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[Discussion] I am finally in the Steam Machine reservation queue. Can you guys convince me to CANCEL my reservation? (piefed.social)
submitted 2 days ago by to c/steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
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I am in the Steam Machine 2026 reservation queue now. Please convince me NOT to buy one. I don't really have a gaming PC right now. I am hoping that the Steam Machine can replace my productivity laptop, so I can play modern games on it and also have better general performance for productivity apps.

My current gaming setup:

  • Laptop with integrated Intel Iris XE graphics (only for productivity and limited 2D gaming)
  • 1440p monitor
  • Xbox series S
  • Switch Lite
  • Switch 2
  • Logitech G Cloud
  • GeForce Now performance subscription

I spend most of the time playing on handhelds (native/streaming), but occasionally on the computer monitor. Currently I stream from either GFN or the Xbox (remote play) to my Logitech G Cloud.

I have a huge backlog, and very limited time to play games due to busy life.

Other points to consider:

  1. Xbox series S is too weak for some recent games, even at 1080p
  2. I am not just going to use the Steam Machine with the monitor, I will mostly stream the Steam Machine to my Logitech G Cloud
  3. I don't mind the Linux desktop environment, I actually prefer it over Windows
  4. Gaming laptops are too hot and noisy
  5. I don't want a large Windows PC, I like the steam machine form factor.
  6. My Xbox series S is also used only for streaming to my Logitech G Cloud
  7. GeForce Now has a limited library, there are many steam games I want that are not available on GFN
  8. I've considered getting a Mac Mini, but the new one is too expensive.
  9. I worry that GFN will raise their prices or put further limits. Or new games I want won't be available on GFN. I feel like with GFN, I own nothing and it is out of my control.
  10. I love retro games and emulation (The Logitech G Cloud is too weak for PS2/Gamecube/PS3 emulation)
  11. I have very good internet connectivity and good wifi 7.

Additionally:

  • Gaming handhelds such as the Steamdeck and ROG Ally are too big and heavy.
  • I want to be able to play upcoming games such as Fable and Elder's Scroll 6
  • I do not need to play on the couch with TV
  • I only play single player games, mostly RPGs
  • I enjoy the cheaper game prices of Steam (vs Xbox/Nintendo)
  • I don't need native Microsoft 365 apps, I am happy with Linux apps
  • I don't trust most mini PC brands
  • I am mostly a patient gamer, and often wait until at least 50% discount to buy games
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[–] 7 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I mean it's not hard to create a compelling argument for not buying one. Just watch pretty much any of the reviews.

The easiest argument is that you can do better building your own PC and putting SteamOS or Bazzite or Cachy handheld editions on it.

However it will likely be much larger, less efficient, and possibly more noisy. And won't support HDMI-CEC.

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 1 day ago (2 children)

    Most of the reviews I have watched are very positive about the Machine. Building my own PC doesn’t really get any cheaper these days, and I want the Steam Machine form factor.

    The only criticism I have seen are about not being able to do native 4K, which I don’t care for.

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  • [–] 6 points 1 day ago (1 child)

    Hardware Unboxed had the harshest review I found, calling it "impossible to recommend", and the video was full of similar commentary. Honestly I unsusbscribed from this channel after this review (and based on many other of what I consider to be "bad takes"). But there were many other largely negative reviews that I came across with similar points. Namely the price is too high and the hardware is unimpressive.

    DIY does get quite a bit cheaper. Especially if you look at used parts, and account for repairability and longevity. I just had a PSU crap out on me on my desktop. If that were a Steam Machine there would probably be no parts available, as it was ~10 years old. But since it is a standard modular PSU people have been producing for like 40 years, I was able to choose between several dozen models that suited my needs and it just bolted right in.

    I don't particularly want to convince you not to buy one. And if it's the form factor and low noise you're after, there's not really anything comparable available. There are a thousand mini PCs but none of them have the giant fan/heatsink combo that creates the low-noise conditions. And it's so much better than any other console.

    But you asked me to try 😅

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  • [–] 1 point 1 day ago

    Hardware Unboxed is really biased towards Nvidia. And they don't like Linux either from how they talk about it. Unsubscribed from that channel long time ago, about the time when unsubscribing from LTT channel.

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