25/06/2026 16:44 - Tecnologia
Valve Corporation, the legendary gaming company behind Steam (the world's largest digital game distribution platform with over 132 million users worldwide), has officially announced the launch of its new Steam Machine on June 22, 2026. This marks Valve's triumphant return to the desktop hardware market following the phenomenal success of their handheld Steam Deck.
Measuring just 15 centimeters, this ultra-compact desktop console delivers performance 6 times more powerful than the Steam Deck, positioning it as a serious competitor to traditional consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
| Model | Storage | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Version | 512 GB | $1,049 |
| Version + Controller | 512 GB | $1,128 |
| Premium Version | 2 TB | $1,349 |
| Premium + Controller | 2 TB | $1,428 |
For international context: At current exchange rates, the base model would cost approximately ARS 950,000-1,000,000 Argentine Pesos, though prices vary due to local taxes and import restrictions.
Note: The lottery system prevents scalping and ensures fair distribution, similar to how the Steam Deck launch was handled.
The new Steam Machine features a semi-custom AMD processor and graphics card, specifically designed for Valve. This custom hardware enables the console to run AAA games (high-budget, blockbuster titles) at 4K resolution with 60 frames per second using AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) technology, an upscaling technique that improves visual quality and performance.
FidelityFX Super Resolution is AMD's upscaling technology that renders games at lower resolution and then uses intelligent algorithms to upscale the image to higher resolutions, improving performance while maintaining visual quality. It's similar to NVIDIA's DLSS technology.
The Steam Deck is Valve's handheld gaming PC launched in February 2022. It allows users to play their entire Steam library on the go. With over 3 million units sold, it revolutionized portable PC gaming.
The initial distribution will cover select markets through two channels:
KOMODO is Valve's official distribution partner for Asian markets.
Argentina is NOT included in the initial launch. Latin American countries will need to wait for a later expansion or rely on private import methods. This exclusion is common for hardware launches due to complex import regulations, high taxes on electronics (often exceeding 50% of the product value), and currency exchange restrictions that have historically made Argentina a challenging market for international tech companies.
Argentine gamers hoping to purchase the Steam Machine will likely need to use international shipping services or wait for official distribution to reach the region.
The premium pricing reflects the global increase in RAM and storage component costs, factors that have impacted the entire gaming industry. For comparison, Sony's PlayStation 5 launched at $499, while Microsoft's Xbox Series X debuted at $499 as well. The Steam Machine's higher price point reflects its positioning as a premium PC gaming compact solution.
Valve aims to capture the growing market of gamers who want high-end PC gaming performance without the complexity of building a custom desktop. The success of the Steam Deck, which has sold millions of units since its 2022 launch, demonstrated the viability of Valve's hardware strategy and consumer trust in the brand.
Argentina's economic situation presents unique challenges for international tech companies:
Alfredo S. Quiroga
