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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 1 day 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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[–] [S] 1 point 1 day ago (5 children)

The Mac Mini m4 is no longer available where I am, the new Mac Mini m6 is slightly more expensive than the Steam Machine.

The mini PC brands still matter even with linux, because I want hardware reliability and drivers support.

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  • [–] 2 points 1 day ago* (4 children)

    The Mac Mini m4 is no longer available where I am, the new Mac Mini m6 is slightly more expensive than the Steam Machine.

    Interesting. In the US, the Mac Mini is $899 for the cheapest model, while the Steam Machine is $1049. It's another $400 for 24GB unified RAM/512GB SSD to match the Steam Machine's specs, but the Mac Mini's low end starts lower.

    The mini PC brands still matter even with linux, because I want hardware reliability and drivers support.

    Ah, that's a different kind of "trust" than I thought. I thought you meant factory-installed malware because they're mostly no-name Chinese brands or something like that.

    I have some experience with that, as I'm running Linux on four mini PCs of three different brands (a "Minisforum," a "Bosgame," and two "Nimo"). The Nimos have been fine (but I don't recommend the Amazon seller I got them from because he screwed me out of some RAM). I had a problem installing Debian on the Minisforum, but it works fine with Kubuntu.

    The Bosgame is the most relevant: I got it for my parents and installed (I think) Kubuntu on it, but it seems to have some kind of driver problem with the power management because it doesn't wake from sleep properly. It also got hot enough to scare my mom, although I'm not sure how reliable her complaint is because what she thinks is too hot might still be within the normal operating range, for all I know. (It's at their house, so I don't have easy access to diagnose it myself.)

    Anyway, even though it's massive overkill for their "hardly computer-literate Boomer" use-case, I'm replacing that Bosgame with a Steam Machine solely because it's the only mini PC I know of with first-party Linux support! (If it were me, I'd just deal with the slightly janky drivers rather than spend literally 5x the price, but my mom can be incredibly picky and stubborn.)

    (Sigh) At least the grandkids might get some actual gaming use out of it when they visit...

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  • [–] 1 point 17 hours ago (3 children)

    If your parents are “hardly computer-literate Boomer”, their use will be pretty basic, no? Why waste a steam machine? Get a slightly used Lenovo or other enterprise grade SFF pc, or even a mini. Install Debian with KDE or Mint. Ultra stable, Massive support. If possible with a Ryzen. Plenty of graphics power even for ligh/medium gaming. Driver problems are unlikely in a 2-3 year old business machine, and will be relevant for 5-10 years for their kind of use.

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  • [–] 1 point 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago) (2 children)

    Get a ... mini. Install Debian with KDE or Mint.

    I already did that. Specifically, I got this and put either Debian or Kubuntu on it (can't remember off the top of my head and can't check because it's at their house, not mine).

    My mom freaked out because it got kinda hot once and started whining about how she should've stuck with a Mac. So now if I want her to stay on Linux it has to be a mini PC that comes with it from the manufacturer, and AFAIK the Steam Machine is the only such thing that exists.

    I fucking know it's irrational!

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