevolent horror dev recently released an update for liminal space horror game Buenos Aires Mirror Line just because one guy wanted him to.

Earlier this month, Algo and co-developer Rafael Di Carlo shared a minor fix for Buenos Aires Mirror Line, an hour-long horror experience about being trapped in a time loop in a grungy edition of Argentina. But Steam user MadMcMan didn't care. MadMcMan needed to invert their mouse, and so Buenos Aires Mirror Line devs fell to the floor and obliged.

"An update with no invert mouse, literally the worst," scoffed Steam user MadMcMan on June 18, reacting to Algo and Di Carlo's small update. By June 21, Algo got to say, "You're welcome." He had – as he put it in a Steam announcement post – "added Invert Y option specifically for MadMcMan."

"You could say I'm a people pleaser," Algo continues in the post.

MadMcMan eventually admitted the new feature was "nice" in the comments of Algo's announcement, and they completed a Buenos Aires Mirror Line playthrough on June 27. This all culminated in the Steam user's glowing review of the horror game: "Its good."

I can't think of a better ending for a heartwarming tale about inverting the Y-axis in a game, which I didn't realize anyone actually did. According to visual science research (thanks, The Guardian), people who invert their controls may have developed a preference for it by playing games like Microsoft Flight Simulator through the '80s, though they aren't necessarily predisposed to it. So MadMcMan likely would have thought "its good" about Buenos Aires Mirror Line had they given its default controls a chance, but it's important to be adamant about what you want.

I've been playing Steam Next Fest demos for over 5 years, and here are the 12 demos you shouldn't miss during the June event.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, who recently criticized Valve's use of mandatory Steam disclosures for games with AI-generated content, will surely not be using a new browser plugin which makes those disclosures significantly more noticeable and even hides AI-aided games in Steam search results.

Self-described Linux gamer and coder seeeeew shared the "AI warning for Steam" plugin on Bluesky earlier this month, shortly before Sweeney made the case that Steam's disclosures make it "much, much, much harder for a game developer to have a chance of success".

The plugin is available for Firefox and Google Chrome directly, and is also listed on Github. I've seen reports of workarounds that can get it running in the Steam client itself, but I haven't been able to confirm this functionality.

I have tested the Chrome version myself, and it works as described. When you open the Steam store page of a game with any sort of AI content disclosure, that disclosure will appear as a pop-up when you first load that page, making it utterly unmissable.

Additionally, in Steam search results, any AI-aided games are blurred out by default, covered with a label reading, "AI Generated Content Disclosure found." If you consider any gen AI use to be a deal-breaker, or if you're just a stickler for the tech, this plugin could save you some time filtering or checking games on Steam.

Many people discovered this plugin during the latest Steam Next Fest, a week-long showcase of Steam demos for upcoming games. As Palworld lead John Buckley lamented, more and more Steam Next Fest entries use AI-generated images or assets, reflecting a broader rise in the use of the technology.

Sweeney has repeatedly pushed Steam to drop AI content disclosures, which are not used on the Epic Games Store. His latest argument is that they attach a "Scarlet Letter" to games which use AI and can invite a "hater community trying to kill the game".

Sweeney says devs "have to choose from either not using tools that can make you way more productive, and probably failing due to competition that does," reiterating his stance that AI will be central to game development going forward, and suggesting that devs who don't use AI tools will fall hopelessly behind.

In a report featuring over 30 game developers from across the industry and around the world, GamesRadar+ repeatedly heard that many game devs do not want to use generative AI for myriad reasons.

Joint The Witcher 4 and CD Projekt Red CEO says fully AI-generated games are coming, but he has "some doubts whether this is really the path to follow."

Three things are guaranteed in life: death, taxes, and scalping. Valve's Steam Machine pre-orders have started shipping, and given the much higher demand than supply, the vultures are straight in on the new console. Listings show resales are already happening, up to double the regular price of the box.

Yes, double. Valve is currently selling Steam Machines based on a lottery system, since there's so much interest. People who signed up started being filtered into either the queue to buy this week, with some going there while others were told they're still on the waitlist.

There are four options for the system, each providing different hardware and memory for your buck. The cheapest is the 512GB model, which comes without a Steam controller and costs $1049. The most expensive, then, is the 2TB version, which will run you $1428 with Valve's official joypad. Regardless of the price, these have been unilaterally swept up already, and are going for even more exorbitant amounts on eBay.

One sold listing on the user-based marketplace had the 512GB Steam Machine going for $1,500. A strong markup – the seller made a pretty penny, for sure – but not egregious when you see how high others have gone for.

In one instance, the 2TB option without a controller went for $2,899. That is more than double Valve's asking price for that package. And that's without factoring in shipping, which is a separate amount added afterward for the buyer.

At time of writing, the highest listing I've found is a nice, round $3,200, for the 2TB model with the Steam controller. We're heading toward three-times the money on the second hand market, and this is just the first wave.

The hardware is shipping out as of today, June 29, and presumably these listings will be heading to their original owners first, before then being shifted toward their actual forever homes. The waiting list is back open for sign-ups, but I wouldn't hold my breath for an opportunity to buy for some time given the state of manufacturing right now. Just don't blow your savings on one of the inflated reseller listings in the meantime, your chance to buy will come around – eventually.

As the Steam Machine, Xbox, and PS5 consoles reach eye-watering prices, Lenovo says we're in a new normal for RAM costs.

Looking for something excellent to read this weekend? We published over 400 articles on GamesRadar+ this week, but here's our pick of the six stories that you absolutely need to read.

1. A match made in heaven: Star Wars, racing, and roguelikes combine in Galactic Racer

Star Wars has been in desperate need of something a little different ever since the Skywalker Saga collapsed. Perhaps it'll be Galactic Racer that reignites some energy into the franchise, a fast-paced racing game while blurs a development studio's expertise with Burnout and Need for Speed with the sort of lush, cinematic storytelling that Star Wars is known for delivering. We played the game ahead of its October 6, 2026, release date and the early signs are exceptionally promising.

2. Epic Games' CEO has a lot of opinions on Steam AI disclosures. None of them are good.

The use of generative artificial intelligence in video games continues to be exceptionally divisive, if not actively volatile. Recent comments from Epic Games' longtime CEO Tim Sweeney have only inflamed the conversation, as he simultaneously comes to the defense of Gen AI in certain cases and attacks Valve over its requirement that developers publicly flag when the tech has been used on Steam. This story has sparked a lot of discussion, so don't be afraid of adding your voice to the conversation.

3. "It's huge for us": Why Obsidian is finally ready to take Grounded 2 to PlayStation 5

If there's one thing that's clear from Xbox's somewhat messy approach to console exclusivity, it's that live service games will continue to be widely available – all in an effort to help build better, larger communities of players. Grounded 2 is a perfect example of this strategy in action. Obsidian legend Chris Parker walks you through all of it, the promise of the new Into the Abyss update coming this August, and the potential for the studio's survival game to grow to new heights on PS5.

4. What did we learn from the Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-order campaign starting? Rockstar is ready to change open-world games forever

The silence surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 has been deafening. It's been over a year since the last trailer released, leaving nothing but space for rampant speculation. That's why it was so damn refreshing to see Rockstar come out this week ready to celebrate GTA 6 pre-orders going live. We got some controversial launch details, we got over 60 new screenshots, and even a bunch of new gameplay details. If anything, this is a time to remember that GTA 6 is not only real, but that it's actually coming November 19, 2026.

5. "Destiny 2 fell short of expectations": Understanding the crisis enveloping Bungie

It's been a difficult year for Bungie. The studio has enjoyed the highs of bringing Marathon online and the lows of having to abandon Destiny 2. This week, the crisis at the famed studio behind the creation of Halo hit another bump in the road, as PlayStation CEO Herman Hulst announced a restructure of the organization that has caused widespread layoffs and a massive shift in priorities. It's been disappointing to see the studio (responsible for revolutionizing the FPS genre twice over) impacted in this way, and it's difficult to see where it will go from here.

6. Shigeru Miyamoto created The Legend of Zelda. He has some things to say about the quality of its dungeon design

Shigeru Miyamoto is responsible for bringing some of the most iconic characters and worlds in the video game industry to life. It's rare for him to do interviews, which is why GR+ staff writer Dustin Bailey had to go all the way back to 1999 to find the legend commenting on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Miyamoto had a revelation during the development of this iconic adventure game, and it's one that clearly reshaped all of the games that followed.

The big news this week in PC gaming was the reveal that Valve's Steam Machine PC-console hybrid costs $1049 for the cheapest model, a figure that sent shockwaves through the gaming community despite the fact that component and thus hardware prices have been historically high for quite some time.

The rapid proliferation of AI data centers has driven the cost of memory through the roof, and when you couple that with global economic instability and high inflation, well, you have both video game consoles and gaming PCs with exorbitant price tags both on store shelves and on the second-hand market. Still, $1049 for the entry level model in a lineup of PC-only gaming consoles is a tough pill to swallow no matter how much we've all got used to everything being ridiculously expensive, but don't expect Steam Machines to drop in price any time soon.

Talking to Digital Foundry, Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais is asked if there's any chance Steam Machine costs will drop when the current RAM shortages are resolved, and he dodges the question but argues that from a business perspective, the current price doesn't make sense.

"There's no point for us to keep hardware at a high price," he says. "It's meant to be an enabler of a stronger connection between people and their games, and not something that we're trying to sell to people for other reasons... [For us], the cheaper the better."

Meanwhile, another Valve engineer on the Steam Machine's hardware team, Yazan Aldehayyat, straight-up downplays the idea of a price drop any time in the near future.

"It's obviously hard for us to predict the future, but we're not optimistic it's going to happen any time soon. Other people in the industry have said as much.

"Obviously, we would love to be able to make the Steam Machine more affordable and reach more people, but I don't want to promise to people that it's coming soon," adds Aldehayyat. "I wouldn't say that this is something that's going to resolve very soon."

If you want something slightly more concrete, or at the very least specific, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra recently estimated that the ongoing RAM shortage will likely continue through 2027 before "gradually" improving in 2028. That doesn't help much if you're looking to lock in a Steam Machine pre-order soon, but it's good to have some idea of when things might start to normalize... well, in terms of the cost of gaming hardware anyway.

$1,049 Steam Machine is still a "good value," Valve engineer says, even though it was supposed to be $789 like the Steam Deck

The dusty, wet, and unfriendly grime of a survival game doesn't seem like the perfect place to meet a nice acquaintance, but Pocketpair head of publishing and communications John "Bucky" Buckley suggests it might be. Survival games aren't nearly as unwelcoming behind-the-scenes.

Buckley writes on Twitter, "So many people view survival games as competition to each other, and think there is bad blood." But he says that "actually, we all get along really well because we all have something in common! We love survival games!"

It seems Pocketpair developers particularly get along with the teams behind renowned survival games like Rust, Valheim, and Ark: Survival – 10 of these types of popular titles make up the Super Survival Summer bundle available now on Steam. The entire package costs $148.40 in total, which is a 25% discount from the $197.90 these 10 games would have originally cost together.

Still, the Super Survival Summer bundle isn't the most dramatic discount available during the Steam Summer Sale running now through July 9. After all, you can purchase the originally $50.96 Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Complete Bundle for $5.06, a price that should turn your eyeballs into a pair of lucky dice. But about $150 is nevertheless a sweet price to pay for 10 big deal games. In addition to the titles mentioned earlier, and others, the Super Survival Summer bundle contains Palworld, V Rising, and Windrose, and it seems like an ideal opportunity for survival game professionals to grab those games for an easy $15 each.

The Bundle is also the fruit of Buckley's own love for survival games, as he shares on Twitter, "This has been a personal side project of mine since the start of 2026." When a valiant survival game soldier then tells the developer that they already own every game found in the Bundle (it's understandable if this happens to you, too; most of the Bundle's games were cataclysmic internet phenomena at some point), Buckley advises them to "buy it again and gift it to the person you want to punish most in life."

Brutal, but good advice. It comes when we could use it. time. Between rampant layoffs and serious price increases in the video game industry, it's nice to remember our ability to survive.

I've spent 5 hours diving into the Steam Summer Sale with our features editor, and these are the 11 best games on discount I'd recommend.

Valve's latest big seasonal sales event is officially here, and there are already some great Steam Summer Sale games for 2026 to get your hands on. With massive discounts dropping some historically low prices on some of the best Steam games, it's a great to see what's currently on offer and add to your Steam library for less.

Since going live as of 10am PT / 6pm BST on June 25, I've been searching through the Steam Summer sales to find the best game discounts that I think are absolutely worth grabbing. From some of the best RPGs to the best horror games, the seasonal sale has low prices across all kinds of genres, and I've done the work to spy out the best games on discount so you can make the most of the Steam sales date.

All of the picks included here take these games down to the lowest prices we've seen them go for to date… and in this economy, that's most welcome. With some recommendations from our very own features editor Andy Brown, we've put our heads together to bring together the 10 best Steam Summer Sale game discounts. Be it some of the latest new games that have happily been reduced, to some older favorites that are going for an absolute steal.

The best Steam Summer Sale games 2026

Resident Evil Requiem

If you've been holding out on playing the latest Resident Evil entry, then now's a great time to consider meeting with Leon and Grace in Racoon City. Having only just been released back in February of this year, the 20% discount it now has in the Steam Summer sale is the lowest price we've seen Resident Evil Requiem's fall so far on Valve's storefront. As we explored in our Resident Evil Requiem review, it's worth having in your library if you're a Resi fan; it dials up the terror, delivers the action, and excellently explores the iconic character that is Leon Kennedy in more depth.

With two protagonists leading the charge who both offer distinctly different perspectives and experiences on its blend of survival horror, Resident Evil Requiem easily earns its place as one of the best Resident Evil games going. And with the recent addition of a roguelike mode, and yet more goodness to come from Capcom with the Resident Evil Veronica remake in 2027, the timing of this discount couldn't be better.

Get Resident Evil Requiem here.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

As someone who's spent over 1000 hours playing CD Projekt Red's dystopian, futuristic RPG, I can't recommend Cyberpunk 2077 enough if you've yet to try it. From shaping your own customizable protagonist in V, to deciding how you want to navigate the many dangers and temptations of the neon-tined streets of Night City, it's a memorable ride from start to finish. I love the way it explores an action-packed story that examines what it means to survive and try to retain your identity in a world where cybernetic technology has taken over, and it's as easy to erase your personality as it is to shove a chip in your head.

V's fight to save themself is well worth your time, and now's a great opportunity to experience it thanks to the hefty discounted price of the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. You can snag yourself the base game and one of the best DLCs in the excellent Phantom Liberty expansion for its lowest price yet. The base game by itself is also discounted at just $17.99 / £14.99 (which is certainly worth the Eddies), but I'd absolutely recommend the Ultimate Edition so you don't miss out on Idris Elba, and the morally grey world of Dogtown.

Get Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition here.

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Calling all strategy fans! Right now, you can get your hands on Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era for its lowest ever price on Steam. As a triumphant return of the beloved strategy RPG series that first made a name for itself in the '90s, Olden Era blends together RPG mechanics with real-time strategy and grid-based combat to deliver a satisfying tactical loop you'll want to keep coming back to.

First launching back in April, it's worth noting that Olden Era is still in Early Access, but don't let that stop you. As we said in our Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Early Access review, "it's already packed with an essentially endless amount of content", with multiplayer, randomized matches, and a nice chunk of the campaign ready and waiting for you.

Get Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era here.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is one of the best first-person RPGs we've seen arrive in recent years, with a richly realized open world that draws you right into medieval Europe. Playing as intrepid adventurer Henry of Skalitz, who gets caught up in all kinds of ye olde shenanigans with companion (and possible love interest) Hans Capon, War Horse not only delivers a host of fantastic side quests, but it also draws you into a memorable main storyline as you set out to avenge your parents.

Staying true to its role-playing DNA, you can choose to shape Henry however you wish, whether you want to build him out to be a smooth talking sneaky so-and-so or a robust sword-fighting machine. Both myself and Andy have had many memorable experiences with this one, and if you're ready to go medieval, this Steam Summer Sale offer is calling your name: Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is going for its lowest ever price right now.

Get Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 here.

Mewgenics

One of the best games of 2026 so far, Mewgenics has been hit with a notable discount which takes it down to the lowest price to date on Steam. From The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy developer Edmund McMillen and The End is Nigh's Tyler Glaiel, Mewgencis brings to life a turn-based tactical adventure that's all about breeding and raising your very own army of cats. With different traits that can be passed down to other cats, you can work to make the ultimate mutant felines and send them off on runs in search of loot.

As we explored in our Mewgenics review, it's a "hugely varied" roguelike that has an imaginative and rewarding gameplay loop. With tons of replayability, and an excellent soundtrack, it's also packed with wonderfully whacky humor, and you can sink so many hours into this one if you're after something hearty to tuck into.

Get Mewgenics here.

Two Point Museum

One of the best simulation games has gotten a big discount right now, with the excellent Two Point Museum now down to its lowest price so far on Steam. As someone who loves history, I adored my time bringing to life my own museums. From sending my employees off on expeditions to find more fossils, to putting them on display just how I want, and creating gift shops to bring in more funds, I also enjoyed mapping out my own museum tours.

With a host of fun updates since it first launched in 2025 (including a fitting summer update), this is well worth getting if you enjoy management sims full of charm, humor, and easy-to-use tools. You can find out more of my thoughts in our Two Point Museum review if you're interested to learn more.

Get Two Point Museum here.

Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories

First released back in April, this is a great 20% discount off the delightful indie game, Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories – which is well worth having in your library if you're looking for something laidback to play. Set in the '90s in Japan, you play as college student Makoto Hayakawa, who works at a convenience store over the summer.

From stocking and arranging shelves, to preparing displays, and getting the store ready to open, I love the meditative quality of the organizing. But as I first found out by playing the demo ahead of release, part of its charm also comes from the customers you meet. As you help them find what they're looking for, or give them recommendations, you start to learn more about them and hear the stories of the locals. If I hadn't already snapped this game up, I would do so now at this price.

Get Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories here.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong was years in the making and easily one of the most talked about games in the lead up to its eventual release in 2025. But as Team Cherry's sequel went on to prove, it was well worth the wait. Now considered to be one of the best Metroidvania games of recent years right alongside its predecessor, you can now get 25% shaved off the price tag, taking it down to its lowest price on Steam so far.

As we said in our Hollow Knight: Silksong review, it's a near-perfect follow-up that evolves many of the features of the original to deliver a rewarding world to explore. Playing as Hornet, her various abilities are satisfying to play around with, and there's plenty of challenges to overcome. If you've been holding off or want to give Silksong a try, then this is a good chance to do just that without paying the usual price.

Get Hollow Knight: Silksong here.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

With the reveal of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation during Summer Game Fest Live 2026, which will conclude Cloud's journey, it feels almost serendipitous that the first part of the RPG series is discounted to its lowest price to date on Steam. Not only that, but the chunky discount is for the Intergrade version, which comes with the additional expansion Episode InterMission starring companion Yuffie. So, if you're looking to catch up before the upcoming RPG arrives in 2027, this could well be your sign to experience the opening of Cloud adventure in the city of Midgar.

Introducing iconic party members and setting what's to come in the sprawling open world scene of part 2 in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a lovingly reimagined remake of the iconic JRPG on PS1. With an updated and modernized real-time combat system that calls back to the classic turn-based affair through its strategic ATB elements, longtime fans will get a kick out of its recreations of some classic moments, while newcomers get stuck right in with ease.

Get Final Fantasy 7 Intergrade here.

Dead Space Remake

If you've yet to try out Dead Space, or you're on the lookout for a chilling, atmospheric experience, then you can get your hands on the excellent Dead Space Remake for the incredibly low price of just under $6 / £5. As one of the best horror games, the 2023 remake of the classic 2008 survival horror succeeds at being even more unsettling than the original, and that's a huge compliment.

Taking on the role of Issaac Clarke, an engineer who finds himself on a mission to repair the USG Ishimura mining ship, things take a terrifying turn. With the ship's crew brutally killed, and your partner lost onboard, you have to navigate the Ishimura with only your engineering skills at your disposal. But, with horrific creatures known as necromorphs always in pursuit, you can expect plenty of scares in the sci-fi space setting. If you're after some horror goodness, this is worth adding to your library for a lot less.

Get Dead Space here.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has made a name for itself as one of the best open world RPGs of the last decade, and you can now experience Geralt's sprawling adventure for an absolute steal if you've yet to snap up CD Projekt Red's gripping fantasy on Steam. Honestly, it's also the perfect excuse to replay The Witcher 3 on another platform if you've already experienced it elsewhere… because it's just that cheap.

Following Geralt, a mutant monster slayer known as a witcher, you set out across sprawling locations in search of your ward, Ciri, who's being pursued by the Wild Hunt. Delivering some of the most memorable side quests and a story that will keep you gripped, replaying or tucking into it for the first time will no doubt help set up the next game to come with The Witcher 4. And at a historically low price tag, the fact that it's set to get a new expansion next year in the Songs of the Past just gives you more reasons to grab this.

Get the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt here.

Honorable mentions

If you have smashed through all our top picks above, then worry not; here are 10 more deals for you to check out below. For these honorable mentions, I've focused on historically low prices, meaning that the majority of these have never gone for cheaper than they are right now. So, be sure to check them out as well as our best picks above to maximize your bargain hunting.

• Balatro (Get it here)
• The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Get it here)
• Hotline Miami (Get it here)
• SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS (Get it here)
• Planet Zoo (Get it here)
• A Plague Tale: Innocence (Get it here)
• Resident Evil 2 (Get it here)
• Borderlands 4 (Get it here)
• Persona 3 Reloaded (Get it here)
• Metaphor: ReFantazio (Get it here)

Keep track of future demo events with our Steam Next Fest guide. Or find some more recommendations with our pick of the best PC games.

Much as Steam may be the dominant marketplace on PC, it's far from a one-stop shop for all the most popular games available. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, believes Valve is consistently shooting itself in the foot in ways Epic Games has managed to avoid - so far, at least.

According to him, a noted Steam disliker for reasons I'm sure are obvious, the fact that Steam isn't a more collaborative entity shuts out large swaths of PC gamers. "They have a nice thing going on on PC, but they reach what percentage of the PC audience?" he told PCGamer, when asked about Valve's place in the hierarchy.

"You know, they don't reach any of the Fortnite [audience], they don't have Fortnite and Riot's games and Genshin Impact, and many of the top games in the industry on Steam," he adds.

This much is true: there are massive communities Valve is actively closed off from. In the case of Riot Games, it's due to being active competitors, both in general and because League of Legends was started as a spiritual successor to the original DotA, and since Steam hosts Dota 2, they were never going to sit side-by-side.

Fortnite came out only a year before the Epic Games Store took off, making it unlikely the original version or the battle royale would ever be on Steam. The separation is frequently mutually assured, is what I'm saying here. But Sweeney looks at it differently.

"They're missing out on a lot of opportunity that I think they could have if they took the more forward-looking, open view that Epic has taken, and Microsoft has taken," he says, doubling down on what Microsoft charges devs to list games on its marketplace: "Microsoft Store charges 12% - really good deal. Google's now giving all developers a better deal, and has some really cool things coming for the future."

Valve could bring together "Team Open," Sweeney argues, and help the PC user base flourish. "Steam's got a pretty sweet business - a lot of gamers love Steam - but imagine if you could have Steam on all of the platforms?" he muses. "What if you could have it on iPhone, what if you could have it on Android? What if they carried a lot of games?"

What if, indeed. Valve has faced a lot of pushback over the years due to how it handles its market position. Steam was cited as part of Epic's legal battle against Apple over unfair practices, and more recent legal battles have brought to light reported instances of Valve being unhappy about other publishers selling games cheaper than on Steam as part of sales on their own stores.

Valve billionaire Gabe Newell spends $70 million on a new mansion to go with his $500 million yacht as the house of Steam fights monopoly lawsuits

Fortnite developer and publisher Epic Games has been in the limelight for its creators' stance on generative AI – and it seems it'll continue to be, as CEO Tim Sweeney speaks on the topic once more, specifically in relation to what he calls Valve's "irresponsible" AI disclosures on Steam.

It comes up in a recent interview with PC Gamer, in which Sweeney explains how AI could be a valuable tool for smaller devs.

"If you have a game with a really unique look and feel, you need unique content, and AI is a path to getting that with a degree of economy that makes it competitive with Fab or scanning or other things, but works for a larger category of objects," states the Epic lead.

He refers to an example of making a flower pot model for a game. "The value is not in creating a perfect flower pot. It will be an absolute folly to spend a million dollars creating a flower pot, because the real value is in building the scene and building the game and building the narrative, and the gameplay, and making it awesome, and giving it a unique feel, and making something that appeals to gamers."

Apparently, this process – "giving it a unique feel" – can rely on AI use. And that, according to Sweeney, makes the attitude folks have toward AI "unfortunate" – as well as Valve's insistence that devs disclose whether they've used any AI in games released via Steam.

"If you want to launch a game, and get it as widely publicized as possible, you've got to put it on Steam so people can wish list it, and if you want to play it on Steam, then you have to get this Scarlet Letter of AI attached to your product."

Sweeney says that results in "a hater community trying to kill the game," going on to criticize the AI disclosures on Steam.

"I think it's really irresponsible of Valve. They shouldn't do it because it makes it much, much, much harder for a game developer to have a chance of success. You have to choose from either not using tools that can make you way more productive, and probably failing due to competition that does."

It's important to note that this isn't the first time Sweeney has shared this take. Last year, he said digital storefronts (like Steam) should drop "the AI tag" because "it makes no sense" when "AI will be involved in nearly all future production." He doubled down on this later, saying, "I hate to see Valve confiscate ever more opportunity from small developers." It's not an unpopular opinion among other Epic staff, either.

Stephanie Arnette, who serves as senior external development manager on Fortnite, stated that the goal of AI "is to make us more efficient" and not to "take all our jobs."

Suffice to say, that's not how many other devs (and consumers) feel… hence the so-called "hater community" Sweeney claims is out to get games with an AI disclosure on Steam. It's a hot topic right now, to say the least.

I doubt it'll stop being one, either, as generative AI penetrates more and more aspects of development – and, well, everything. I, for one, am very happy with Valve's system, though. Here's hoping it doesn't change.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney says new multiplayer games flop because everyone's "already formed solid human networks in Fortnite, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends."

We are in the unyielding winter of $949 Steam Deck OLEDs, $1,049 Steam Machines, and I'm finding myself missing $1 pizza more than ever. My cat is no doubt devising how to sell my kidneys as he notices the way I scoff at prices on even small amenities like his salmon cans, and all I can do now is pray he fails – especially since MSI product marketing lead Andy Chu predicts this year's price hikes will only get worse.

Speaking to FRVR in time for the release of handheld console MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, a Steam Deck competitor with its own kidney pain-inducing price tag of $1,800, Chu says, "There's much room for another price hike," and that the handheld market in particular "is now entering a time where it's time to take a closer look at what it can offer."

Personally, I'd love it if it could offer something under $1,000. Chu seems mostly concerned with the fact that the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ provides gamers with something new, and he stresses that the console "promises zero compromise between the resolution and graphic settings and also the frames [per second]" to FRVR. These are all beautiful things, sure. However, I think the average US resident's ability to pay rent is nice, too.

So GamesRadar+ hardware editor Phil Hayton argues no one should be paying over a grand for any handheld this Prime Day; Phil says, "I don't like feeding the beast that is tech price inflation, so in an effort to signal to retailers and portable PC makers that today's price tags are not okay, I like to check out open-boxed and refurbished options."

If you prefer your hardware sparkling clean, though, you might want to start hunkering down between pillars of $100 bills to prepare for what Chu predicts will be "a tough year for us and for the gamers."

"All I can say is we have tried every approach to get the memory and also storage at a lower cost," he asserts. $1,800 was simply the best MSI could do to be "as affordable as possible," and I believe that. I'm also horrified.

$1,049 Steam Machine is still a "good value," Valve engineer says, even though it was supposed to be $789 like the Steam Deck.

The Steam Machine costs $1,049, and that's not entirely Valve's fault. The publisher had originally wanted its mini PC-console hybrid to be priced closer to the $789 Steam Deck, but ongoing component shortages swiftly killed that dream. Still, its engineers hope you're happy.

Engineer Yazan Aldehayyat tells Eurogamer in a new interview, "It's hard because I don't think we ever really had an official price or anything like that – I think we had some ideas – but it's really difficult to quantify it." He says the Steam Deck price serves as "a rough estimate" for Valve's original plans, but he nonetheless believes $1,049 is "a good value."

Aldehayyat explains, "It's still competitive with similarly specced machines, especially pre-built machines." That's a fair analysis – GamesRadar+ hardware editor Phil Hayton recently tried estimating a reasonable alternative to the diminutive Steam Machine that you could build yourself, and it still came out to $1,265 for a slightly chunkier, yet more powerful PC. Right now, no one is spared from RAM shortages caused by virulent AI data center development.

Steam Machine user interface designer Lawrence Yang muses, "I'm very curious to see how people react to the price." He, like anyone else who's bought a video game or bottle of Tylenol in the past few months, knows "all the prices are going up, things are going out of stock, something's happening to the point where everyone is impacted by it."

"I'm guessing that people – or hoping that people – will understand," Yang says.

"It is more expensive than we wanted it to be, for sure," he reiterates. "But we think that compared to what you could build with the same price, it is kind of commensurate, and we think that we're bringing something extra with the small form factor and all of the other stuff that we built into it."

I can only speak for myself: I understand why the Steam Machine costs over $1,000, or why rent for a one-bedroom in Brooklyn is more than $2,000, or why a plate of lobster spaghetti at a fancy restaurant is $48 when I'd rather just hunt the lobster myself for that price, but that doesn't mean I like it. Am I supposed to?

Valve says Steam Machine is $1,049 because it "doesn't align with our beliefs" to subsidize the cost.

It's summer sale season, which means that during this awful, RAMpocalypse-ridden year, we finally have the chance to make the most of Prime Day gaming PC deals. Of course, all the retailers are at it, and since Valve has just finally launched its Steam Machine, PC gamers have a big choice ahead of them.

I haven't gone hands-on with the Steam Machine yet, but I've been tracking the prices of proper prebuilt gaming PCs for over three years now, reviewing them, building my own systems, and testing out a slew of components and upgrades. I can see the price of the Steam Machine, assess its specs, and I can comfortably tell you that even during RAMageddon, you can do better. PC gaming isn't the cheapest, but if you're going to spend that sort of money on a PC for your living room, trust me when I say that you might as well invest a little more in something that's upgradeable and has a discrete GPU to enhance your gaming performance.

So that's my mission this Prime Day. I'm going to be sifting through as many deals as humanly possible across all the retailers to secure you the best value. Newegg, Best Buy, Walmart, and of course, Amazon could hold the key to your living room PC gaming dreams, which offer better long-term value, gaming performance, and style than Valve's Steam Machine. I'll be looking for prebuilt systems, smaller upgrades you can make to your existing rig, and even the foundational blocks you need to build your own living room gaming machine.

Quick Links

• Amazon: RTX 5060 rigs for under $1,500
• Newegg: Loads of deals in the FantasTech sale
• Dell: up to $1,330 off Alienware Aurora builds
• Best Buy: up to $300 off MSI, HP, and more
• Walmart: Component and prebuilt deals

UK:

• Amazon: Prime Day deals, component upgrades
• CCL: Save 10% on a build-your-bundle combo
• Overclockers: Component bundle deals with 20% off
• HP: Discounts on HP Omen builds
• Very: Save up to £450 on prebuilt desktops
• Currys: Acer, HP Omen, and MSI discounted here

The best Prime Day gaming PC deals

Live updates

Let's get going (and talk about sizes)

Okay, let's get this show on the road. First up, let's go over some info you might find helpful when reading this live blog.

PC sizes are a bit odd and can be confusing if you're new to talking about them, so let's define some stuff.

Valve's Steam Machine is technically a mini-PC. These often use a mix of mobile/laptop parts, one processor known as an APU that combines central and graphics processing into one. Desktop PCs are a bit different - and they come in the following sizes.

Mini ITX - these still get pretty small, but they do often have a separate GPU that still allows for great gaming performance. They can be a little quirky to build due to compromises on space and cooling, but they still use a full suite of desktop components.

mATX - this is my personal sweet spot. This is what you see in the image above. It takes a slightly smaller motherboard, but is essentially a conventional gaming PC in a smaller package. There can still be compromises when it comes to part sizes and cooling, but mostly you have access to everything larger PCs do.

ATX and EATX - these are larger sizes. These form up the bulk of the prebuilt gaming PC market because they're the most popular sizes. Most are regular ATX motherboards and cases, but more and more of the cases I saw at Computex this year were massive EATX ones.

It's good to know this stuff, because it will help you narrow down and classify the components and size of PC you want to shop for.

Smaller desktops like this could be the answer to the Steam Machine's price-to-performance

The issue with the Steam Machine's price is that without a swappable GPU, it's comparing itself to consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Although all technology has gotten more expensive this year, Valve has been the most honest with how much a gaming PC actually should set you back, which has landed the Steam Machine with a higher price tag.

The issue is that it's the same price as entry-level desktop machines that do have higher performance thanks to dedicated graphics cards, and swappable components on a conventional PC motherboard.

I wouldn't usually recommend you opt for a DDR4 system right now, but if you're looking to get a smaller size of PC that can sit to the side of a living room TV, you don't want to spend more than the cost of a Steam Machine, and you want the kind of gaming frame rates that a full-sized ATX gaming PC can give you, this is the sort of solution you should be looking to.

This Stormcraft Sirius PC at Newegg is packed with great specs and sits inside an m-ATX case. It's discounted down to $900, which is really solid for the parts within.

Specs: Intel Core i5-14400F, RTX 5060, 16GB of DDR4, 1TB SSD, 650W PSU

Stormcraft Sirius: $1,099.99 $899.99 at Newegg

Quick reminder: It's not all Valve's fault

Just in case you're directing your gamer rage at Valve for the high price of the Steam Machine, I just want to point out that the price inflation is AI's fault, and that it's impacting the entire tech sector at the moment.

Case in point, an RTX 5070 gaming PC like this MSI Codex at Amazon would have set you back ~$1450 this time last year. If you want proof, check out this roundup I did last November on RTX 5070 gaming PCs. In a Prime Day deal, this one is currently discounted down from $2,052 to $1,829.99 at Amazon.

If you're going to build your own living room rig, try one of these smaller cases

These cases won't sit on your TV unit in the same way that a Steam Machine will, but for me, an m-ATX case is the sweet spot to allow you to build a gaming PC that will perform brilliantly and allow you to use a wide range of components, while also not stealing up loads of real estate.

Here are a few of my favorites:

NZXT H3 Flow: $69.99 $59.99 at Amazon
Fractal Design Epoch: $129.99 $120 at Amazon
NZXT H2 Flow: $149.99 at Amazon
Cooler Master Q300L: $44.99 $39.99 at Amazon

Living room PC gamers need to know about this couch desk

Couch PC gaming can be tricky to navigate, especially if you want to still play FPS games or aren't a big fan of playing with one of the best PC controllers.

For me, this is the perfect solution. It's a couch desk that assembles over you as you sit. I've used mine for hundreds of hours at this point, and the memory foam cushions still feel as great as they always have, and the desktop surface doubles as a USB hub for whatever accessories you want to plug in.

Admittedly, these are a tad pricey, especially if you go for the gaming-tilted Cyon3. Couchmaster does have smaller options which are more affordable though, so if you aren't too fussed about surface space you can also go for one of those. Annoyingly, none of them are discounted right now, but these are good to know about while we're on the topic of PC gaming from the couch.

Couchmaster Cycon3: $224 at Amazon

Couchmaster CYBOT: $169 at Amazon

Does size really matter?

Get your mind out of the gutter, firstly.

Living room PC gaming would be nice if it were through a machine that was on the smaller side - that's the appeal of the Steam Machine in the first place. But would it be such a problem if your living room rig was full-sized ATX? If you can fit it at the side, or even behind your TV unit, what's the issue?

The ASUS ROG G700 isn't a smaller build, but Best Buy is offering a pretty reasonable price on it at the moment, considering you get an RTX 5060 and a DDR5 configuration.

I'm just saying, if you're deadset on the living room PC idea, does it really have to be a smaller build?

Specs: Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 2, RTX 5060, 16GB of DDR5, 1TB SSD

ASUS ROG G700: $1,499.99 $1,199.99 at Best Buy

Looking for bundle benefits?

Since the Steam Machine is available bundled with its controller, you might be more drawn to a desktop PC if you also get the benefits of some accessories. Brands like CyberPowerPC and iBUYPOWER are great for this, because sometimes if you buy one of their prebuilts, you'll also get a mouse and keyboard in the box.

That's the case with this CyberPowerPC Gamer Master at Walmart, which is pushing for the title of cheapest DDR5 RTX 5060 machine across the board this Prime Day.

Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 8400F, RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 600W PSU

CyberPowerPC Gamer Master: $1,289.99 $1,099 at Walmart

One benefit of leaving the Steam Machine behind? No 4K60 limitations

If you're looking for a 4K GPU upgrade amidst all of the deals going on right now, the RX 9070 XT might hold the best bang for your buck, and best of all, you're not going to be limited to the 4K60 limitations of the Steam Machine.

US:

PowerColor Reaper AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT: $799.99 $649.99 at Amazon
ASRock Challenger Radeon RX 9070 XT: $741.99 $699.99 at Newegg (with FantasTech promo code offering you an even better price)

UK:

Asus Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT (white): £614.99 £543 at Amazon

Intel's "fastest gaming processor ever" is currently more affordable than its older version

It felt like Intel turned a new page when it launched the Intel Core Ultra Plus processors this year, and its original pricing was pretty good.

In the days after launch, though, the two new CPUs started seeing fluctuating pricing, which may have turned people away. I'm slightly shocked at the price of the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus today though, because it's bagged a banger of a Prime Day deal. In fact, it's actually some $10 cheaper than the original Intel Core Ultra 7 265K it replaces.

Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus: $357 $264.99 at Amazon

Here's another smaller build that would sit pretty next to a TV

Again, this is a DDR4 system, so I'm not crazy about it, but it's another smaller PC with solid specs that would beat the Steam Machine and would look a million dollars next to your TV.

Interestingly, this one opts for an Intel CPU as opposed to the RTX 5060 that's been seen in every other entry-level build so far this Prime Day. Newegg does have deals on other configurations of this build as well, so it might be worth checking through to see if your desired specs are there.

Specs: Intel Core 5 120 (slightly boosted 12th gen processor), Intel Arc A750, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD

ABS Flux II Aqua: $1,099.99 $849.99 at Newegg

For your consideration, the Zotac Magnus one

This year at Computex, I saw the Magnus One Ultra at the Zotac booth, it's an updated version of a mini ITX build the brand already makes. The idea is similar to the Steam Machine, but it's working with full-sized graphics cards which will give you more of a 4K gaming oomph.

I'm not seeing any discounted ones for Prime Day or rival sales, but it might be worth knowing about if you're turned off by the price-to-performance of the Steam Machine. Zotac also offers a barebone model which comes without the RAM and SSD so you can try and find better deals than it can offer.

Zotac Magnus One at Zotac
Read more: The Zotac Mangus One Ultra at Computex

Want the Steam Controller kick?

I get you; the novelty of buying the Steam Machine also rests with the charm of getting its bundled controller. I also review gamepads, and I can tell you that there's nothing else quite like the Steam Controller. Its trackpads make it fully unique in the market for navigating a PC from the comfort of a couch. But as a gamepad? There are better, and more affordable options out there.

That's especially true during Prime Day, and I can already think of a few off the top of my head that would be worth investing in while you can get them for cheaper. If you want novelty, look at something like the Manba One, which has an interactive screen and lets you control all of its customizable elements without the need for companion software. It's currently going for cheaper than usual:

Manba One: $69.99 $55.99 at Amazon

If you want my personal favorite controller at the moment, look at the Flydigi Apex 5, which isn't seeing a Prime Day deal, but you can save on it thanks to a 20% coupon.

Flydigi Apex 5: $159.99 at Amazon

You can also buy the Steam Controller separately, of course, but a lengthy waiting list might make you want to seek out some budget controllers you can buy instead.

Here's what to be careful of...

...And not for the reasons you think. Shopping for gaming PCs has gotten trickier as RAMflation has become worse because we've started to see more and more that configurations will house older components in them and think they can still charge more.

Example: this rig at Newegg, which is going for $829.99 and apparently saves you... checks notes... $770.

Just take a look at the specs:

Specs: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3050, 16GB of DDR4, 1TB SSD

That's right, this rig (which I do not recommend, by the way) has an RTX 3050 inside it, and an AM4 motherboard, and yet this retail page is still trying to claim it's discounted from $1,599. I don't think so.

If you are shopping for a new gaming PC this Prime Day, be on your toes because there are definitely some bad deals out there.

For the record, these specs aren't bad if you just want a budget-friendly, entry-level, or even spare PC, but this should barely cost $600 with RAMflation taken into account.

Builders, take note: motherboard bundles are the way to go

Buying all your components for a PC build can be a nightmare on your bank balance right now, so if you are going the build-your-own route, work smarter, not harder.

Motherboard bundles are honestly the saviour of the market in my eyes right now. They're not a get out of jail free card, but being able to grab a motherboard with some components (ideally some RAM) will save you money where you need to save it right now.

Annoyingly, the example I'm giving here isn't RAM-inclusive, but there are bundles out there, including this motherboard bundle I covered last week, which could really spare you some memory costs.

For now, this is just a dang good deal over at Newegg. You can get an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor, a 1TB Samsung 990 Pro, and a Gigabyte B850 AORUS Elite motherboard for an overall cost of $429 (saving you $249.99).

That's the base of a really great gaming rig, and a great example of why motherboard bundles like this are ones to look out for if you are building this summer.

Gigabyte motherboard bundle: $429 at Newegg

If you're building, one of these could come in handy

A few hours into your first PC build, you'll learn the value of a good quality screwdriver. Preferably, you want a magnetic one. Ideally, you'd like a ratchet one.

Magnetic screwdrivers are massively useful for PC building because you'll need to lower a lot of screws down into your case and onto your motherboard, and if they aren't magnetic, you can assign an extra hour or two to the process just for trying to fish tiny screws out of your WIP computer.

Ratchet ones are safer for PC building because if you overtighten things, you can risk damage to your components and especially your motherboard.

I've used an Amazon Basics one with 12-in-1 head attachments. This is honestly all you're really going to need, but if you want to go heavier duty on it, I'd recommend something like the Yinsan kit in the image above. It has what seems like every screwdriver and allen key attachment you could ever need (120-in-1), as well as some applicator goodies for all sorts of techie DIY jobs.

I'm not seeing the Yinsan kit at Amazon anymore, but similar kits will likely do just as well.

Amazon Basics 12-in-1 Ratcheting Magnetic Screwdriver: $9.44 $8.49 at Amazon
Precision RARTOP screwdriver set: $26.99 $22.94 at Amazon

Shop all screwdrivers at Amazon

Why do I think conventional desktops are better value than the Steam Machine?

If you're going to spend more money on a "normal" gaming PC, why would I argue that's better value for money than buying a more convenient system?

Good question, I'm so glad you asked.

There's a conversation to have around the Steam Machine being a console or a PC, but in my eyes, and in Valve's eyes, it's a PC. It may be the brand's take on a console, but it has a PC operating system in the same way the Steam Deck does; it's just smaller than a regular computer. Certainly, when you look at its price, there's no mistaking it; this thing isn't competing with the Switch 2 or even the PS5.

So when you consider that Valve is charging close to a grand for what is essentially a PC, I'd argue that you're spending almost the same as you would for a decent current-gen desktop system, but getting fewer of the benefits. Funnily enough, it's the same arguments I use to tell you why the PS5 Pro isn't worth your money: just buy a gaming PC instead.

For starters, the Steam machine doesn't have a discrete GPU, which is the thing that's going to allow you to unlock the best frame rates and graphical power in games.

Secondly, you're going to have a lot more trouble upgrading the Steam Machines innards, which is arguably one of the best things about a gaming PC. You can swap out parts and upgrade as needed, you're not locked to just one APU that's running the show.

Thirdly, faceplates are nice, but with a modern-day rig, you'll be able to customize its look through RGB or components you've chosen, or even LCD displays on your case or CPU cooler. There are loads of ways to personalize with gaming PCs, even if they don't have the cutsie look of Valve's console.

Lastly, connectivity is a big one. With a desktop PC's motherboard and GPU, you have scope to connect loads of devices, whether they're controllers, mice, keyboards, displays; you name it. The Steam Machine's backside doesn't have that sort of connectivity, which may not be an issue for living room gaming, but it's not ideal when you're spending almost the same amount as you would on a full-sized machine.

I'd recommend Newegg's prebuilt selection over Amazon's

If you search for gaming PC deals at Amazon, it'll pull up more affordable options than you'll see at the other bigger retailers, but you can scroll for miles without seeing a DDR5 build. This is definitely an issue with the other retailers too, but at least the futureproofed options are there for you to find.

If you're shopping for a prebuilt system this week, here's the order I'd look in:

Newegg
Best Buy
Walmart
Amazon

I say this based on my first day of sifting through the deals, but also based on years of covering sales between all of these retailers for three and a half years now. Overall, Newegg tends to have the best selection and offer the best value for money. Best Buy and Walmart can have great prices but a slightly more limited selection, although occassionally they'll pack rigs from HP, MSI, CyberPowerPC, or iBUYPOWER that are excellent deals. Amazon has great selections for components (obviously), but its prebuilt selection is not the greatest.

My favorite thermal paste isn't discounted, but it's pretty cheap anyway

For some reason, Noctua is not coming out to play this Prime Day. I've tested a few different thermal pastes now, but none of them have been as easy to apply, as reliable in performance, or as easy to clean as Noctua's NT-H2 paste.

While you can find cheaper thermal paste at Amazon that is discounted, I'd still consider Noctua's option. You get three handy wipes with the syringe, which I can't praise enough.

Noctua NT-H2: $14.95 at Amazon

Shop all thermal paste at Amazon

This is a great Ryzen X3D deal, but it doesn't compare to the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus

You can get the Ryzen 7800X3D for a good price at Amazon right now. It's still not its lowest price ever, but it's a good deal nonetheless. Down from an MSRP of $449, it's currently selling for $376 at Amazon, with an additional $28 coupon bringing the price down to $328 at Amazon. That's close to its historical low at the retailer of $319.

That's an amazing price for a CPU this good, but considering it's older and has fewer cores and threads than Intel's latest "flagship" option, I'm still going to point toward it as my favorite processor offer this Prime Day.

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: $328 at Amazon
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus: $269 at Amazon

That's all for today, but I'll be back in the morning

That's my shift done for the day, but bookmark the page if you're finding the coverage useful and you want to keep up with the deals I find in the coming days. I'll be back in the morning (UK time) to find all the best offers I can.

Need some RAM? Of course you do

With Duncan away for the evening, I (Rollin Bishop, US Managing Editor) am here to help keep an eye out for any meaningful gaming PC deals and goodies. There are still plenty of offers to be had, especially if you're looking further afield at other retailers beyond Amazon like Newegg.

Any deal on RAM is particularly noteworthy, and this Team Group Vulcan DDR5 RAM isn't what I'd call inexpensive – but it is a "deal" in the sense that RAM is overall wildly expensive. If you need to upgrade, and sometimes it really is a need, the two 8GB sticks here might go a long way. There's even an added promo code, FTTF4657, that brings it down even further.

Team Group Vulcan DDR5 (16GB) | $239.99 $199.99 at Newegg

Everybody wants to have a case

My general advice on PC cases is: if it gets the job done, it's good enough. And this Zalman i3 NEO case? It gets the job for for ATX, mATX, and Mini-ITX boards. Dropping big cash on cases has never made any sense to me; my preference has always been function over form. IT doesn't hurt that it looks OK, but that's the least of my worries when I'm building something that's going to sit in a corner nobody looks at.

Zalman i3 NEO case | $57.99 $48.99 at Newegg

Sometimes it's nice to just buy the whole thing

One thing the Steam Machine and other pre-built gaming PCs have in common is an appeal to a core impulse: sometimes it really is just nice to buy the whole thing. (This is one impulse I share; the first time I ever built a PC out of parts, I somehow fried the power supply and then the motherboard.)

Take, for example, this Thermaltake LCGS build with a 1TB SSD, RTX 5070, Intel Core i5-14400F processor, and a whole 16GB worth of DDR5 RAM. Considering the rising costs of basically everything associated with PC gaming, $1,399.99 is one heck of an offer if you're in the market.

Thermaltake LCGS RTX 5070 PC | $1,799.99 $1,399.99 at Newegg

More tomorrow!

That's me done for the day too! The Prime Day deals, as always, continue – and it's worth keeping in mind that if nothing caught your fancy today, there's still plenty of time for something to come along that does. If you're investing the kind of money that's required to get a nice gaming PC, especially something that might be a better value or comparable to the Steam Machine, you'll want to really weigh your options.

...including all the extremely cool ones we've presented! Duncan knows what he's talking about, and I know enough to know that. So, y'know, y'all come back now.

Now that we know how much Valve is charging for its Steam Machine, a console-PC hybrid with a convenient little cube-shaped body, plenty of folks are wondering why it's so pricey – but it turns out its $1,049 price tag might not have always been the plan.

In fact, it all likely boils down to the global RAM shortages and what have you – basically, the hardware situation that's pushing prices everywhere in PC gaming right now.

According to IGN, Valve engineers Pierre-Loup Griffais and Yazan Aldehayyat implied that the Steam Machine has essentially seen a price increase comparable to that of the Steam Deck's recent price changes. They said it'd be "probably similar," to be precise.

The Steam Deck's own price saw an increase of about 35-36% above its original $549 cost, as IGN notes, bringing it up to $789. When you apply this same sort of percentage-based increase – 33% or so – to the Steam Machine, you get $749… a good $300 less than the current $1,049 asking price.

That's a pretty significant jump, to be fair, but it's not exactly unheard of right now. And no, I don't just mean over at Valve.

Earlier this year, Sony increased the price of PS5 consoles, citing it as "a necessary step to ensure we can continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences to players worldwide."

The Nintendo Switch 2 price hike from last month comes to mind here, too, as the handheld platform's company described "various changes in market conditions" leading to the rise in its cost. In other words, it's rough out here all around.

Understandably, consumers aren't thrilled with the Steam Machine's $1,049 price – RAM shortages and changing market or not. A quick look at discussions over on Twitter shows as much, with people chatting about the console-PC hybrid's specs and hardware, stating they "would appreciate the Steam Machine being cheaper."

That certainly makes sense, although I do wonder if these higher prices will just be the norm from here on out.

It's sadly starting to look that way… but I'll reserve my own opinion on the Steam Machine's hefty price until it's sitting on my desk and I've had a go at actually using it. For now, though, I definitely understand some folks' disappointment.

I can't afford $1,049 for a Steam Machine, but Valve has already graced your PC with the ability to be a high-spec living room rig from afar.

The Steam Machine is now available for pre-order under what some are acknowledging as the shocking starting price of $1,049, partly because Valve says this is the cost that best reflects its core values.

Company spokespeople tell The Verge in a new report that Valve isn't interested in subsidizing the cost of its Steam Machine and selling its hardware at a loss the way other companies do, since "it doesn't align with our beliefs about how healthy ecosystems are built."

Valve explains in its statement, "If there's anything we're religious about at Valve, it's our belief that open systems are better in the long run, for ourselves and customers. The openness of the PC ecosystem in particular has enabled it to be the primary driver of hardware and software innovation, because anyone with an idea for a way to do something better was able to take a shot at it.

"When companies sell their hardware under cost for competitive advantage, or buy exclusive content for it, they're doing that to build a more closed system, one where you don't get to choose what software you want to use." In its announcement post for the Steam Machine's launch, however, Valve instead bemoans the fact that "our original goal for the price of Steam Machine is no longer viable" due to factors like RAM shortages and the US' constantly shapeshifting tariffs.

So "the prices we're sharing today reflect the state of the world for manufacturing," says Valve, "or, more accurately, it reflects the price of the components as we've secured them over the past 6 months." This official statement suggests Valve is mournfully selling the Steam Machine for as much as it costs to produce it, and Valve Steam Deck developer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirms to The Verge that, "We're being more aggressive with margins and things to be as close to cost as possible now."

That's not an unreasonable decision for Valve to make; it still isn't necessarily whipping up a profit on the Steam Machine, after all. But it argues in a more confident tone in its statement to The Verge, "When companies sell their hardware under cost for competitive advantage, or buy exclusive content for it, they're doing that to build a more closed system, one where you don't get to choose what software you want to use."

This is the kind of company-first speak I'm skeptical of. Subsidized hardware prices may obscure manufacturing costs, but should manufacturing cost be my concern as a consumer?

We've had games industry experts warning us for months now that console prices could pass the $1,000 mark. Well, now they're right, and inflation around the globe is also impacting everything from gas prices to a dozen eggs. It feels like the burden of change keeps getting placed on the individual buyer, or worker, rather than the big, expensive company. The people who make up the games industry keep getting barbecued by mass layoffs, for example, and yet the industry itself has just soared past the historic $200 billion in revenue, a 9.1% year-on-year increase.

With this in mind, I can accept that the $1,049 Steam Machine (not including accessories) is part of Valve's beliefs. But it certainly doesn't represent mine.

The Steam Machine just landed for an eye-watering $1,049, so I'm tempted to build a modern Shuttle XPC that looks like my compact 2000s rig instead.

The number of free demos included in Steam Next Fest has been getting higher and higher through each event, and with only so much time to play them, finding what's worth your time can be tough. We offer some tips in our Steam Next Fest guide, but if you just want some pure recommendations, then stick around. Even running alongside Summer Game Fest, I've still made the time to check out some great demos, and below I highlight the ones I really think you shouldn't miss.

Ranging from blockbuster demos you can finally try at home for yourself like Onimusha, to a Lovecraft adaptation you play from the perspective of a penguin, the great thing about Steam Next Fest is how so many unique experiences of any size and scale can stand alongside one another. It's the perfect time to try something new. Ending on Monday, there's still time to dip into some potential new favorites before it's over.

Read on, and allow me to run through the best Steam Next Fest demos from this June 2026 event that you should be downloading, playing, and wishlisting!

12. Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Developer: Capcom
Release date: September 25, 2026

The GamesRadar+ team are massive fans of all the best ARPGs, so Onimusha: Way of the Sword has been on our list as one of our most anticipated games for quite some time now. And, the good news is that, after playing through its demo, Capcom's latest entry to the beloved historic fantasy series doesn't disappoint. Playing as Miyamoto Musashi in a fictional version of Edo-era Kyoto, in Onimusha: Way of the Sword you are charged with defeating monsters (known as Genma), slicing through them with your blade. The demo really does give you a great window into the atmosphere of the title, lets you face a boss fight, and the combat also gives us God of War vibes during our time playing. Basically, it's an adrenaline-filled marvel, and ahead of its September release, I highly recommend downloading this one before Steam Next Fest ends.

Play the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo here

11. Valor Mortis

Developer: One More Level
Release date: October 13, 2026

Out of all the demos currently available at Steam Next Fest, Valor Mortis is the best Soulslike that I've played so far. From the creators of Ghostrunner, this first-person action game has you taking on the role of an undead soldier, now a member of Napoleon Bonaparte's new supernatural army. The game is set in an alternate version of 19th century France with a zombie virus running rampant, forcing you to slay your brothers in arms. Along the way you'll see plenty of gore, unsettling but oddly pretty environments, and even get some story hints around Napoleon's true intentions. Personally, I was always a fan of that supernatural concept, but the demo fully sold me to add this game to my wishlist after experiencing its slick combat. In fact, we mentioned how the demo gave us flashbacks to the first time playing Dark Souls 3 and Shadow of Mordor, high praise indeed.

Play the Valor Mortis demo here

10. Virtue and a Sledgehammer

Developer: Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour
Release date: TBC 2026

"Most people resort to therapy. But you chose the brave option. A sledgehammer." Virtue and a Sledgehammer's anger isn't subtle, entirely based around using the controller's trigger to lift and strike with a massive sledgehammer to smash apart your woodland hometown and the machines that now populate it. Somehow sporting the personalities of those you grew up alongside, you're taking revenge for the deaths of everyone you knew. With an abstracted and strikingly told story told through fragmented flashbacks, the satisfaction of going ham on robots, objects, and houses is sold through the crunchy feel. This generous demo allows you to play from the beginning, through a sizable starting area that you can wreck to your heart's content.

Play the Virtue and a Sledgehammer demo here

9. Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!

Developer: Strange Scaffold
Release date: July 29, 2026

When Carissa is struck down by a delivery truck days before her big promotion in Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World's opening, she's actually transported to a fantasy world of swords and sorcery instead of dying, in typical isekai anime fashion. But, you play as the hapless delivery driver accidentally did the deed, and she's able to guilt-trip you into helping her revive back to the real world by causing even more havoc, wrecking the city with outlandish stunts to 'isekai' even more people as low level monsters so she can cheat through her experience and resurrect. The result is an oddball mix of Crazy Taxi and Grand Theft Auto as you juggle police chases, deliveries, and monster combat, all within a colorful world. This demo lets you off the leash to try out some timed, arcade-style runs for yourself.

Play the Truck-Kun is Supporting Me from Another World?! demo here

8. Screenbound

Developer(s): Crescent Moon Games, Radical Forge
Release date: September 10, 2026

Screenbound is an upcoming puzzle platformer that will no doubt capture the hearts of any retro fans out there. Brilliantly combining a 2D and 3D world, you as the player are tasked with navigating and beating levels with the help of a very Game Boy Advance SP looking device called a Qboy. The world is reflected in 2D via your Qboy screen and you need to alternate between using your handheld and moving through the 3D world to progress. I won't lie to you, juggling the changing perspectives is a lot at first, but it does soon become second nature, especially once you surrender to the fact that Screenbound is all about timing, logic, and just a little bit of luck as well. From what I've played so far, the game is super comfortable to play and easy to get into too. It's also one of those titles that will have you itching for more.

Play the Screenbound demo here

7. Mistfall Hunter

Developer: Bellring Games
Release date: July 29, 2026

If you like Elden Ring Nightreign but wish the Soulslike formula was more of a pure Extraction experience, then Mistfall Hunter is aimed squarely at you. With considered, dangerous combat against monsters and rival players alike, this is a fantasy twist on the Extraction Shooter genre where you take up sword and shield, magic, bows, or other weapons instead of guns. Starting out weak, you have to team up in co-op or go solo to enter deadly Gyldenmist-afflicted lands, extracting before you become corrupted in order to bank gear or precious Gyldenblood. Even surviving an excursion requires you to kill a bell creature in order to magically return. If the genre isn't usually your thing but you're a Dark Souls diehard, you may find the loop compelling here anyway, so it's well worth giving this demo a try before its full launch to see if you like it.

Play the Mistfall Hunter demo here

6. About Fishing

Developer: The Water Museum
Release date: TBC 2026

Ever since the release of Dredge we have seen an influx of fishing games with a dark twist. However, even with a bunch of titles in the genre, About Fishing's demo had me hooked (pun intended) thanks to its tactile fishing gameplay and the promise of a creepy mystery linked to our discovery of a dead body and, um, a mermaid? Sporting some very nostalgic visuals, the game follows a woman in a yellow raincoat who ends up uncovering secrets via the powers of fishing. The demo is very simple, and only gives us the opening chapter, however, it's still very effective in keeping us intrigued about the story. I also love how the meditative act of fishing is paired with such a sinister undertone, giving me big David Lynch vibes. I do wish that there was a release date for the game, but for now I highly recommend checking out this demo, especially if you are a Twin Peaks fan.

Play the About Fishing demo here

5. Tanuki: Pon's Summer

Developer: Denkiworks
Release date: TBC

The Tanuki Festival is one month away and it's up to the lazy tanuki, Pon, to fix up the shrine before time runs out. Tanuki: Pon's Summer is an adorable game that follows Pon working in his part-time post-office job. Speed around on his BMX, develop friendships with residents, and decorate the shrine – all the ingredients are there for a new cozy game icon. During this demo you get the chance to play through multiple days in-game, letting you experience some odd jobs and giving you a charming introduction to the characters. Since our goal is to get as much cash as we can for the shrine, mini-games are the star here. I'm expecting that we'll probably see more at the full release, but so far the gameplay loop has me in a chokehold. Tanuki: Pon's Summer may not have a release date but its demo is already hilarious, fun, and also runs pretty great on the Steam Deck as well (always a bonus in my book).

Play the Tanuki: Pon's Summer demo here

4. Penguin Colony

Developer: ORIGAME DIGITAL
Release date: TBC 2026

2026 has seen a ton of Lovecraftian horror games, however, something that we haven't seen is Lovecraftian horror through the eyes of a penguin. That is until now. Penguin Colony is a strange but also faithful adaptation of HP Lovecraft's novellas, At The Mountains of Madness and The Shadow Out of Time, but in this version you are a cute low-poly penguin belly sliding around Antarctica. In this take on At The Mountains of Madness, it's Nazis who are trying to uncover something buried in the ice, while the Kaitiaki work to stop them. But, our job is to waddle through the story, doing some light platforming and watching humans in horror whenever we encounter them. And, trust me horror is still very much present even in the demo. While playing through it ourselves we got to see someone's head explode next to our cute penguin, and I'm sure that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the virtual trauma that is in store for us.

Play the Penguin Colony demo here

3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths and Ashes

Developer: Revive the Spark
Release date: TBC 2026

Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths & Ashes' Steam Next Fest demo is a prologue to their visual novel RPG, so it's a breezy narrative adventure that sets the stage and doesn't fully showcase all the mechanics on offer. But, like any good vampire tale, the blood has me itching to taste more already. Playing as powerful Ventrue vampire Alice as she's on the cusp of getting her fangs into her dream job as Archon serving under the Parisian Justicar, she's sent on the unenviable task of sowing discord in Berlin, controlled by a rival vampire network. While the action has yet to really get going, the politicking as the prologue progresses has compelled me, and I like the idea of this narrative-heavy game still having you manage spending blood to use your powers, hunger, and the keeping up the titular masquerade in front of mortals. The full game promises deeper systems and a second thinblood protagonist. Now my appetite has been whetted, I hope it can pack a punch beyond this prologue – but I'll be patient as I stalk this particular quarry.

Play the Vampire: The Masquerade – Oaths and Ashes demo here

2. Fractured Blooms

Developer: Serenity Forge
Release date: TBC

From Doki Doki Literature Club publisher Serenity Forge, Fractured Blooms has been on my radar for ages, and thankfully the Steam Next Fest demo doesn't disappoint. In fact our senior writer and fellow horror fan Ashley Bardhan, has stated that it is "better than anything you'll play" during Valve's event, and if you love psychological horror, I fully support that stance too. Stuck in a timeloop, you follow the teenage Angie in a world brimming with Appalachian mysticism. During said loop you'll need to manage Angie's resources and get her to perfect her chores from farming, cooking, and cleaning to the point of pain. Each day something will shift and slowly you'll begin to remember and see things that will put your hair on end. Fractured Blooms seems like it will be a narrative goldmine and its demo will stick with you long after this Next Fest ends, trust us.

Play the Fractured Blooms demo here

1. Mortal Shell 2

Developer: Cold Symmetry
Release date: TBC 2026

Mortal Shell 2 follows the Soulslike playbook, but isn't afraid to scribble in the margins, either. One such doodle – a granite-like cuboid shotgun, is one of a number of new tools your 'Shells' can wield that make this feel like a metal album cover come to life as much as it is a challenging combat gauntlet. Slick and reactive in a way few in the genre manage to be, clashes with deadly foes – ranging from hulking, caged brutes to weird witchy women with accordions that actually make music – feels incredible. While the fundamentals are nailed throughout what becomes at least a semi-open-world quest, there's a lot of customization on offer, even in this generous demo. That includes Seals, gear that can alter your parry button to become, say, a petrification block that freezes you mid-animation, or allows your gun to break enemy stun meters. And, of course, Shells themselves, class-like roles that are actually the bodies of named, specific undead characters. This is the most excited I've been for a Soulslike in a long time.

Play the Mortal Shell 2 demo here

One of the best VR games is finally getting a non-VR port with Moss: The Forgotten Relic, and it's some of the most fun I've had this Steam Next Fest

Demand for the newly launched Steam Controller has clearly caught Valve off guard, but it's now providing clear reservation estimates at its storefront. If you missed the proverbial gamepad boat the first time around, you'll now find yourself in one of three groups, and some of you might not receive your controller in time for the Steam Machine's arrival.

In a statement, Valve admits, "When we launched Steam Controller last month, we quickly saw that initial demand exceeded our expectations." The storefront giant also says that by switching to a reservation queuing system, it hopes to "cut down on the headaches on the customer side" and enable a process that'll ultimately lead to more gamepad orders being processed.

To "manage expectations", Valve is also now using three specific timeframes for when players can anticipate an availability email. The three windows are "by September 2026, by December 2026, or by 2027," and the date you're presented with will be based on when you initially ordered. For instance, if you were one of the first to order the pad after the initial wave dried up, you can expect to get one by the end of the Summer, whereas those of you who order today will have to wait until some point next year.

I just checked my personal reservation, and I apparently won't be receiving my Steam Controller until 2027. The gamepad queue opened back up on May 8, so if you waited until after then to log in and click the button, you'll be in the same boat as me.

Before you start panicking, just know that if the Steam Machine lands next week, it should be available with or without the controller. Naturally, you'll have to pay more for such a bundle, and since Valve hasn't confirmed any pricing, we have no idea whether buying with a pad will save you any pennies. If it does work out cheaper, that could be a bummer for those of you who picked up the accessory early, intending to unite it with the mini PC down the road, but it'd be a certified "phew" moment for those of you who have exercised patience.

Of course, you don't need a Steam Controller to play games on the Steam Machine. Biog console scene disrupting plans aside, and its dinky form factor, it's still just a tiny rig, albeit one that uses SteamOS just like the Steam Deck OLED. Therefore, you can buy cheaper PC controllers that will work fine with the box without waiting until 2027 for an official accessory.

Keep in mind that the Steam Controller also costs $99 / £85. That makes it one of the priciest standard system pads out there, so unless you're itching to play games that'd normally require a mouse with those dual touchpads, or you just want to make its haptics sing songs, there are plenty of more affordable pads for your PC out there.

That's not to say I'd argue against grabbing a Steam Controller, as it's one of coolest hardware releases of the year amid the doom and gloom of RAMageddon. Valve has confirmed that you can still reserve the gamepad despite the lengthy queues, and while the estimated date will be 2027, you could end up with the accessory earlier.

The question on my mind now is whether the Steam Machine will face the same demand as its controller. If it ends up costing substantially more than a PS5 Pro, you might have an easier time grabbing the box, and while GTA 6 pre-orders could land at the same time, that long-awaited crime caper could be a reason not to grab the mini PC over a conventional console.

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It's increasingly likely that the Steam Machine will arrive next week. GTA 6 pre-orders will also go live in a weeks' time, so we could be bombarded with the biggest hardware release of the year and the most coveted game of the decade at the same time. However, I feel like it's a good time to remind everyone that Rockstar's sandbox won't be coming to PC on day one, and that matters if you're eyeing up Valve's box.

Okay, here's a recap so you're up to speed with the supposed timings. We know for a fact GTA 6 pre-orders will go live on June 25. The emergence of fresh Geekbench results also suggests the Steam Machine could launch next week, but keep in mind, Valve hasn't confirmed an official release date for its box. Prior leaks have suggested reviews for the mini PC will land on June 23, meaning there's a chance it'll go on sale two days later.

Yes, I'm sweating at the idea of the Steam Machine and GTA 6 landing at the exact same time. There's no guarantee it'll happen at precisely the same moment, but even both occurring in the same week is bananas. Yet, if playing the long-awaited sequel is a priority, and you're currently leaping to older hardware, the fact that it's not coming to PC will have narrowed your options.

Of course, I know there's a Venn diagram for people who want to both pick up GTA 6 day one and grab the Steam Machine. The immediate issue is that it won't be what you're playing on the box, as you'll be limited to PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on November 19.

I do find it slightly amusing that GTA 6 will only be playable on a system that arrived six years ago and not a new-fangled, console market-disrupting powerhouse that'll arrive shortly before. It's these sorts of situations that could hamper the Steam Machine's efforts against the console status quo, especially if the box costs a chunk more than a PS5 Pro.

That said, PC players are well used to waiting for some of the biggest games (thanks, Sony), and since it'll eventually land on Steam, I'd start thinking about whether it'll actually run well on the Machine when it does grace the storefront. The big question is whether a demanding game like GTA 6 could break Valve's 4K 60fps general performance promise, and I suspect it will.

I should stress that since we're not getting a PC port yet, I naturally don't have GTA 6 system requirements to hand. So, rather than basing theoretical Steam Machine performance on recommended specs, all I can do right now is highlight how the crime caper will run on a base PS5, as that's the closest launch system to Valve's wee computer.

It's incredibly likely that if you're running GTA 6 on a vanilla PS5, you'll be playing at 4K 30fps. In theory, the Steam Machine should pack slightly more of a punch since its custom RDNA 3 CPU should be similar to an AMD Radeon RX 7600, but you'll be at the mercy of less optimized settings compared to the set experience on console.

If I were to guess a hypothetical sweet spot for GTA 6 on the Steam Machine, it'd be 1440p 60fps. That's with a little help from upscaling tools like AMD FSR 4.1, which will absolutely be needed if you've also got ray tracing switched on. That's not to say you won't be able to potentially get Rockstar's latest romp running at 4K, but you'll have to go through the usual PC gaming rigmarole of dialling in settings, and the visuals could take a hit as a result.

As I said above, though, conversations surrounding GTA 6 on the Steam Machine will have to wait. If Rockstar takes the same approach as GTA 5, it should eventually end up on PC, and I actually have a funny feeling Valve's box could make that happen sooner than later.

Take Two Interactive previously described console players as its "core consumers", attributing it as a reason for a delayed PC launch. But if the Steam Machine prompts those players to cross the aisle, and Microsoft sticks with Xbox Project Helix hybrid platform plans, the exclusivity could place a chunk of the intended audience for GTA 6 out of reach. Plus, many players are now also rocking gaming handhelds, so we'll perhaps see the publisher change its release strategy sooner than later.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though, so the takeaway right now is that while GTA 6 and the Steam Machine could go on sale at the same time, their paths won't actually cross. That's certainly going to help keep eyes on PS5 and Xbox Series X as its new rival takes to the stage, and as hyped as I am for Valve's mighty box, I get a feeling more players than ever will be reaching for a new console this year.

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Valve co-founder and president Gabe Newell has just purchased a waterfront estate in Florida – a waterfront estate worth a whopping $70.8 million.

Big purchases aren't exactly new to the father of Steam – after all, we are talking about the same man who invested his $9.5 billion fortune into yachts last year. He's got a lot of money, anyway, and he's certainly not afraid to use it.

His latest buy, the stunning waterfront estate in Manalapan, Florida, is reportedly a 20,000-square-foot residence set on a 2.06-acre plot (thanks, Wall Street Journal). It boasts everything from an outdoor pool to a dock.

The home itself seems perfect for water enthusiast Newell, boat lift and all – but it does come at a bit of a turbulent time for Valve, admittedly. The company is currently facing a $900 million lawsuit in the United Kingdom after being accused of abusing its dominance in PC gaming to overcharge for games and DLC.

A separate class-action suit that mirrors the one underway in the UK complicates matters further… but Newell is confident Valve isn't guilty. In a recent statement, the Valve billionaire argued that PC gamers "have enormous choice" and can choose "where they purchase their products, whether they buy the game on an Xbox, whether they buy it on Steam, whether they buy it on Epic Games Store, or whether they buy it directly from software developers."

The monopoly-related lawsuits aren't the only legal shenanigans the company is up against, either, however.

There's also the New York lawsuit about Counter-Strike 2 cases, which alleges that Valve is encouraging gambling via the Steam marketplace, demanding "full restitution" for players as "Valve's loot boxes pose the same dangers as casino gambling, especially for children."

In other words, it's been quite a, erm, time for Newell's company – and it continues to be as all of the legal chaos rumbles on in the background.

Regardless, it appears that Newell is still living his best life – in a brand-new $70.8 million waterfront estate, too.

"Valve has a customer for life": Dad says Valve sent him a free Steam Deck case after his newborn threw up on his original

A father says Valve has earned his business for life after replacing his ruined Steam Deck case for free.

Reddit user AHappyGummyWormx shared an image of a what he says is a conversation he had with Valve support following an accident in which his newborn child vomited all over his official Steam Deck case. The disgruntled parent says he preferred the official Steam Deck case that's included with the handheld console over the third-party ones you can get at the store, and so he pinged Valve support to see if they'd allow him to purchase a new one. As it turns out, they did him one better and automatically sent out a replacement case without even being asked.

"Valve has a customer for life," says HappyGummy. "Messaged support hoping to buy a new case and this is the response I got from support."

In the attached image, you can see HappyGummy asking Steam's support desk if he could buy a replacement case and receiving a personalized response reading: "We've submitted an order to have a Steam Deck 512GB OLED Case replacement part sent out to you." The email gave a 3-4 day processing estimate and said a separate tracking email would be arriving shortly.

Valve has a customer for life from r/SteamDeck

Assuming this story is true, and by all indications it seems to be, this is taking customer service to a whole new level. Valve had absolutely no obligation to send out a free case when the original was ruined due to user error (as much as I sympathize with any new parent), and in fact wasn't even asked to give away anything for free, but did so anyway.

Of course, while Valve is a historically user-friendly company, it's impossible to talk about anything Steam Deck-related without mentioning the recent price hike that took the most expensive version to almost $1000. With that in mind, a free Steam Deck case seems like a very low-price PR win for Valve, whether or not it was intended as such.

Oops, someone just uploaded Steam Machine Geekbench results early, so I'd be surprised if Valve's box doesn't arrive next week

Whether deliberately uploaded or not, Steam Machine benchmark scores are now live at Geekbench. Listed under its former "Valve Fremont" moniker, the information marries up with previous postings in terms of specs, but the new entry specifically mentions SteamOS as an operating system, and it smells to me like someone is testing for review.

First highlighted by Olrak29_ on X, the Steam Machine Geekbench scores don't give much away in terms of performance. The scores themselves are still in line with previously leaked figures, with single-core coming in at 2,282 and 2,334 points, and multi-core hitting 7,392 and 7,316, respectively.

Those Steam Machine benchmark scores also apply specifically to an AMD Custom CPU 1772 chipset, just like before, with specs including a 4.86 GHz base clock speed, 6 Cores, 12 Threads, and 16.0 MB L3 cache. Those all marry up with Valve's official custom Zen 4 specifications, so I'd be very surprised if they don't all link back to the yet-to-be-released box.

Effectively, while these fresh Geekbench results aren't confirmation that the Steam Machine release date is upon us, the stars are aligned for a June launch. Many of you will be aware that I review the latest gaming handhelds, PC hardware, and other gizmos, and typically speaking, I find myself testing tech for review very close to its ETA.

What I'm saying is that, while I'm not currently testing a Steam Machine, someone likely is, and that someone may have posted Geekbench results early. I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at how long an embargo these select testers potentially have before D-day, but if it were me, I'd be running benchmarks ASAP so as to account for any technical hiccups or need for re-runs.

Who knows, perhaps Valve will stick to the same embargo structure as the Steam Deck OLED in 2024. The reviews for the gaming handheld landed on a Wednesday, February 21, to be exact, which would theoretically mean we'll see coverage of the box land on June 25. Previous rumors shared by Steam Hardware Updates suggest videos will land a day earlier on June 23, but keep in mind this is all speculation based on the Steam Controller launch guidelines.

I should underline the fact that there is no official Steam Machine release date yet. Perhaps more importantly, we're still waiting on a price, as if the MSRP ends up being near or, god forbid, over a grand, it might not be on many players' radar. What I'm fairly certain of is that Valve will stay true to its summer promises, and I'd be surprised if the mini doesn't land in June.

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Slowly, but surely, SteamOS is making its way to gaming handhelds other than the Steam Deck. Specifically, it now plays nicer on Intel-based portables like the MSI Claw 8 AI+, and I'm hoping the progress gives the brand's original, highly critizised, OG handheld a second-wind amid Valve's price hikes.

As highlighted in a new ETA Prime YouTube video, Valve has finally added support for Intel chipsets to SteamOS. The beta 3.8.7 update specifically adds controller compatibility, reliability enhancements for SD cards, and a fix for Bluetooth, but also includes firmware patches for newcomers, like the Panther Lake G3-based MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.

ETA Prime's video specifically focusses on the existing Claw 8 AI+ with a Lunar Lake chipset, but there's also a Reddit thread by SaperPL that outlines the new SteamOS beta working on an Intel B580 graphics card. The jist across both right now is that performance isn't quite on par compared to Windows 11. Issues like the menu button not being mapped properly, and having to use an additional plugin to toggle between 15W, 17w, and 30W is a thing, but I'm holding out hope that the newfound official compatibility will benefit the OG Claw's.

As a Windows handheld, I wrote off the first MSI Claw (officially called the A1M), pretty early. Its original $799 MSRP completely missed the mark, considering its Core Ultra 7 155H chipset required higher wattages to even keep up with the Steam Deck OLED. Effectively, the fact that the LCD model was still a thing for around $400 at the time, and the original Asus ROG Ally was still in action, meant the portable had nothing to really offer the scene, but I'm now wondering if it can weirdly become a cheaper stand-in for Valve's device.

Here's the thing: the MSI Claw was seemingly discontinued, but for whatever reason, the 1TB model is available for $749.99. That's way too much to pay for the handheld, both for the above reasons and since it's using the exact same screen as the cheaper white Xbox ROG Ally. It's slightly cheaper at Amazon since it's going for $719.99, but the fact that it still exists at all at retailers means upcoming Prime Day gaming deals could work their magic.

Handheld prices are bananas in general right now, so I'm not completely holding my breath for Amazon's sale. In an ideal world, though, the MSI Claw would drop back to around $400 like it did back in March and previous sale events, which would pair with new official SteamOS support to make it a sort of alternative to Valve's now-discontinued Steam Deck LCD.

When I get a spare moment, I'll be looking to fully try out SteamOS on the MSI Claw A1M to see if it actually holds up. If ETA Prime's current Claw 8 AI+ tests are anything to go by, it might not boost fps as high as when running Windows, but I can only imagine updates and optimizations will address that over time. Plus, it will save those of you looking for all the bells and whistles of Valve's operating system from splashing out $630 minimum on a 512GB Steam Deck OLED.

Yes, my ambitions come with quite a few ifs and buts attached, but our handheld options are limited in 2026. Therefore, I'm open to trying anything that'll get people tackling their Steam backlogs on the go for less, even if that means revisiting a previously shunned handheld in a bit to infuse it with SteamOS goodness.

Failing that, at least the now broader compatibility of SteamOS means that, if the Steam Machine ends up being $1,000, we'll have cheaper ways to make a makeshift console PC hybrid.

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Valve says the Steam Machine will release this summer, and I could have my ideal living room rig parked under my TV as soon as this month. I've been trying to create the perfect "PC as a console" setup for what feels like aeons, but I'm starting to wonder if I'll be better off revisiting historic plans to build a compact Shuttle XPC instead.

Of course, if the latest Steam Machine release date rumors hold true, I might not have time to cobble together an alternative. FCC listings highlighted by wayTooManyBugs on Reddit suggest the mini PC could launch before the end of June. Effectively, the filing includes public regulatory documents that are set to be released on the 29th, which could suggest that's when the box will land.

I'd naturally take all that with the usual grain of salt, but if it does pop up before June is out, you might have to make some hasty decisions. By that, I mean you'll have to finally get hold of Valve's MSRP and work out whether you can afford the box, as there's every chance it'll cost way more than a PS5 Pro. That's why I've started properly thinking about compact DIY options, and I've been firmly inspired by a Windows XP Shuttle XPC that just came into my life.

Okay, let me back up and explain myself. If you keep up with my coverage, you'll know I cover all the best retro consoles and setups alongside modern tech. That naturally means I'm into PCs of the vintage variety, and I recently got my hands on a Shuttle XPC from 2003 that very much falls in that category. The company has been crafting "barebones" systems for years that serve as space-saver machines that still theoretically support full-size components, and it turns out they're still very much in the game.

I should note that even modern Shuttle XPC builds are not entirely Steam Machine alternatives. For starters, Valve's 3.8-litre box is still a fraction of the size of the case I'm eyeing up (the 13.4 litre Cube SH610R4 that's $435 at Amazon), and by the time you add a CPU, RAM, and a graphics card, you'll be looking at the same levels of pricing as a conventional PC.

Still, the 2000s Shuttle box I have to hand should be roughly the same size as the newer XPCs, and it honestly feels small enough. I'll likely get a shock when I see the real-life size of the Steam Machine outside of promotional materials, but I'll take a slightly larger footprint if it means better upgradability.

I've got no solid plans for a Steam Machine Shuttle XPC alternative right now. These ideas are more inspiration-driven by the aforementioned 25-year-old Windows PC rig and the fact Prime Day gaming PC deals are on the horizon, as if discounts help combat RAMagddon inflation, grabbing parts that can provide an experience on par with Valve's box could be easier.

If I were to try and roughly match some parts compatible with the Shuttle XPC that'll perform similarly to the Steam Machine, I'd probably opt for an Intel Core i5-14400F ($189.99 at Amazon), 2 x 8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM (an upsetting $149.99 at Amazon), and a relatively compact Radeon RX 9060 XT (like this Powercolor model for $349.99 at Newegg).

Throw in a 512GB M.2 SSD for $139.99 (URGH), and you're looking at a total build price of just under $1,265. Yes, that price is making me queasy, and my theoretical and relatively low-spec Shuttle XPC would be under a grand if AI datacentres weren't decimating pricing. Still, if the Steam Machine sits anywhere near that price, putting together a larger, but compact and more powerful living room alternative might be an attractive prospect.

Coincidentally, while the 2024 Shuttle XPC case looks amusingly close to the 2000s version I have, it still looks pretty contemporary. In fact, retaining the removable transparent faceplate means it can play the Steam Machine at its own customizable game, as you can dress up the front with custom inlays. You'd have to source the artwork yourself, and swapping things out requires dealing with four front screws, but it still feels like the same vibe that Valve is going for.

I'm still hopeful that the Steam Machine can usher in a new era of compact, living room-friendly PC gaming that blurs the line between rigs and consoles. If my time with my old 2000s Shuttle XPC and the realization that new versions exist has taught me anything, though, it's that a similar genre of hardware has been available the whole time, so if prices for Valve's box get out of hand, exploring alternatives beyond the thousands of mini PCs with similar guts to a gaming handheld inside will be worthwhile.

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Getting retro console and PC games running on virtually everything is something of a sport. Normally, weird ports of Doom to oddball devices take centre stage, and by comparison, running the original Half-Life on a late 2000s Nokia feels relatively tame. However, having just assembled a sizable Windows 98 rig to play that specific era of shooters, I'm pretty shook that it works on a precursor to the iPhone.

If you've been specifically dreaming of playing Half-Life 1 on a Nokia N95, you've got developer Dante D. Leoncini to thank. In a clip shared to X, you can bear witness to the shooter running natively at 30fps on the "smartphone", complete with mouse and keyboard support. Yes, caveats include playing at 240 x 320 pixels on a very blue 2.6-inch TFT display, but that's still a mean feat, seeing as the phone boasts a 332 MHz ARM chip and just 64MB RAM.

The secret sauce here is Xash3D FWGS, an open source engine designed to run Half-Life on things that, well, aren't a gaming PC. Leoncini has a to-do list of improvements going on their blog, which includes adding LAN and online multiplayer support as well as smoothing out bugs and crashes. The developer also confesses that they haven't played through the entire campaign yet on the 2000s Symbian-based phone, but says it runs reasonably well aside from some performance quirks and RAM-related crashes on specific maps.

Naturally, seeing one of the best PC games of all time running on an old Nokia is pretty rad. Despite holding on to plenty of old phones from 20 years ago, I sadly don't have an N95, but I do have its younger sibling, the Nokia N8, from 2010. It uses Symbian^3, so I won't be able to use the exact approach above, but the developer says you can compile the code for the OS (that's my weekend plans sorted).

Admittedly, there are probably more mind-boggling ports of PC games running on the wrong devices out there. As far as '90s shooters go, Half-Life runs pretty smoothly on even my Voodoo Banshee APG card, albeit using OpenGL and lower settings. What running Valve's FPS does highlight, though, is that we could get official ports of Gordon Freeman's first crowbar-swinging romp on pretty low-spec ARM handhelds, like the wonderful Super Pocket or its beefier Evercade siblings.

Yes, trying to play Half-Life with just a d-pad would be pretty clunky, but Blaze is set to release its Evercade Nexus retro handheld this October. The portable aims to properly dip its toes into the realm of early 3D gaming with dual analogue sticks and enhanced specs, and while PS1 and Sega Saturn games will likely dominate its library, there's a case to be made for a new Orange Box collection with Valve's debut game and maybe even its sequel and a bit of Portal for good measure.

Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself, and Valve would probably rather keep its first-party games as a reason to use its storefront or buy a Steam Deck OLED now that it costs over $700. My point is that if developers can get '90s PC games working on janky old 2000s cellphones, then publishers should look to get their classics on more devices that will fit in your pocket.

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Valve returns with another big Steam update after its Community Market changes last month and storefront revamp earlier this year, refreshing its platform from top to bottom.

If you haven't opened your Steam in the last day or so, I'd recommend giving it a look – it's cleaner, more detailed, and easier to use than ever before, I'd say, and it's all thanks to a new update from Valve.

The company unveils its "release of the refreshed Steam Store home page" in an informative little post, rounding up all of the changes applied to revamp its ever-iconic PC storefront… and I'm honestly loving it.

First, as Valve describes, there's the "overall design refresh" – one that "aims to make the store home feel more cohesive." It continues: "Each section has a distinct set of tools and information to give users many ways to explore the diverse catalog of games on Steam. A goal of this visual refresh is to strike a balance between providing more consistency in UI elements while allowing the unique nature of each section to show through."

A quick browse through my store home page confirms it's done this and then some… bigger, bolder images, more detailed descriptions, better-tailored games to suit my tastes, and helpful sneak peeks that allow me to quickly browse recommended titles without having to click into them.

It's certainly simpler to scroll through Steam, if anything. There are wishlist and DLC sections now, too – the very same we used to only see during sales and events.

There's a new personalized calendar, as well, "giving you a quick way to see new and upcoming games recommended based on what you play," as Valve writes. The Popular Upcoming tab now includes more, well, popular and upcoming titles.

For more niche launches, the team directs us to check that handy calendar instead – and I'm happy with that. Steam feels better balanced this way – in my opinion, anyway.

Valve notes a plethora of other changes relevant to controller users and more, so I'd say the full rundown is worth a read-through. It's not every day we get a major revamp, after all.

Valve reportedly giving away free Steam games to Steam Controller buyers who had delivery botched: "Average Valve W."

Dramatic changes to one corner of the Counter-Strike 2 market have led to an eye-watering spike in prices for some collectible stickers, putting a set of 100 Cologne Major stickers at nearly $20,000.

On Wednesday, Valve sleuth Gabe Follower flagged that "buying one of each of the 100 top CS2 Cologne 2026 Major stickers will now cost $19,447.37, with the most expensive one priced at $1,522."

These stickers are available through the CS2 Major Shop, which was recently given a total overhaul. On May 21, Valve revealed the "major renovation" in a Steam post that has since become a feedback bonfire, much of it aimed at a single change: "prices set by demand". Players have complained that they're unable to meaningfully participate in the event due to price barriers.

"You can purchase tokens and redeem them for any sticker you want," Valve explains, seemingly contrasting the system with Counter-Strike's unforgiving loot boxes (the subject of a recent New York lawsuit).

"The prices of stickers will depend on relative demand (when lots of players buy a particular sticker, its price goes up and other sticker prices go down), but if you're worried that a sticker might drop in price right after you buy it, we've got you covered. If a sticker price drops by more than 25 tokens within 24 hours of your purchase you'll get a refund of tokens for the total difference."

Wouldn't you know it: the Cologne Major stickers have seen high demand amid the Cologne Major. As a result, a set of the top event stickers costs over four times more than my first and current car, and not to be unreasonable, but that seems like a lot of money to spend on things that don't actually exist., especially when I can't even put a cast iron braiser in the trunk.

There have also been complaints that the new sticker shop is extremely volatile and Valve's 24-hour token refund policy doesn't really cut it.

Valve says "if one sticker is purchased disproportionately more than another, its price will go up and the other sticker's price will go down. After a large number of stickers are sold, all sticker prices will update (you'll get a warning if you're shopping when this is about to happen)."

The obvious question is, why is a digital item with unlimited supply subject to the same scarcity curve as fresh meat hawked at a medieval market during a famine? "Turn a fun random sticker capsule into inaccessible investing on pixels," one player complains in a reply to a post in the main CS:GO subreddit.

So, why the change? And don't you dare say money. Valve, in what reads like a real monkey's paw moment for a crackdown on loot box gambling, insists its previous capsule approach to the market "was popular," but "we've heard feedback that players might prefer to purchase stickers directly. Additionally, players in certain regions cannot purchase sticker capsules. So we're exploring alternatives that allow all players to participate."

Other than looking absurd to anyone not entrenched in Counter-Strike prices – and ridiculous even to some diehard traders – this system could pose a real issue for the Cologne Major. "50% of total Major Shop and Major Pass revenue is shared as royalties with the tournament organizer, teams, and players," Valve explains.

If nobody's getting the top stickers because nobody can afford them, you might hope that things will eventually even out as a result of that dynamic pricing, but disinterest could also lead to a much smaller payout for tournament participants and organizers. Those pools fluctuate heavily between tournaments already, and this system could result in even larger extremes.

Valve reportedly threatened Ubisoft with a total delisting of Rainbow Six Siege "by end of day tomorrow" when it tried selling it cheaper on Uplay.

Zotac has shown off its latest mini PC at Computex 2026, and anyone who has reservations about the potentially limited performance promises of the Steam Machine might want to take note. Zotac's newly updated Magnus One Ultra will sport a full-sized desktop RTX 5080 inside it, giving you massively increased 4K gaming PC performance in such a small machine.

The mini PC in question is an update to the brand's Zbox offering, which has been on the shelves for a little while now. While a recent version crammed an RTX 5070 Ti into a tiny chassis, the updated "Ultra" model will grow in size by only about 20-30% while seeing big gains in graphical performance.

Even with a slight growth spurt, Zotac claims the Magnus One Ultra is still the world's smallest computer with an RTX 5080 inside it.

To counter volume and cooling worries, Zotac tells me that the brand has installed a more substantial cooling system for the CPU inside the Ultra, which filters airflow better and dissipates it from the CPU more efficiently.

The Magnus One Ultra will still have socketed, upgradeable components. In times like these, it will come in a "barebone" version as well as a full build, to counter massive RAM and storage costs - which is certainly a method of beating Valve's lengthy delays. The barebones model comes without the RAM and SSD, costing less so you can upgrade with parts you currently have or source them yourself, potentially for cheaper.

Compared to the Steam Machine, the Magnus One Ultra won't be so limited to 4K60 promises. The RTX 5080 unlocks plenty of native 4K performance, but also has access to Nvidia's latest DLSS wizardry thanks to its Blackwell architecture. Valve's new mini PC/console, on the other hand, uses a custom AMD APU, which combines the CPU and GPU into a single chip. In other words, it won't use a discrete graphics card like the majority of gaming PCs do. As a result, it'll likely see similar performance to the PS5, which also uses an APU and is based on similar 4K60 frame rate promises (even if it can boot up to 120fps in certain games and performance modes).

While the Steam Machine will run on Steam OS and offer "gaming PC" settings in your games, it hasn't put such an emphasis on an upgradeable design this time around. An alternative small form factor build in something like the Zotac Magnus One Ultra might be a more alluring alternative for PC gamers on the hunt for a living room setup they can upgrade as time goes on.

Just keep in mind that an RTX 5080 inside will almost certainly make it substantially more expensive than what Valve's got in the oven.

For more on gaming PCs and components, take a look at the best graphics card, the best CPU for gaming, and the best RAM for gaming.

Whether or not you view Steam as a monopoly in the PC games market, there's no denying that perception exists, with a recent study showing 72% of participating game devs see it that way. Valve's Gabe Newell will say gamers "have enormous choice" when it comes to deciding where to buy their PC games, which is true, but critics will point to reports of Valve's allegedly aggressive responses to game developers who offer sweeter deals on other platforms.

Bloomberg reports on two specific alleged instances of Valve going after game developers and publishers which it seemingly felt were trying to attract consumers to Steam competitors. Citing emails uncovered from the discovery phase of an ongoing class action antitrust lawsuit against Valve, Bloomberg's report claims Valve has been accused of threatening to delist all editions of the tactical first-person shooter Rainbow Six Siege because it learned Ubisoft had been marketing a cheaper bundle exclusively on its in-house Uplay storefront. According to the report, Valve gave Ubisoft until "end of day tomorrow" to rectify the situation.

Most publicly available and reported complaints from developers against Steam are coming from independent studios, but Ubisoft isn't the only big name associated with the lawsuit. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, now Warner Bros. Games, the company behind game adaptations of Middle-earth, Harry Potter, and DC Comics properties, also reportedly drew the ire of Valve with sales that ran afoul of the PC games giant.

Back in 2017, Kassidy Gerber, a member of Steam's business development team, reportedly sent correspondence to Warner Bros. executives informing them that pre-orders for the company's new game, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, had been pulled from Steam because the price was "significantly higher than what was available at other retailers for the same version of the game." Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment President David Haddad was reportedly very quick to contact Gerber by phone in an attempt to reconcile.

This image of Valve ruling the PC market with an iron fist clashes with the company's reputation as an anti-corporate champion of the people, but Gerber reportedly denied in her deposition that Valve has any specific policy about how game developers price their games on various platforms, saying, "In general, I don't feel like we have a lot of policies. That sounds kind of bureaucratic to me." However, a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the case claimed Gerber had once explicitly told a game developer "Steam's policy has always been to require material parity for things we sell on the Steam Store." Per Bloomberg, Gerber responded that she couldn't remember having said that.

We've reached out to Valve for comment and will update this article if we hear back.

In the meantime, here are the best PC games you can play right now.

Valve boss Gabe Newell defended the openness of PC gaming and denied punishments the company allegedly levied against studios selling games cheaper on non-Steam platforms, according to new comments from a lawsuit claiming the company commands an illegal monopoly.

Bloomberg unearthed new deposition from the US lawsuit – a class action mirror to a $900 million UK suit which likewise accuses Valve of abusing its market position.

The US suit heavily skewers a purported unwritten rule that games receiving discounts at stores competing with Steam faced action from Valve. Newell denied the practice entirely in his deposition, apparently reiterating this point, "at times verbatim, again and again," according to Bloomberg.

"Valve does not have a policy or practice of dictating prices to third-party software developers on other platforms," Newell said.

Asked how Valve would respond to a developer selling their game on Steam but cheaper on another store, Newell apparently responded, "I'm confused by your question," and later said, "Many of our partners and many of our customers are quite happy with the service that we're providing."

This tone returns in Newell's comments regarding Valve's alleged monopoly. Essentially, the company says it's done nothing illegal and has won the PC gaming store wars through innovation and by adding new features that draw players in.

"Customers have enormous choice," Newell testified, adding that gamers can choose "where they purchase their products, whether they buy the game on an Xbox, whether they buy it on Steam, whether they buy it on Epic Games Store or whether they buy it directly from software developers."

Steam's dominance in PC gaming has been a hot topic for years, and discussion only intensified following a November 2025 survey, published by game distribution platform Rokky, which reported that 72% of respondents – 306 "managers in the games industry", with 67% from the US and 33% from the UK – "see Steam as a monopoly."

US analyst Mat Piscatella pushed back on the verbiage, agreeing that Steam is a dominant presence but arguing that "market share isn't what defines a monopoly, folks." Rather, Piscatella said at the time, "A monopoly is where there's a single seller for a particular service or good with no substitutes and the ability to charge excessively high rates because of this."

The aforementioned lawsuits essentially reason that Steam holds enough of a monopoly to enforce the unfair fees and pricing restrictions associated with illegal monopolies, which Valve has repeatedly denied. The case against Steam in the US suit is that it is "not economically feasible" for PC game devs to skip the store, leaving them "forced to comply" with whatever Valve says. Valve's 30% base cut of Steam sales is, unsurprisingly, also a major sticking point.

With a straight face, Valve insists Counter-Strike 2 cases are fine and "people enjoy surprises" in move to dismiss New York lawsuit.

Like a hyena on an injured lion, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney is jumping Valve co-founder Gabe Newell while he's down in the immediate aftermath of this week's Steam Deck price hike that took the handheld's top OLED model all the way up to $950.

It's a rare sight to see an industry leader forgo the usual business formalities that typically mask long-simmering rivalries between top-level competitors, but on Thursday, May 28, just a day after Valve revealed its new Steam Deck pricing, Sweeney sent out a blistering tweet obviously, but not explicitly, aimed at Newell. In the tweet, Sweeney sarcastically feigns sympathy for Valve as it faces widespread backlash against the price increase – just before going for the throat with a jab at Newell's notorious affinity for luxury yachts and other outrageously expensive naval vessels.

"Everyone's being too harsh here," reads Sweeney's tweet. "There has been a significant rise in the cost of components that Steam customer spending ultimately funds, and economic trends have created severe disruptions in the component parts supply chain for megayachts."

Sweeney's beef with Newell goes back years to at least 2018 when emails emerged out of a lawsuit in which he slammed the "assholes" at Valve for Steam's controversial revenue split with developers. Naturally, the Epic Games Store living in Steam's shadow since its release likely has a compounding effect on Sweeney's animosity, which mostly seems to lean one way, with Newell largely remaining silent on the whole matter. For all we know, Newell is either asleep or scuba diving as we speak.

It's also worth noting that Sweeney himself isn't exactly a PR darling at the moment, with Epic having recently laid off more than 1,000 employees shortly after raising prices on Fortnite V-Bucks considerably. In this seemingly one-sided quarrel between billionaire CEOs, it seems no one comes out on top.

Valve allegedly had higher Steam Machine prices in mind before the Steam Deck hike, but I need you not to assume the worst

Memorial Day is upon us, and that means that, while the Steam Controller goes in and out of stock due to popularity, there are plenty of others worth considering right now. I've gone hands-on with Valve's Steam Controller and reviewed it now, and along with all the other gamepads I've tested, I have a good idea of alternatives to go for if you have certain preferences.

Overall, Valve's new PC controller is in a league of its own - but that doesn't mean it's the best one out there, and that doesn't mean it's automatically the only one you should go for. The Steam Controller is excellent as a general-use pad, and its trackpads mean it is quite simply unmatched at letting you play mouse and keyboard games from your couch. But as a competitive, or even as a simple controller purchase for you to play the odd cozy game with? You can definitely do better, and you can almost certainly do cheaper too.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and while the controller deals I'm seeing aren't massive and aren't exactly widespread, you never know what might happen to prices as the next couple of days unfold. Either way, these are the alternatives to the Steam Controller I'd recommend right now.

Microswitch face buttons & D-pad

If the Steam Controller's fairly slow, membrane face buttons don't sound appealing to you, I understand where you're coming from. On another note, they're also shiny and are a total magnet for fingerprint smudges. If you'd much rather have clicky microswitch buttons under your thumb, I'm happy to say you have so many other choices right now. I'd say the majority of gamepads these days come with microswitches; in fact, the only ones that don't tend to lean into a more traditional feel, or just straight-up aren't trying to be "competitive" controllers.

If you're up for spending more money than you would on Valve's gamepad, I'd take a look at the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited. Annoyingly, this isn't one I'm seeing discounted anywhere, but I'm really happy to say that I'm finally seeing availability on its Xbox 360 Anniversary edition, which I've linked to below.

Of all the controllers I've tested, I think Nacon has developed the very best microswitch face buttons. They're clicky and have that responsive feel you're probably looking for, but they feel luxurious and almost mimic membrane in terms of their cushioned actuation. That last bit may put you off, but rest assured, they don't feel spongy, and a really short travel distance means they don't lose their speed.

Besides that, you get six extra buttons, lots of physical parts to swap around, and a similar big and broad feel to Valve's Steam Controller.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative for this particular feature, I'd recommend looking at the GameSir G7 Pro, since it has similarly designed microswitch buttons as the one I described above, has four extra mappable buttons, and TMR thumbsticks.

• GameSir G7 Pro: $79.99 at Amazon | £89.99 at Amazon

A faster polling rate

One thing that is truly surprising about Valve's Steam Controller is that (at least at launch) it's locked to a 250Hz polling rate, which is far less than most PC and Xbox Series X controllers that have launched lately, which usually tend to give you a 1,000Hz speed.

There are loads of 1,000Hz controllers out there, so it's honestly worth looking around if this is something that bothers you. But just as an extreme alternative, a couple of gamepads have even taken things to the absolute limit by providing an 8K polling rate. First was the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K, which strips back the weight and feel of the popular Xbox controller for an Esports-facing, super-speedy pro controller that makes a mockery of latency.

You might think that 8,000Hz is overkill, and you'd be right. Honestly, past a certain point, there will be no way for a human nervous system to register the differences in that kind of speed, or at least, have the reaction skills for it to really make a difference. What you're buying here is peace of mind that latency isn't going to hamper your performance, and insurance that a TMR controller is being used to its full potential.

• Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K: $199.99 at Amazon | £179.99 at Amazon

Then again, if you're looking to save some money, you could wait and grab the new GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC model when it's released? That way you'll still get the super-fast polling rate but won't miss out on the rumble motors in the grips. That'll cost you $89.99 at Amazon when GameSir makes it available, or you can pre-order it through the brand's website now.

Trigger stops and swappable parts

If you were interested in the Steam Controller but you're disappointed by its lack of customization and on-board playstyle switch-ups, I don't blame you. The ability to make a controller your own in this day and age is paramount for competitive players, and gives you a lot of value for money.

The alternative I'd look to, which gives you trigger stops and a case full of swappable parts, is the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox. It has a modular design, so it really acts as a blank canvas for you to make your own, depending on the game you want to play and your own preferences as to where you want the sticks to be.

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, I can also recommend the PowerA OPS V3 Pro, which doesn't have as much in the way of swappable parts, but has an impressive amount of customization hiding just under its surface. Its thumbstick heights can be adjusted by twisting them - no annoying bits to potentially lose and no faff of trying to actually swap them around with tools. And, of course, it has some trigger stop switches on the back. It's seeing a big reduction over at Amazon which lets you get it in your hands for $40 less than a Steam Controller.

• PowerA OPS V3 Pro: $69 at Amazon | £29 at Amazon

Convenience

One of my least favorite things about the Steam Controller is that assigning back buttons and map profiles happens on a per-game basis. It is the "Steam" controller, so I see why this is the case, but you're locked to the Steam menus if you want to play around, and the Steam Controller menus are not the best. This made me miss my time with the Manba One controller, which moves all of its customization (including deadzones and vibration adjustments) to its onboard display.

It's amazing having all of that customization at your fingertips at all times, and it's one I'd absolutely recommend if you'd rather not make a new profile for each game you play. Admittedly, it's missing some trackpads that'd make it a real rival across all the mouse and keyboard-optimized games the Steam Controller thrives in - but then again, so are all of the alternatives on this list.

The cool thing about the Manba One is that it's already a really cheap alternative, so it's pretty tough to find an even more affordable option. It helps that this is a great controller in its own right too, even if you don't use its integrated screen.

Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for more inspiration, or hit the starting grid with the best racing wheels for PC.

$70 has become the video game industry's new standard premium price, which both I and my credit card bill find distressing. But video game sales expert Tom Kaczmarczyk, founder and CEO of business intelligence company IndieBI, makes an interesting case – in both me and my credit card's opinion – as to why most developers should avoid it.

Kaczmarczyk discusses video game prices at a Digital Dragons Conference panel attended by GamesRadar+. One of his slides on the topic poses the question seemingly at the top of developers' minds, now that we're at a point in history where fans talk about GTA 6 costing $100 and don't immediately dive under the bedcovers in horror – "Is '$69.99' a good pricing strategy?" The slide answers itself: "(not unless you're Nintendo)."

Nintendo, of course, has already moved onto some $80 games with no problem – but that's because it's one of the only developers with fans who've sworn lifelong fealty from the minute they were old enough to say "M-Mario."

Kaczmarczyk explains, "A rule of thumb that we also often give to clients and prospective developers is, more expensive games tend to make more money overall. So if you were uncertain between two different price points, then defaulting to the more expensive price point is potentially going to be the better option."

But "there is not a tidy correlation – not a very, very clean one," he continues. “More expensive games seem to be making more money,” according to Kaczmarczyk. But, he adds, “more expensive games, if they end up on discount […] on Steam” rarely outcompete the platform’s best deals. This is yet another way Nintendo is an exception to the rule.

It makes its own consoles for which it can release its own games onto its own storefront – which rarely ever offers significant sales prices. Nintendo has no need for them, because it's created a closed ecosystem. Sale or no sale, where else are you going to buy Yoshi and the Mysterious Book? Barnes & Noble?

I think not. Meanwhile, other developers are in a bind. They don't have their very own console or their very own storefront. So, Kaczmarczyk advises them to prepare chunky discounts to attract players. Otherwise, "the customer has many other options for spending their money on cheaper games," especially on Steam.

It sounds backward, but his advice is ultimately to price "a very expensive game" and then "consider having a steeper sort of discount debt evolution, because it will be more impactful, and it will make it so that you can keep generating substantial revenue bumps early on in the lifecycle of your game, when it's still relevant and people still want to play."

Unless you're Nintendo, in which case, people always want to play.

Slay the Spire 2 review bomb didn't actually affect sales that much, Steam expert says, even though "in any other case you would say this game is dead."

It's no secret that Counter-Strike 2 has been under fire recently – and, well, forever – for its cases and skins… so much so that it's resulted in actual legal action against Valve.

In case you've been out of the loop, the state of New York slapped the Steam company with a lawsuit in February, demanding "full restitution" for players and saying "Valve's loot boxes pose the same dangers as casino gambling, especially for children."

It's certainly not a new position – Valve has faced the wrath of angry parents and players alike for its Counter-Strike 2 cases, because, well, the way that they work mimics real-life gambling.

Put simply, you buy keys to unlock cases in hopes of getting a rare skin – a skin that could be worth hundreds or even thousands itself – but there's no guarantee you'll get anything good. You might end up with a worthless set of gloves or a gun you've already snagged before.

The chance of getting some $1,000 knife skin is next to none, or at least it feels that way. All of this, coupled with the fact that kids are involved as players, is what prompted the lawsuit.

Valve has officially responded with a motion to dismiss in defense of its $6 billion market of Counter-Strike 2 skins now, however – and boy, is it something. As per the Courthouse News Service, Valve sees its potential punishment as a slippery slope.

If New York considers its cases gambling, the same could then be said for real-life collectibles like baseball cards, Labubu figures (sigh), and more… or so the company argues, anyway.

"Each of those transactions – and many more like them – involves a purchase of randomized items that can be resold for cash," as Valve writes. "No court has allowed the executive branch to criminalize overnight such 'a breathtaking amount of commonplace' conduct not specifically proscribed by a statute. This court should not be the first."

Valve doubles down on its argument, saying, "People enjoy surprises." Eh… yeah.

"Part of the appeal of many popular collectibles, from baseball cards to cereal boxes, is the possibility of opening a sealed package and being surprised with a rare item… No legislature or court has ever deemed that act illegal gambling."

CS2 skins, according to Valve, "are designed for entertainment and have subjective and aesthetic value to users." Banning them could "inject uncertainty into hundreds of daily commercial transactions."

The company continues with its comparisons. "Can parents purchase packs of baseball cards for their children? Can families go to Chuck E. Cheese to play games of chance and exchange winning tickets for prizes? Can a child reach into a cereal box and grab a surprise toy?"

These would all fall under the same definition of "gambling" as cases, Valve believes, and the result would just be "nonsensical." Plus, "No other state has ever criminalized mystery boxes."

That's why "Valve had no reason to think its conduct was illegal," apparently. Honestly, I'm not sure what side to take here myself – but I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Steam canonizes the Vampire Survivors subgenre that’s spawned a million clones

Steam has released a new update to the store, overhauling the tag system with new additions and some removals.

In a post to the Steam community page, Valve details the update, saying, "These changes are made with the goal of helping players identify the games that best fit their interests, and helping Steam generate appropriate recommendations."

This update adds 17 new tags to the storefront and removes 28 from rotation, with new additions finally getting genres like the Bullet Heaven, which Vampire Survivors popularised, and Desktop Companion, which refers to games that won't take up much of your screen. There are some specific ones, too, like Wolves, Poker, Samurai, and Capybaras, for descriptions of things that are in the game.

The removals took the biggest hit with 28 going away, with Valve explaining, "The set that we've removed today are done so because they no longer serve a good purpose for establishing connections between games or describing unique and useful elements of content in the game. Many of these tags have alternative options on Steam that better describe the content, and already have a high degree of overlap in application." These include the NSFW and Mature tags that are a bit too vague when specific tags like Gore, Sexual Content, and Violent exist.

Alongside these ones, Valve deems "subjective" like Well-Written and Masterpiece, and tags that refer to specific IP, like Lego, Dungeons & Dragons, and Warhammer 40K, which would be applied to games that aren't in those. Plus Valve has renamed and merged a few, tags, with Unforgiving going into difficult and Clicker being replaced with incremental.

While Vampire Survivors wasn't the first game in its genre, its massive success definitely inspired a lot more of that ilk to appear, including last year's standout Megabonk. And now the creators can celebrate that the genre has been canonized by Gaben himself (or, rather, the Valve employees who handle Steam tags).

Hope you saved room after Slay the Spire 2, because the Vampire Survivors deckbuilder is already Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam after 4,000 reviews

Valve is once again in the limelight thanks to its generosity – a generosity I know very well as a Steam sale frequenter myself – after apparently granting a fan any free "standard-edition" game of their choice due to a misdelivery.

It's been a pretty positive week for Valve, judging by the reception its new Steam update has received and big launches on its storefront like the long-awaited Subnautica 2 release – and it's also seemingly been a good week for users, too… even those who didn't get their orders from Steam, amusingly enough.

As one person reports on Reddit, they ordered a neat Steam Controller only for it to never arrive. So, what's good about that?

Well, Steam Support's response to the user in question is. "We're very sorry for the issue with your shipment," it reads. "The carrier has informed us that a small number of packages were mistakenly routed to the UK. They are actively working to redirect your shipment to the shipping address you provided. ​​To thank you for your patience, we would like to offer to add a game to your library."

Yes, that's right – Steam apparently offered them a game.

Average valve W from r/SteamController

Any game, too – albeit not some super expensive ultra mega edition, of course. "Please pick any standard-edition title available for purchase in your region and reply here with your selection," Steam's message concludes.

That's a pretty solid deal, if you ask me, and it means that the Redditor would get both their controller (eventually) as well as a fresh game to play. You might be wondering – as is every commenter – what game they'd like.

Well, according to the user, they "got the new Forza game." In other words, Forza Horizon 6, which is a nice choice. I mean, our own Forza Horizon 6 review describes it as "sublime," and it appears other folks think it was a brilliant option as well – the upvotes speak for themselves, after all.

Although, if I'm honest, I'd have probably gone for something like Final Fantasy 7 Remake myself… not just because it's, erm, expensive, either.

Obviously, there's no confirmation from Steam or Valve that this story is true, anyway, but I'd argue there's a very good chance it is. The poster does include a screenshot of the interaction, and it feels silly to fake – plus, I'm a fan of the positive vibes.

The Steam Controller doesn't just scream for its life, it will also sing its little haptic heart out

By now, you've likely seen a million videos of the Steam Controller screaming classic movie-style as it drops from a height. It's exactly the kind of fun easter egg that makes Valve's gamepad so special, especially since it uses haptics rather than a speaker. However, rather than making it cry out as it plummets, you can instead use an app to make it chirp a bunch of MIDI tracks.

First highlighted by Beebreadtech on TikTok, you can effectively make the Steam Controller sing using an app. Creatively dubbed SteamHapticsSinger, the GitHub program is actually forked from code for Valve's first gamepad, but has since been revamped by developer CrazyCritic89.

The clip demos the Steam Controller singing tunes like "Still Alive" from Portal, which feels right on a Valve gamepad. The Wii Shop music also sounds pretty sensational coming out of the haptic motors, although it's worth noting that if you leave it belting its heart out on a desk, it might get carried away and rumble off your surface, potentially resulting in one of those aforementioned Wilhelm screams.

Of course, this isn't the first ever instance of motors making a chorus they're not designed to. In fact, there's a good chance you've already bear witnessed to The Floppotron at some point on the internet, a "computer hardware orchestra" that uses a whole lineup of old Hard Discs, Floppy Drives, and flatbed scanner motors to play whole tracks.

In theory, you could get a whole bunch of Steam Controllers and get it to play different "instruments" as part of an orchestra. That's going to be an expensive show given the gamepad's $99 / £89 price tag, though, so keep that in mind before planning any talent show entries. If you're just looking to mess around, all you have to do is install USBDK alongside the SteamHapticsSinger app, acquire some MIDI tracks, and then drag and drop them in.

It's worth noting that if you have a Steam Deck OLED, it should work with Valve's gaming handheld too. I unfortunately left my portable pal at home, so I can't make it sing for its supper right now. I will be trying it when I'm back at my desk, however, and if I manage to get a Steam Machine later this year, I'll be putting the pad on a stage for my amusement.

• PC controllers at Amazon
• Steam Deck accessories at Amazon

Got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks and turn the portable into a hybrid.

Until I got my hands on Valve's Steam Controller, I thought, "there's no way in hell something that bulky is going to be comfortable to hold for long stretches of time". I'll be the first to say that I underestimated Valve's approach, because for a brand that hasn't taken a crack at making a PC controller since its first (bizarre) 2016 outing, it has nailed gamepad ergonomics in ways specialist brands sometimes fail to.

Of course, this controller is intended to be part of a new Valve hardware ecosystem that isn't here yet. It's designed almost entirely for the Steam Deck, Steam Frame, and Steam Machine, but 2026's new Steam Controller is so much more than that. In years of reviewing gaming controllers, I've never encountered anything that's attempted to bridge the gap between mouse functionality in quite the same way as this does. It makes for a controller that can actually help you navigate a PC from a couch, or without reaching for the mouse on your desk.

This is undoubtedly the best part of the Steam Controller, and although I can name several others that tackle competitive gameplay a bit better than it, I can't name any other controllers that utilize trackpads to make playing any and all PC-optimized games this easy. Is it right for you? You'll need to decide if $99 / £85 is too much to justify for the privilege of those pads, because there are certainly cheaper controllers out there that can do just as much, if not more, for your gameplay.

Design

The Steam Controller's design is pretty clever because it builds on the things people like about the brand's most successful piece of hardware ever, the Steam Deck. In essence, the controller is the two sides of a Steam Deck without its screen. Alongside some symmetrical thumbsticks set below the D-pad and face buttons, there are also two trackpads which extend the controller's face into a much bulkier-looking block shape.

It's for this reason the Steam Controller looks so far from comfortable at first glance, but the design has been handled with care so that it fits surprisingly well in the hands. Valve has used a clearly accented, rounded grip shape that spans the full length of the controller - something that even specialist brands sometimes get wrong. This means the larger body doesn't get in the way of how you hold it and, if anything, the bigger size just means my pinkies feel accommodated.

It feels as though Valve has done its utmost to cling to the design language of the Steam Deck here, which is true of the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame as well. While I'm a big fan of the consistency across the range, I do feel like this ethos holds the controller back slightly. The Steam Controller has a very unique, iconic design, but its graphite texture sometimes risks it looking a bit plain compared to other options on the shelves and, in a practical sense, it has some issues.

For example, the membrane face buttons on the Steam Controller are a fingerprint smudge magnet. I've tested white controllers that feel better defended against sweat and grime from your hands. There are glossed surfaces to the buttons that just mean any moisture on your skin makes itself immediately known, and there are plenty of nooks and crannies where dust and mess can build up.

There are four back buttons around the back. I take issue with these, though. They're placed well enough, but their fairly rigid plastic build quality makes them a little tough to actuate. They take some fairly precise pressure, and a decent amount of that pressure, to push in, which isn't ideal if you map them to a button you need to press often. That brings fatigue into play, and doesn't feel as immediately satisfying as back buttons on rival controllers, like the Flydigi Apex 5 or the Gulikit KK3 Max.

While it also suffers slightly from its graphite texture in terms of grippiness, it's hard not to like the Steam Controller's design, especially when you feel how ergonomic it is in the hands. Not all gaming hardware needs to have loads of personality or scream at you with RGB, and there's definitely an understated look to be appreciated here.

Features

The Steam Controller sports TMR thumbsticks, making it one of a growing number of emergent TMR controllers on the shelves. I applaud Valve for opting for the futureproofing of Tunnel Magnetoresistance modules. I imagine the big draw for most gamers will be their immunity to stick drift but, in truth, the advancement in polling speed and resolution over Hall sensor tech is the thing to get excited about.

Be warned though, the polling rate of the Stream Controller currently rests at 250Hz, which is really, really underwhelming against the competition. For reference, most Xbox Series X controllers these days are launching with a polling rate of 1,000Hz, and although they're locked to a pretty lacklustre 250Hz rate on the console itself, maxing out at 1,000Hz on PC is enough to dispel any real latency concerns. A lot of mice and keyboards have a polling rate of 8,000Hz. While I don't expect the Steam Controller to reach for those kinds of numbers and match the GameSir G7 Pro 8K model launching this week, a middle ground polling rate would have been appreciated.

I'm not going to claim that I have superhuman reflexes and can tell the differences in these tiny instances of latency, but know that there is a marked difference in the responsiveness when going back and forth between a 1,000Hz controller and the Steam Controller. It's not bothered me in a game yet, but it's certainly a noticeable drop in response time if you're looking for the snappiest feel from your gaming peripherals.

The good news is, this may be tunable through software updates. I have seen controllers get polling rate increases through firmware in the past, and I imagine if Valve wants to support this controller for years to come, and this may already be in the works.

Features elsewhere are broadly impressive. Clever uses of capacitive sensors turn the grips into buttons of their own, and gryro feels smooth and usable as a way to aim if the thumbsticks still aren't doing it for you. But what might help sway things for you are the features that aren't here.

There are no trigger stop switches, no microswitch buttons, no additional bumpers, no eight-way D-pad, and no customizable thumbstick tops. It feels far removed from a lot of the controllers that have launched for PC players in recent years that have targeted that pro-level performance player. The Steam Controller fits really nicely in my grip, but I have fairly large hands and the reach for your thumb to travel from trackpad to D-pad may not be so ideal. There's a profound lack of customizable elements to this gamepad in physical terms. Meanwhile, modular controllers like the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox offer a lot more versatility. Not even that, many products around this price point offer some kind of physical swapping, even if it's just some different thumbstick heights.

The Steam Controller doesn't feel designed around competitive play, so there are alternatives I'd point you toward if you're looking for those features. Where the Steam Controller feels a lot more at home is in comfort use, and that's evident in its generous battery life. The gamepad comes with a charging puck, which is a lot smaller than I thought it'd be. It's essentially a small wireless receiver, but not one with a USB slot on one end that means it can be plugged directly into the rear IO of your motherboard or front USB outlets on your PC case. It has some magnetic charging connectors on it which snap to your Steam Controller when you lay it down on top of the puck. You can connect up to four Steam Controllers to any one puck, and the thing even has its own firmware.

In over 24 hours of tests with the Steam Controller in the last week, it hasn't died on me, and big picture mode's interface is telling me it still has about half of its juice left in the tank. Battery life is a real strength of this device. As is its internal speaker, which is set out of the box to Wilhelm scream at you if you have gyro switched on and drop it from a height.

Profiles and software

At the centre of Valve's Steam Controller is the Steam home button. Press this once, and you'll wake the controller. Press it once it's connected to your gaming PC, and you'll launch Steam. Depending on how your settings are configured, you might need an additional press to access big picture mode. Regardless, this is where some of my biggest gripes with the Steam pad lie.

Almost every controller that launches these days will have companion software that allows you to customize and fine tune - set back button assignments, configure deadzones, change lighting and, perhaps most importantly, switch profiles. Not only do the majority of controllers have an on-board profile system, they also aren't beholden to companion software to switch between them.

Valve has opted for a different approach in an attempt to lock the Steam Controller to the Steam ecosystem. Fair enough, with other services like Epic, Xbox, and GOG breathing down its neck, the hardware this brand makes needs to keep users at home somehow. That means the Steam Controller will only work in Steam-launched games. Yes, you can set games from other PC platforms to launch in Steam, but it's something to be aware of if you use the Epic launcher frequently.

There are no hot-key combinations here to program back button assignments or switch up profiles on the fly. All of the Steam Controller's settings work on a per-game basis that you'll need to work out before playing each new title. You can change buttons assignments for the gamepad's standard desktop profile but, if you're like me, a standard one-size fits-all approach is going to have to be repetitively assigned to new games when you start them.

This wouldn't be such an issue but I have encountered problems in testing where profiles haven't saved, back button assignments have been deleted, and the process of getting a profile to work in game has been a bit arduous. Thankfully, after a few firmware updates, things are working more in line with how they should be.

Then again, the flip side of all of this is the Steam Controller's secret weapon; it isn't just a PC gaming controller, it's a controller for your PC. Navigating Windows 11 with a gamepad is possible if you buy the right one, but in my experience of testing them, it's such a stretch to say that they work. The trackpads on the Steam Controller allow it to actually function like you're using a mouse, and the serotonin-fueling haptic feedback as you trace your thumb across them never fails to feel satisfying.

I've used the controller to browse the internet, change up some background music, and otherwise navigate my PC between games, so much so that if I'm playing on my couch setup, I barely need to reach for the mouse and keyboard. Hotkey combinations can bring up an on-screen keyboard, and the buttons of the controller are set to mouse clicks and keyboard assignments. There's freedom to actually use this as a controller for wider PC tasks. It's so, so close to a truly console experience - if only it could wake a PC from sleep, we'd be right on the money. Nonetheless, there's no other controller I've tested that's this adept at keeping you away from a mouse and keyboard, and it's truly a reason to buy this gamepad over others.

Controller performance

Overall, Valve has done a great job of designing a controller that does a bit of everything well, not a controller that does one thing really well. Let me explain.

A lot of controllers these days are set up to help you succeed in more than one genre of gaming, but you can tell they've been designed with one or two specifically in mind. An FPS-oriented controller doesn't always lend itself to a 2D platformer. A fighting game controller doesn't always feel the best to use in third-person action/adventure games.

Valve has threaded a needle so its gamepad can lean into whatever your Steam library consists of, and while that approach will help its Steam Machine and Steam Frame feel like a new age of console ecosystem, it does have drawbacks too.

In FPS games, for example, TMR thumbsticks definitely do their part to help your accuracy, and highly customisable gyro controls are there for you if that's your preferred method of clicking heads. But those rigid back buttons are definitely detrimental to your gameplay because they don't feel like they can be actuated in a split second during the heat of battle. The thumbstick tension also feels a little tight for my liking, but then again, I did just come from testing the adjustable Flydigi Vader 5S.

This is not me saying the Steam Controller isn't going to be a good option for FPS gamers. There are loads of options to make it work for you, including trackpad aiming, which can certainly work if you set it up correctly. All I'm making clear here is that when testing it in my regular haunt, Hunt: Showdown, against other contemporary pro controllers, Valve's doesn't feel quite as at home. But to each their own. I haven't played with gyro aim a lot other than to test it on various controllers, and this has the smoothest and most usable I've tried.

The main bulk of my testing was done playing Crimson Desert, which the Steam Controller sailed through. The comfort on offer meant long sessions would disappear without me noticing as Valve's gamepad rested beautifully in my hands. Other than the back buttons being a little rigid for repetitive tapping, there was nothing to complain about here. It's a superb controller for open-world exploration, and I can't wait to see some of the cool controller mappings people are making when it comes to the clever capacitive grip sensors.

Another consistent testing game for my controller reviews is Towerfall Ascension, and the game's crunchy and responsive 2D platforming felt great here. I'm more of a fan of eight-way D-pads than traditional four-way ones, but other than its slippy texture, I didn't have too much of a problem controlling my archer with Valve's. Thankfully, the trackpads and thumbsticks offered fun new ways of moving around and aiming.

Another area where the Steam Controller may let you down is in fast-paced fighting games. Whether you like adopting a fightpad grip or not, membrane buttons are not going to be ideal if you're trying to punch your way up a leaderboard. While it isn't exactly Tekken or Mortal Kombat, I've been testing controllers in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, mainly because my talent in fighting games has always been in the button-mashing department anyway. Rapid taps are not the specialty of the Steam Controller so, again, if you're in the market for something more responsive, maybe look elsewhere.

I guess if the Steam Controller commits one sin above all others, it's feeling a bit slow, clunky, and rigid. Its build quality is good - the thing is solid, and I certainly wouldn't want to drop it on my toe because I'd be the one producing a Wilhelm scream. But harder surfaces and high thumbstick tension, combined with plastic back buttons and membrane face buttons, just leave it feeling a bit stiff at times.

Mouse and keyboard performance

I usually review a gamepad in the gaming genres I mention above and let that be that, but that would feel wrong with the Steam Controller because there's a whole other dimension to play with here that constitutes a massive reason to buy Valve's latest peripheral. Before I went hands-on with it, I wrote about one of my biggest reasons for wanting a Steam Controller. I love me some management sims, some god games, and otherwise narrative titles that aren't designed to be played with a controller.

But here's the thing, these are the sorts of games I don't want to play at a desk in a fully upright, focused position. It feels like work, not the chill vibes Frontier was going for when they designed games like Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo. Even if you own one of the best gaming chairs, I'm sure you have the same feeling. Cozy gaming can be done at a desk, but it should feel comfortable, not like a continuation of work. Without intuitive controller support for a lot of these games, you're kind of at a loss, and that's the niche use case that the Steam Controller has over all of its current competition in the gamepad market.

The best thing is, you don't even need to get into annoying controller-to-keyboard mappings for titles that don't have native support for controllers. To test this, I loaded up Planet Coaster, a game I've played a frankly sad amount of hours of on PS5, but one I've not loaded up on PC yet, so I'm not totally fluent with the WASD and mouse controls. Without any tutorials, and without even heading into Steam's controller menus, I was able to work out what were really intuitive button assignments that were just automatically assigned. Within 2 minutes, I had cracked the camera and movement, within another 30 seconds, I had added the game's cheat code for making any theme park money (the Teacups ride), and just like that, I was off and running.

The same was true of Planet Zoo, and an indie narrative game called The Red Strings Club. The latter has been sitting in my Steam library for well over a year gathering dust because it didn't have controller support, but with simple trackpad movements, I was creating cosmic drinks for cyberpunk customers. No other gamepad has allowed me to access this gap in my Steam library, and that's where this controller really comes into its own.

The only times I had trouble were when a game required me to type something. Although a combination press of the Steam button and X brings up a keyboard, it seems as though games like Planet Coaster have trouble registering input from it. This is something that may have been specific to the game and, if not, I'm sure it'll be patched out in the coming months.

I'm delighted that this all works. It might take some relearning, and some creativity if you want to make a controller map that works for you and your brain, but after around five minutes of getting to grips with swinging the camera around in a city builder using the trackpads, you'll feel utterly fluent, and the experience of playing will feel intuitive enough for you to finally acheive that cozy chill vibe you've been dreaming of in these types of games.

Should you buy the Steam Controller?

The Steam Controller stands apart from every other gamepad on the shelves at the moment, because no other will offer you the kind of native PC control that Valve's can. As a regular gamepad, ignoring its clever trackpads, capacitive sensors, and gryo, it's a solid all-rounder, but one that doesn't really lend itself to one specific genre. It has its flaws, but it's plenty comfortable and will sit in your hands really easily for longer sessions.

Where it really wins is in games that want to be played at a desk, that you really want to play on your couch. Going forward, this is likely going to be my main use of the Steam Controller, because there is a whole subset of PC-tilted games I wish had better controller support. Valve has just broken that stalemate between me and select titles in my backlog, and I can't wait to play countless hours of Planet Coaster, Civilization, and Planet Zoo away from a desk.

I'd recommend the Steam Controller to anyone who wants to be able to navigate their gaming PC from a versatile number of positions, and to anyone who will be investing in the upcoming mini PC or VR headset. However, to anyone just looking for a gamepad for certain titles, I'd maybe look elsewhere, because you might be able to find something that suits your specific genre of choice a little better. Off the top of my head, Nacon's Revolution X Unlimited has an excellent premium feel and a suite of customizable parts. GameSir's G7 Pro is a better all-rounder across lots of different gaming genres, and the Flydigi Apex 5 offers much more competitive appeal.

Like I say though, you need to work out what your priorities are, because none of those have the Steam Controller's PC game versatility.

How I tested the Steam Controller

I used the Steam Controller for a little over a week before coming to a verdict in this review. In that time, I used it exclusively for all my PC gaming, which spanned loads of different genres. To test its various features, I went pretty deep into Steam's controller menus, tried mouse and keyboard games that didn't have controller support, and tried all its various quirky features. I didn't charge the controller while testing in order to get a sense of its battery life, and used it with more than one PC.

For more on how we test controllers, check out the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

If you're not a Steam player, you might want to look at the best PS5 controllers instead, or the best Switch 2 controllers.

It's a big day for people who don't suffer from thalassophobia, as Subnautica 2 just launched into early access on Steam. Considering the five million wishlists on the store, it's safe to say players were giddy to dive in, and now that the aquatic survival game is out, Valve's Deadlock can get comfortable back at number one on the wishlist chart.

For some time, Subnautica 2 sat on the top spot of Steam's top wishlists, taunting everything else below it. Particularly Deadlock, the mysterious new multiplayer shooter from Valve that's been invite-only since 2024.

The water-based base-builder's been lowkey insulting Valve on its own turf by holding onto the most wishlists across the entire marketplace. Now, Gabe Newell and his colleagues can rest easy that their project is what players on Steam are looking forward to most.

An impressive aspect of Subnautica's numbers is that it's one of only two games that actually had a definitive release window or date, the other being Forza Horizon 6. The upcoming racer is sitting steady in third, not bad when you see it's holding off Light No Fire and the new Fable.

Those two are among Ark 2, Kingmakers, Blight: Survival, and Witchbrook on the games front, all listed as either coming soon or simply "to be announced." The tenth entry is currently reserved for a piece of hardware known as the Steam Machine. Y'know, Valve's entry into the home console space - it's got a lot of people's attention, as it turns out.

Not as many as Subnautica 2, nor as Deadlock. Once Forza Horizon 6 comes out, the question becomes what the next wishlist-heavy release will be. We still have eight days to make it Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Come on, everyone, for Gotham.

After 1 hour, Subnautica 2 Steam player peak is 9x bigger than the original game and gaining on Slay the Spire 2 for biggest launch of 2026

Valve is back with another big Steam update after its storefront revamp last month, and this time, it targets the Community Market – a place very familiar to Counter-Strike 2 fans.

It is, after all, the home to all those pricey knife skins – and, if you're me, the spot you go to if you want another unnecessary (but cute) Don't Starve Together accessory. So, what is Valve bringing to the table with its new update?

As outlined over on Steam, there's quite a lot… and unsurprisingly, the company has been testing it with Counter-Strike items, using its skins to "experiment" with all of the fresh Community Market features.

First and foremost, we've got "bigger, better listings" to look forward to – and, yeah, they do indeed look big. "Sometimes you just need a bigger view, and now you get it," Valve writes.

"Listings can now feature more images, item descriptions, and callouts for listing specific information such as wear/float, pattern template, applied accessories, etc." We no longer have to fire up Counter-Strike 2 to decide what we want to purchase.

That's not all, though. The Steam Community Market now showcases new game-specific data, allowing for "better filtering, grouping, and visibility," and "making it easier for you to find what you want" – yes, please.

Games show unique item properties, too. Valve cites Counter-Strike 2 again as an example here, as it "means a better view of things like pattern template, wear/float, and charm template." Listings are more accurate than ever.

There's a plethora of other, more general changes as well, so I'd recommend giving the full rundown from Valve a quick read. As it explains, "Many of today's changes require no additional game-specific data to make the Market a better experience for all users and games."

The update "will feel great across the board, whether you've come to window shop or you know exactly what you are looking for."

I'd say I'm on both sides of that usually, and most folks likely are, too. There's nothing like a bit of browsing – even if it hurts your wallet (I'm looking at you, Counter-Strike 2) – and it's about to be a smoother activity on Steam than ever before.

Fans also seem delighted, with the top comment on the post reading, "Valve can't stop winning." Another adds, "This almost completely negates the need for third-party tools." That it does.

Be sure to browse through our roundup of the most exciting new games coming this year and beyond for some fresh titles to wishlist on Steam.

The Steam Controller is one of the hottest tickets in gaming hardware town right now, and for good reason. Valve's second crack at a gamepad crams a lot of great design points into a $99/£85 package, but some of its best features are still emerging as more people begin to use it. Today, for instance, I discovered with the help of my fellow hardware team members that if you have gyro turned on, the best PC controller contender will produce one of my favorite canned audio clips when you drop it.

The Wilhelm Scream has been used in so many films, TV shows, and funny clip compilations online that a lot of you reading this will probably know the soundbite by name. The funny folks at Valve certainly do, because they programmed the Steam Controller to produce a Wilhelm Scream when the device falls from a height.

In fact, the Steam Controller's Wilhelm Scream is being discovered by more and more users as the first batch of gamepads arrives with gamers. This is an excellent use of the gamepad's internal speaker, which will beep at you and produce small chirping noises for various reasons.

What's the functional use of this? I'm not sure there is one other than to give people a chuckle, or maybe diffuse some gamer rage after someone's thrown the controller in frustration.

To get the controller to produce the sound, I set up a few (very scientific) tests which resulted in the video above. I dropped mine from various heights onto my couch (which I fashioned into a crash mat of sorts). I found that it didn't need to fall for too long before producing the sound, but it didn't always scream at me if I dropped it from chest or waist height. A fall from head height was the most consistent in making the funny scream happen, which makes me think this has been designed more as a reaction to being thrown, rather than dropped.

I'd just caution that if you're going to try this with your own Steam Controller, you do it in a safe environment. Make your own crash mat, and certainly don't throw it at anyone or anything - partly because a breaking noise, or an actual person screaming, will probably drown out the noise the controller can make.

No, but really, don't throw controllers at people, and protect your expensive hardware if you're going to put it through drop tests.

Truth be told, I've had my Steam Controller for around a week now, and I'm still working out what all of its various speaker tones mean. I've heard one for it turning on and connecting, turning off and disconnecting, but there have been a few mysterious ones I've heard while going about my day and it's been turned on. There's clearly some hidden easter eggs to Valve's Steam Controller, which makes it such a joy to use.

So far, I'm not seeing a way to customize the various sound effects of the pad in Steam's controller menus. That said, I absolutely wouldn't put it past Valve to include this in a software update at some point down the line. If there's a speaker in there and some storage for different soundbites, the natural next step is to add ways for people to transfer their own sounds.

If you're struggling to replicate the Steam Controller's Wilhelm Scream, you might be running into the same roadblock I was when I tried initially - you need to have a quick play around with Steam's controller settings to ensure gyro is toggled on for the device's desktop profile.

Head into Steam, then settings, then controller, advanced settings, gyro behaviour, and then a setting of your choice should make it work. For mine, I've set it to "Gyro To Joystick Deflection".

I'll be producing a full review of the Steam Controller in the coming days, so be sure to check back for more of my thoughts on it soon.

Looking for the perfect gamepad for you and your platform? Check out the best Xbox Series X controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

It's safe to assume Valve has Steam Machine stock sitting pretty in a warehouse. Whether the suspected 20,000 units consist of 512GB and 2TB bundles with and without the new Steam Controller is still unknown, but code found at the backend of the mini PC's reservation page suggests all four options are on the table.

Highlighted by Redditor pepeizq, the Steam Machine reservation JavaScript code has been updated to include references to four mini PC listings alongside two Steam Frame bundles, Steam Deck models, and the standalone Steam Controller. We already know Valve will release 512GB and 2TB versions of the cube, which backs up the idea that the additional two packages are the same SKUs with full gamepad bundles.

In case you missed the memo, Valve still has a Steam Controller reservation system in place after the gamepad's launch wipeout. The system works similarly to that of the Steam Deck OLED, where once a unit is available, you have 72 hours to grab it from receiving the email. I suspect reserving a Steam Machine will work the same way, and the code change points towards a pre-order page emerging soon.

The part I'm really curious about is the number of Steam Machine bundle options. It's logical to assume the four are just the two capacity flavors with and without a controller, but the little speculative goblin in me wonders if we'll be presented with some different specs. Keep in mind that the PC storefront giant is and could still be wrestling with the final price due to component prices, and trimming back that 512GB minimum SSD side could shave something off the base MSRP.

Yes, I know a Steam Machine with less than half a gig of storage would be a nightmare. At least, it would be if you're playing most modern releases, but it could be a more affordable option for players really looking for an indie box to sit alongside their PS5 or Xbox Series X. Plus, the Machine's drive is one of the few components you can actually upgrade down the road, as the DDR5 RAM modules will be buried deeper in the cube.

The thing I'm admittedly fixated on ahead of the Steam Machine launch is sussing out the cheapest possible package. That may end up simply being the 512GB version without a Steam Controller, which will undeniably be the most popular option since most players already have a Steam Input-compatible gamepad at home. I've still not abandoned the idea of a surprise 256GB base unit or even an in-between 1TB option, though, as providing specs flexibility is one of the best ways to tackle the horrors of RAMageddon.

• Mini PCs at Amazon
• Handheld PCs at Best Buy

Looking to play on the go? Swing by the best gaming handhelds for portable PCs and more.

Nobody does sales like Steam. Pretty much all PC and console storefronts do similar themed, seasonal, and genuinely compelling sales, but for many gamers, nothing hits quite like a big Steam sale. Over a decade ago, Valve boss Gabe Newell articulated why, and it's arguably truer today.

In an old chat with PC Gamer, Newell examined how Valve's storefront, and PC gaming in general, could stand out in the broader gaming landscape, then competing for visibility and dollars with the PS3 and Xbox 360.

"The thing that we've been successful with are the Steam sales," he said. "The sales have done a really good job of creating a huge amount of support, for customers getting huge numbers of games, and for the developers. The thing that we tried in the last summer sale was to build a story and make the sale itself have entertainment value."

Over a decade ago, Steam sales were a little less codified. Valve has experimented with various ways to gamify and punch up sales over the years, from fancy store portals and Steam points to various feeds and algorithms to spotlight different games. Between the big seasonal events like the summer sale, Valve also supports tighter sales often promoting games in a specific genre. Additionally, it enables publishers to throw weekend sales on all or most of their catalog. Developers can dip into daily deals, weekend deals, discount bundles, or just-because discounts perhaps marking release milestones.

The culture of Steam has reached the point that, seemingly because of the frequency of sales and the volume of choices available, relatively few people buy games when they aren't on sale. I've become more aware of just how influential the structure and culture of Steam purchases can be through interactions with many indie developers and publishers, and by speaking to folks like Steam researcher and indie marketer Chris Zukowski, who describes the "breath of Steam" as inhaling Steam wishlists through promotions and exhaling money during sales.

Newel added: "I think you'll see us do more of that in the future because it helps get people excited to try stuff that they haven't tried before. In other words, the revenue being generated by all games developers goes up when the vehicle that you're doing it by is in and of itself entertaining."

This touches on something else that Steam does better than arguably any other digital store: it actively encourages you to treat it as a digital shelf where you can store all your collectibles. Your Steam wishlist is probably filled with more than just games you want to keep an eye on; it's a set of imagined experiences, fun you might have one day. Much the same is likely true of your library. It's definitely true for mine.

Sometimes planning or fantasizing about things feels almost as satisfying as doing them, and Valve has monetized that by rewarding gamers whose eyes are bigger than their stomach – or whose Steam carts far outpace their free time. This is reflected in the zeitgeist around Steam sales – all the gags depicting Newell as the patron saint of discounts and reaper of wallets – which has notably leveled out over the years as sales have become more normalized and gaming has become wider, with more time and money concentrated in evergreen live service games.

Zukowski put it this way in an analysis last year: "You get access to a bunch of drunken sailors who spend money irresponsibly," and all you have to do is put up with Valve's 30% base cut of Steam sales. Newell comes at it from a more PR-palatable angle, but I think everyone's talking about the same thing. Valve wants the act of buying games, and finding new games to buy, to be fun on its own, not just functional, and Steam was built to suit that.

Valve commits to a reservation system for today's new batch of Steam Controller stock, which gives me a lot more hope for the launch of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

Earlier in the week, I reported on how Valve's new Steam Controller sold out almost immediately, and there were little to no precautions taken to prevent resellers from making a profit on it on sites like eBay. As bad as this is for the PC controller's launch, the main reason I was worried was that it pointed to a much worse situation for the upcoming Steam Frame and Steam Machine.

Thankfully, some of my fears have now been waylaid because Valve has published a new blog post that shows the brand is doing what it can to prevent the resellers at eBay from charging a 200% markup on its hardware and exploiting consumers:

"While we were happy to see such a high level of interest," the blog post read, "the experience for a lot of you trying to buy it {the Steam Controller} was incredibly frustrating. We plan to continue replenishing stock as we get more in, but in the meantime wanted to share changes we're making to improve the purchase experience and to limit reseller activity

"Beginning May 8th at 10 am Pacific, we're opening a reservation queue for Steam Controller. Once you reserve, your place in line will be saved. When we go back in stock, order emails will be sent in the same order that reservations were made," it dictates.

This is a welcome change, and not dissimilar from initiatives Sony and Nintendo have taken to prevent resellers during PS5 hardware launches, or for the Switch 2's arrival on the shelves.

Annoyingly, the only thing that's not crystal clear at the moment is whether or not other regions will have access to this initial restock. The blog post makes mention of "Pacific" time before later saying "Replenishment of inventory will vary from region to region. We will start fulfilling reservations next week in the US / Canada, and UK / EU / AU in the following weeks," which would suggest that this batch being made available today will only be for folks on the West Coast in the US.

As and when I hear about restocks in other regions, I'll update you.

The reservation system will limit one Steam Controller per customer, and when you receive your order invite, you'll have 72 hours or three days to claim your reserved gamepad. To prevent resellers even further, Steam users who have already purchased one of the new controllers will not yet be eligible to reserve another. Tracking this is definitely one upside of the hardware only being sold through Valve's storefront.

This all gives me a lot of hope where I had none before. We all know the Steam Frame and Steam Machine have been stalling for time amidst the AI-induced RAM shortages. We don't know when they will eventually launch (sometime this year), at what price, or in what quantity they'll be available. I would imagine if the stock of the Steam Controller has vanished so quickly, the Machine and Frame will be in even shorter supply.

Before this blog post from Valve, it seemed as though the company wasn't prepared for the demand and the current climate of online reseller activity that's been plaguing gaming hardware markets for years. Now, with a much clearer and fairer reservation system in place (that the brand has had to use for Steam Deck supply in the past), I'm much more optimistic that the launch of both upcoming Valve platforms will be much friendlier for consumers.

For more on Valve's upcoming hardware, take a look at the best gaming PCs and the best VR headsets.

Steam Controller reservations will open on Friday, May 8 as Valve works to remedy stock and scalper problems that plagued the game pad's May 4 launch.

In a new post on Steam, Valve says "we were happy to see such a high level of interest, the experience for a lot of you trying to buy it was incredibly frustrating."

While it works on restocking Steam Controllers, Valve's rolling out a reservation plan that should give more legitimate buyers a better chance of nabbing one of these things.

"Beginning May 8th at 10 am Pacific, we're opening a reservation queue for Steam Controller," Valve explains. "Once you reserve, your place in line will be saved. When we go back in stock, order emails will be sent in the same order that reservations were made."

Each Steam user will only be able to reserve one Steam Controller, and once you receive an order email, you'll have 72 hours to buy the controller via Steam.

"For now, customers who have already purchased a Steam Controller are not yet eligible to reserve another Steam Controller," Valve adds.

The extra-good news is that Valve has baked anti-scalper rules right into Steam Controller reservations. "Your account must be in good standing on Steam," for one, and "you must have made a purchase on Steam prior to April 27, 2026," which will weed out freshly made accounts hoping to game the system.

Valve says it will "start fulfilling reservations" as soon as next week in the US and Canada, with orders in the UK, Europe, and Australia to come "in the following weeks."

Together, this reservation queue ought to address the biggest pain paints from the Steam Controller launch. Only so much can be done about limited stock, but open season for scalpers and a lack of limited pre-orders led to an absolute zoo on day one, with Steam Controllers immediately selling secondhand with upwards of a 100% markup. At least a reservation guarantees you a controller eventually. Just keep an eye on your email.

The Steam Controller might be sold out, but official Valve 3D files mean I could make my own using Steam Deck parts.

PC gamers burned through the initial Steam Controller stock within an hour after orders went live, which Valve admits was unexpected as it reflects on the frustration-tinged launch.

"Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it," Valve says in a post on Bluesky. "We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon."

Players feared this exact situation as soon as it was revealed that Valve wouldn't be taking pre-orders for the Steam Controller, though I suppose opening the gates early doesn't necessarily slow the stampede.

At the time of writing, Steam Controller is still somehow the top-selling item on Steam's rankings despite being out of stock. The launch barrage was so fierce that Valve's shipping estimation also doubled before stock ran dry: from 3 - 5 days all the way up to 6 - 10 days.

Notably absent from Valve's reflection is any acknowledgement of scalpers or any word on future scalping prevention. The absolute state of eBay Steam Controller flips, with heaps of sellers already asking for double or nearly triple the controller's actual value, demonstrates just how heavily the launch was parasitized by scalpers.

When Valve does get another wave of Steam Controllers in stock, many PC gamers hope to see it implement anti-scalper measures that could help ensure more game pads find their way to people actually hoping to use them rather than squeeze them for a quick buck.

Many responses to Valve's Bluesky post demand an anti-scalper plan similar to what Nintendo pulled off with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. Nintendo set things up so that Switch Online members with "a certain amount of time" spent playing purchased games were given priority in Switch 2 orders, meaning fresh, sock puppet scalper accounts made to circumvent order limits were pushed down the queue.

Companies can only do so much to fight scalpers and bots, but a similar system gauging Steam purchases, play time, and account age would theoretically weed out Steam Controller scalpers in a similar way. That said, there does come a point where such a system risks punishing entirely real but more casual gamers. Fighting scalpers: good. Requiring 250+ hours logged in Valve-made games, as I saw one user propose: bad.

Steam Deck 2 still in the works, Valve says, but Steam Machine and Steam Controller come first: "A lot of what we're doing here will be learnings that build up to it."