Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the new Steam Machine, distinguishing it as both a gaming console and a Linux PC. It runs Steam OS, a Linux distribution (specifically Arch Linux-based) with Big Picture mode, allowing users to switch between gaming and a full Linux desktop.
Valve's original Steam machine in 2015 was unsuccessful, but the company has spent the last decade secretly developing this new, more advanced gaming platform based on Arch Linux.
The Steam Machine allows users to play AAA games and then seamlessly switch to a PC desktop for work. It uses Steam OS, based on Arch Linux with a KDE Plasma desktop environment. Thanks to Proton, it can run Windows games on Linux, and users are not limited to Steam games, as other game launchers can be used in desktop mode.
It features a semi-custom AMD chip at 4.8 GHz, 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB of VRAM, and a semi-custom AMD GPU capable of 4K gaming at 60fps. While hardware specs are decent, they may not satisfy users who demand maximum performance for highly demanding games or VR.
The price is yet unknown, but Steam hints that it will be under $1,000, potentially costing around $500-$700. Drawbacks include fixed hardware with limited upgrade flexibility, potential performance limitations for future high-end games like GTA 6, and a less customizable Arch Linux experience for advanced developers. It is also not suitable for training massive AI models locally.
The video is sponsored by Brilliant, which offers a course on how AI works, teaching users to build language models and experiment with concepts like feature vectors. Users can get free access or a 20% discount on an annual premium subscription.