Phoronix article: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Steam-Machines-Frame-2026
Also listed here: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/hardware
Valve has already sent support for the new Steam Controller upstream: https://www.phoronix.com/news/New-Steam-Controller-SDL
One question I have about the cube is will it be capable of doing full DRM streaming services like Netflix? Most living room systems have that, but doing it on an open linux system somehow would be novel.
I bet it’ll run jellyfin really well!
You can install a browser with enabled DRM extensions on the Deck already, don’t see why this wouldn’t be possible on the cube.
As far as I know, browsers will only do Widevine L3. Meaning you won’t get resolutions past 720p or maybe 1080p (depending on service). That’s probably fine a small screen like the deck. Less fine for a 4k TV.
It doesnt advertise itself as a media device. Id love for it to somehow do it, but the high seas is the only way.
it advertises its self as a full PC though
A full linux pc yes, which usually isnt allowed in most DRM protection layers.
So do other Linux PCs on the market, but they can’t help Netflix’s shitty DRM.
Why pay? 🏴☠️
I’ve been contemplating Steam Game Mode in Bazzite on a HTPC as a potential replacement for Android TV, and this might fit the bill nicely, in addition to supporting living room gaming of course. I bet this would run Jellyfin and VacuumTube quite nicely with a USB remote control. A Nvidia Shield from 2019 is still $200, so if Valve prices this similarly to a PS5, it’d certainly be a compelling option.
But they all get abandoned or suck at launch to begin with.
A streaming 4K dedicated device is about 20 to 40 dollars, which always seem to work better then whatever a console offers and for longer.
I see no advantage to have a steam cube with it.
That said, I did put Plex and jellyfin on my steamdeck so I could watch my own library while flying, so I suppose you could add either of those to the cube. They launch as just another game by the way.
The digital foundry video said no plans to support at launch.