Key facts
- Valve's Steam Machine is launching on June 29.
- The Steam Machine will start at a price of $1,049.
- The device is a TV-friendly gaming PC.
- Component shortages are impacting the release and pricing.
- Storage and RAM costs have seen significant increases.
- The AI boom is cited as the reason for increased component costs.
- PC and console makers are also affected by these shortages.
Valve is launching its Steam Machine, a gaming PC designed for the living room, on June 29. The device will be available starting at $1,049. The company's announcement indicates that the release date and pricing reflect current market conditions, specifically significant increases in the costs of components like storage and RAM. These price hikes are attributed to the ongoing AI boom, which is driving up demand for these components. The impact of these shortages and cost increases is not limited to Valve, as PC and console makers across the industry are also facing similar challenges. The Steam Machine aims to bring a PC gaming experience to the television, similar to traditional consoles, but its market entry is now contending with a difficult supply chain environment.