Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The Steam Machine is Better For Me Than the PS5 or Xbox Series X
An IGN writer reflects on a month of using the Steam Machine, Valve's living-room PC, concluding it now suits her habits better than a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. She argues the appeal isn't raw performance but convenience: SteamOS lets her pick up PC games from her desk and continue them on the TV without needing a keyboard and mouse or juggling network streaming, something she says no console or prior living-room PC setup managed as neatly.
The author explains she has bought games almost exclusively on Steam for nearly 20 years, treating consoles as a minor supplement mainly for exclusives she rarely finishes, citing Death Stranding 2 as an example she abandoned after an hour because it was living-room-only. She praises the Steam Machine's 'Gaming Mode', which handles daily use without needing the desktop, and the Steam Controller's trackpads, which remove the need for extra peripherals; she runs games at 1440p rather than 4K, saying it looks fine from couch viewing distance. She still questions whether the device's high price is worthwhile for those without an existing PC gaming library.
In short
- Writer prefers Steam Machine to PS5/Xbox Series X after a month's use
- SteamOS lets her continue desktop PC games seamlessly on the TV
- She still doubts its price justifies it for non-PC gamers
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
For someone with a large Steam library, the Steam Machine can make PC gaming feel as convenient in the living room as on a console, while letting them continue games across screens and avoid extra peripherals. If they value that fit with their existing habits more than maximum resolution or console exclusives, it may suit them better than a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The case against
A PS5 or Xbox Series X may be a better choice for people who prioritise a straightforward console experience, access to platform exclusives, or strong performance at their price. The Steam Machine’s appeal depends heavily on already owning Steam games, so its high cost may be harder to justify for newcomers or players whose libraries and habits are centred on consoles.
Explained simply
The Steam Machine is a living-room PC made by Valve, the company that operates Steam, the world's largest digital store for PC games. It enables players to run PC games on their television using a controller, merging the extensive game library available through PC gaming with the user-friendly approach associated with dedicated consoles.
Valve released an earlier Steam Machine over a decade ago but consumer interest proved limited. The company has now launched a new iteration, reviving questions about whether living-room PCs can challenge the market dominance of dedicated gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
A writer at IGN, a major games publication, has tested the new Steam Machine and documented her experience. The article examines how well this device works as a television gaming solution and whether it offers the convenience and performance of current consoles.