Valve's new hardware out but high prices limit its impact on SteamOS expansion
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
IGN reports Valve's new hardware is now out in the wild but high retail prices make it difficult to recommend. IGN says Valve revealed a 2026 'trifecta' of hardware that aims to expand SteamOS support and provide a baseline configuration for developers to target. The IGN reviewer wrote they enjoyed devices like the Steam Controller and Steam Frame, but that industry-wide hardware costs are significantly higher than a year ago and have lessened the immediate impact of the products. IGN concludes that despite price issues, the hardware's goals still offer hope for SteamOS's future.
- What happened: IGN reports Valve's new hardware is available, but high prices mean the reviewer finds it hard to recommend.
- Why it matters: IGN says the hardware is intended to expand SteamOS support and give developers a baseline configuration to target, which could affect PC gaming development.
- Context: IGN notes Valve revealed a 2026 'trifecta' of hardware and that hardware capable of running games has become significantly more expensive than a year ago.
- What next: IGN reports there is still hope for SteamOS's future, but it is not yet confirmed whether prices will fall or whether SteamOS expansion will achieve broader adoption.
What changed
IGN reports that all of Valve's new hardware is now out in the wild after Valve revealed a 2026 "trifecta" of devices. The products are described as aiming to expand SteamOS support and to offer a baseline hardware configuration that developers can target. The IGN reviewer said they enjoyed using hardware such as the Steam Controller and the Steam Frame.
Availability
- IGN reports the new hardware line is available to consumers following Valve's 2026 reveal.
Limits
- IGN states retail prices are currently high, and that getting hardware capable of running games is significantly more expensive than it was a year ago.
- IGN's review indicates those higher prices have reduced the hardware's immediate impact and make it hard to recommend at present.
- It is not yet confirmed by IGN whether prices will change, or whether SteamOS expansion will result in broader developer or consumer adoption.