Is the Steam Machine worth the wait?
Summary
David Pierce and Sean Hollister review Valve’s new $1,049 Steam Machine, comparing its PS5-level performance and Linux-based SteamOS to traditional consoles. They discuss the device’s role as a living-room PC, its reliance on Proton for Windows games, and the impact of rising component costs. The episode also covers Instagram’s TV features, Nothing’s canceled phone, and AI coding security risks.
Topics discussed
Intro and 90 Seconds on The Verge news roundup
Sponsor reads: ServiceNow and Fetch Pet Insurance
Sean Hollister joins to discuss Steam Machine testing
The 'console-like' PC gaming experience and Valve's history
Hardware specs, Proton compatibility, and performance comparisons
Price analysis: $1,049 cost and component value
Valve's business model and selling at cost
VRAM limitations and graphical performance issues
Sponsor reads: Fetch, Geico, T-Mobile, and Midi
Setup experience, physical design, and size comparison
Frame rate stability and competition with PS5 Pro
Steam OS licensing, OEM partnerships, and ecosystem control
Future outlook, software updates, and final verdict
Outro, listener hotline, and closing sponsor reads
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