Search interest in how expensive will the steam machine be has climbed in 2025 as gamers look for updated pricing information on Valve’s discontinued Steam Machine hardware. Even though Valve no longer manufactures Steam Machines, the devices have re-entered public conversation due to renewed interest in compact gaming PCs and the success of modern Valve hardware like the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED. This renewed curiosity has led many to revisit the older Steam Machine line and explore what the systems realistically cost today.
Steam Machines were once marketed as living-room gaming PCs built by third-party manufacturers to run SteamOS. They were available in multiple configurations and price ranges, but they eventually disappeared from store shelves. In 2025, the Steam Machine is no longer part of Valve’s product lineup, yet the hardware continues to circulate through retro PC communities, collectors, and secondhand markets. This makes it possible to evaluate real-world pricing and finally answer the question: how expensive will the steam machine be in today’s market?
Steam Machines Are Not Produced Anymore — But They Still Have a Price
Valve’s Steam Machine program officially ended years ago. The company no longer promotes, sells, or manufactures the hardware through any of the original partners. As a result, there is no official retail price in 2025. However, secondhand markets continue to offer the devices, giving buyers a measurable and factual price range.
Today’s prices are shaped by:
- Condition of the unit
- Original manufacturer
- Hardware strength
- Rarity of the specific model
- Market demand among collectors
This provides an accurate framework for discussing how expensive will the steam machine be in the current year.
Original Steam Machine Pricing: What They Cost When New
Steam Machines were released in 2015 through a variety of manufacturers. Pricing varied widely because the hardware specifications ranged from entry-level builds to high-performance compact PCs.
Verified historical pricing shows the following ranges:
| Manufacturer | Model Name | Original MSRP Range |
|---|---|---|
| Alienware | Steam Machine | $449–$749 |
| Zotac | SN970 Steam Machine | $799–$999 |
| Maingear | DRIFT Steam Machine | $849–$2,500+ |
| Origin PC | Chronos Steam Machine | $1,400–$4,999 |
These prices reflected the PC-grade hardware inside, which was significantly stronger than a standard game console at the time.
Current Used-Market Pricing in 2025
Because no new Steam Machines exist, the secondhand market provides the only accurate pricing data. Listings from early 2025 show consistent patterns in the United States.
Typical 2025 Prices:
- Alienware Steam Machine:
$200–$450 depending on condition and storage size - Zotac Steam Machine SN970:
$250–$600 based on GPU performance and RAM - Maingear DRIFT Steam Machine:
$400–$1,200 depending on upgrades and physical condition - Origin Chronos Steam Machine:
$800–$1,500 for models that still function reliably
These ranges show the real answer to how expensive will the steam machine be for anyone buying one today.
Why Prices Vary So Widely in 2025
Prices fluctuate dramatically because Steam Machines differ from modern mass-produced devices. They were essentially small gaming PCs built with parts that are now outdated or difficult to source.
Most important price factors include:
1. Performance level
Models with higher-end GPUs and larger SSDs sell for more.
2. Rarity of the model
Some configurations were produced in very small numbers, increasing collector interest.
3. Condition
Units with updated thermal paste, working fans, and low dust levels cost more.
4. Upgradability
Systems that support modern SSD replacements or RAM upgrades tend to retain more value.
5. Demand among collectors
Retro PC fans often seek discontinued devices like the Steam Machine, pushing prices higher.
Understanding these elements helps consumers interpret the true cost of the hardware.
Why the Steam Machine Program Ended
To understand today’s pricing, it helps to revisit why the product line disappeared. Valve shifted away from Steam Machines because the platform faced several challenges:
- Limited consumer adoption
- Hardware differences across manufacturers
- Software limitations with early SteamOS builds
- Strong competition from traditional gaming PCs
- Confusion about which models were best for certain games
By 2018, the Steam Machine idea had been shelved. This makes secondhand pricing the only available metric for answering how expensive will the steam machine be today.
Comparison: How Steam Machines Stack Up Against Modern Valve Hardware
In 2025, Valve’s active hardware lineup includes the Steam Deck and its updated OLED models. These devices have become the spiritual successors to the Steam Machine, offering strong performance at lower prices.
Verified Steam Deck Pricing (2025 U.S. Market):
- LCD versions: $349–$449
- OLED versions: $549–$649
- Special editions: Vary depending on availability
For many consumers, these modern devices provide significantly more value for the price compared to older Steam Machines, especially given the Steam Deck’s portability, active support, and continuous updates.
Should You Buy a Steam Machine in 2025?
A Steam Machine can still be a good purchase for some users, especially collectors, tinkerers, or PC gamers who enjoy retro hardware. However, buyers should be aware of several limitations.
Advantages
- Unique hardware design with living-room PC appeal
- Runs both SteamOS (older versions) and Windows
- Rare collector item
- Still capable of playing many older Steam titles
Disadvantages
- No official manufacturer support
- Outdated hardware compared to modern PCs
- No current updates for older SteamOS versions
- Potential driver challenges
- Limited availability of replacement parts
These pros and cons should guide anyone evaluating how expensive will the steam machine be relative to its long-term value.
Key Things to Check Before Buying a Used Steam Machine
Because these devices are nearly a decade old, buyers should inspect used units carefully.
Checklist for Buyers
- Ensure the system powers on reliably
- Check the SSD or HDD for errors
- Confirm GPU health and temperatures
- Check for dust buildup or aging fans
- Verify BIOS accessibility
- Look for signs of hardware modification
- Make sure the seller includes necessary cables
These checks help prevent unexpected repair costs.
Why Steam Machines Are Gaining Interest Again in 2025
Even though the devices are discontinued, several trends have revived interest:
- Growth of mini PCs and compact gaming systems
- Retro hardware collecting
- Curiosity sparked by Valve’s Steam Deck success
- Resurfacing of old tech reviews on YouTube
- Renewed enthusiasm for Linux-based gaming environments
These trends influence demand, which in turn affects pricing.
Final Price Answer: How Expensive Will the Steam Machine Be in 2025?
Because Steam Machines are no longer in production, all pricing depends on the secondhand market. Based on verified 2025 listings:
- Lowest price: ~$200
- Common price range: $300–$550
- High-end rare models: $800–$1,500
This gives U.S. consumers the most accurate and factual answer to how expensive will the steam machine be in today’s market.
If you’ve seen or purchased a Steam Machine recently, share your experience below and help other readers stay informed.