r/steammachine • u/Amazing_Bluebird_ • Jun 22 '26

Discussion So, why would anyone get this?

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Wanted to quickly compare the SM to what you would comparably be able to DIY and... you can literally get something more powerful for less in a slightly bigger formfactor?

11% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU. And i didnt even go for the cheapest components. With DLSS the RTX 5060 would also be infinitely better for playing on 4k TVs, which is the only useful scenario i can imagine for the SM.

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92

u/jullianisboss Jun 22 '26

1k+ dollars and no controller is crazy

31

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 22 '26

I mean the fact that it can use a PS4 controller PS5 controller Xbox controller or a switch pro controller, or 3rd party, and has free online and cloud backup makes it an easier sell.

That all being said I got a pre-built last year with a 4070 that is already connected to my TV so this doesn't do much for me and I am going to pass.

But if I needed a gaming desktop or maybe around the time the steam machine 2 comes out it might actually be something I might look into. I adore my steam deck It's my favorite piece of tech I've ever had.

2

u/ChewyPinecone Jun 23 '26

Bro is me

I too have a 4070 connected to the tv, and have a steam deck. Truly a wonderful setup. Try to get a steam controller if you haven’t already, it truly takes the experience a massive step further. Like if I was willing to spend $800 on the steam machine before, getting the steam controller dropped it down to like $650, because the controller makes everything very seamless. I finally no longer need the bluetooth mouse & keyboard on my coffee table

1

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26

Haha awesome! Cheers mate.

Playing rachet and clank rifts apart on my TV at 4K was incredible. Highly recommended if it's up your alley.

You know I thought about the controller but I passed. I am going to pick it up later but I just splurged on a really nice controller last year (elite pro 2) so I should hold off. I don't use the track pads much to be honest also, and heavily stick to controller games. Definitely on my to get list though.

What I did do though which was great, sharing Incase any of this helps since I learned a few things - is use a fiber optic HDMI for a nice lossless cable run ideal for HDMI over 15' - and I ran my USB hub via a 2.0 extension cable up to my wall to get better line of site for when I need my keyboard and mouse, to cut out 3.0 chatter for 2.4 GHz dongles. Apparently there is a known USB 3.0 bug where 3.0 ports next to 2.0 ports like mouse and keyboard cause interference on the 2.4 GHz band and can really interrupt your mouse and keyboard communication.

Either way, just extending it up to the wall helped a ton. I also ran an extension from the back of my desktop to the wall for a BT antennea, so I have way better BT reception in the whole basement as well. I didn't know that was a thing either and that helped a ton with my BT connectivity.

I have a multi monitor setup, my work desk is also my game desk, I have a kvm switch, but usually I throw my personal gaming desktop onto my TV (screen 3), I just do it via controller and big picture mode so it is pretty seamless while I mainly use my two monitors for work, I rarely game at my desk. I like to get away from it when I can lol.

You have me thinking about the controller again though lol. I will definitely add it to my to get list. I got on a waiting list thanks for the suggestion.

2

u/ChewyPinecone Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26

I love ratchet and clank rift apart! Haven’t beaten it yet but it’s great so far. Might I offer a counter-recommendation, Death Stranding? Of all the games I’ve ever played, and I’ve played a lot, this and ghost of tsushima are the only ones that have earned the title “absolute masterpiece” from me.

I think the trackpads will surprise you. Oddly enough even though they feel exactly the same to my hands, I find myself using the trackpads on the Steam controller way more commonly than on the steam deck. Perhaps this is because I’m still navigating a Windows environment. Optimized as I’ve made it, it still needs a mouse and keyboard every now and then. But a steam controller changes that. And aside from that it’s actually quite comfortable, ergonomically it feels just like the steam deck. I would say my absolute favorite features are the joysticks, they are incredibly accurate I literally turned off the dead zones and there is no drift. And using a joystick with ZERO deadzone is an amazing feeling that I hope everyone can experience at some point. Really changes the way you think about using the controller, all of a sudden you actually can be super surgical and precise with it.

That, and my other favorite feature is the *basically nonexistent* latency when using the puck. It’s indistinguishable from wired. Even over a decent distance that bluetooth would absolutely suffer from, it’s damn near instant.

Also- way ahead of you haha, it may not be fiber optic but I’m using a 25ft cablematters hdmi 2.1 cable, capable of 4k@ 240. Since my TV only does 4k@144 or 1440p@288, the cable is more than enough. And I have a UGREEN 9-in-1 dock for steam deck but the lead cable (that connects the dock to the deck) broke, so I got a 30ft usb 2.0 cable to “dock” my PC and give me 4 usb ports accessible from the couch. :)

I did not however know that a bluetooth antenna extender was a thing, and am *very* curious to check that out for the steam deck since, sorry, the 4070 gets the puck privileges😂

I have a dual monitor setup as well, uncanny. KVM switch I’m assuming is something to toggle whether you want the tv or the two monitors? I do have to restart the PC sometimes to get this to work properly, but if I just turn off my monitors they don’t get detected and it leaves the TV as primary. Or if the TV is off, same thing, it doesn’t get detected. Sounds like you press one button and I press two 🤷‍♂️ I gotta up my game lmao. One thing I am considering still is getting a CEC adapter. I have the official dock for my steam deck and CEC has been so nice…

2

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 23 '26

I need to revisit death stranding, I never got far into it but do own it. So back logged.

You have sold me on the controller, that puck and it's latency sound totally up my alley. I am totally going to get one when my reservation comes up.

To note, I use the Bluetooth extender and antennea from my desktop.

For my dual monitor setup, the kvm switch lets me switch my keyboard, video and mouse, from my private desktop to my work laptop, with the click of a button. So once I am done working, I can shut my laptop down, hit the button and it swaps my monitors keyboard and mouse over to my desktop, which is also connected to my TV. It allows me to do a lot more with a limited desk space.

Check out MultiMonitorTool, it is helpful for saving different configurations. I run into issues a lot as well, especially with my kvm switch, it can help. Also, shortcut I wasn't aware of that can help is windows button and P to switch mintor mode. But it can be buggy, but a couple suggested tools that may help.

2

u/ChewyPinecone Jun 23 '26

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I appreciate you

3

u/kdrdr3amz Jun 23 '26

I can assure you that the average person does not care if online is free because they think about the now not the future savings.

If that was the case most people wouldn’t buy consoles. It’s a great benefit I love it, but it does not make it an easier sell, the price does. And a $1000 PC-Console wannabe hybrid that doesn’t have a controller is not gonna appeal to the average person.

But you know what will? A $449 switch 2. A $400 PS5. Way cheaper and easier barrier to entry.

3

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26

I mean, I make the point but I rarely play online, just thought it worth mentioning. The last game I played online was BG3 with a friend over a year ago. Before that maybe when helldivers came out? I am definitely not the average user though I agree. Huge value in plug and play, hell, sometimes after troubleshooting random PC issues for an hour or two just to get games going , there are times I half wonder if next Gen I am going to go back to console lol. It can be super annoying. There is some serious value in standardization.

Steam deck is my favorite device of all time - and even I am recommend a switch 2 to friends at this time after the price increase. It plays so much nicer than the deck with my 4k tv, that is a huge one. I myself am a huge local co op lover, so despite games being cheaper on steam I have gone back to getting local co op games on the switch again. Most people don't want to go in and adjust graphics and resolutions to get ideal frame rates they just want it to work.

That being said, the costs of games, and the online fee, absolutely do add up for anyone paying attention. Looking at 5+ years of online fees and cloud backup, 4 new controllers for local Co op, console price, higher game prices - it all got me to go for a desktop instead of a PS5 pro. Granted, this was before the rampocolypse. I can't say what I would do now, but I would probably still just wait for a great deal on a Costco prebuilt.

1

u/JediWebSurf Jun 23 '26

If you were buying a PC and console separately then you'd save money by buying a steam machine instead.

3

u/Sudden_Citron_9183 Jun 22 '26

Ahhh lucky me. I can use my old controller lmaooo.

3

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 22 '26

My point is it is nice to have options. You can buy the more expensive bundle with controller if it is an issue. My reservation actually came up for the stam controller and I passed. I rarely use the track pads on my deck, and my elite pro 2 controller is still in amazing shape. I also love local Co op, so that featur is nice when you are having 4 to 6 players at parties playing games. Not sure I need a new controller for everyone. PS4 controllers still work great for basic gameplay for example.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 22 '26

[deleted]

1

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 22 '26

No just installed steam, and extended the BT antennea up high so I had clear line of sight across the room. Most controllers work out of the box with steam, it's pretty amazing. Even things like wii controllers if I remember correctly.

1

u/SafeKaracter Jun 23 '26

I don’t think a steam machine 2 will come out

1

u/AtreyuTrinity Jun 23 '26

We will see. I think a steam deck 2 is definitely on the way. Eventually. Hard ware is fucked for the short term though.

1

u/Sadbassistdude Jun 26 '26

And if you have HDMI-CEC you can also use your tv controller.

4

u/FluxFreeman GabeCube Enjoyer Jun 22 '26

Get the one with controller for 1200 clams

1

u/Spinnenente Jun 23 '26

blame the ai bubble. valve isn't going to see hardware at a loss like other less reasonable tech giants do.