Episode 153
Steam Machine Price
Steam Machine is finally here, and the price getting all the attention. The cheapest version is $1049 and doesn’t come with a controller, the most expensive version is $1428 with 2TB and a Controller.
Is this price reasonable?
Would you still buy one?
Why is it so expensive?
“In an interview with Gamers Nexus, a Valve employee revealed that purchasing RAM had become nearly “impossible.” Even more disturbing, the developer explained that manufacturers actually threatened them over purchase orders. “The memory companies give us a price and what we can buy, and if we say no they will never work with us again.” As many have pointed out, these companies sound more like the RAM Mafia than manufacturers.”
Valve Changes their tune
Valve also made a significant change to their Steam Machine page where previously they said 4K gaming, now they say up to 4K gaming.
XBOX raises prices again
XBOX has raised the price of XBOX consoles yet again due to the ram shortage.
“Effective August 1, 2026, we will be updating prices worldwide. The price of XBOX consoles will increase by US$100 for 512 GB models and US$150 for 1 TB models. We will also be sunsetting our 2 TB model.
Today we are also sharing programs to make XBOX consoles more accessible:
Buy Now, Pay Later: We’ve made it easier for players to use Buy Now, Pay Later options on eligible XBOX hardware purchases through Microsoft Stores
Interest Free Financing: We are working with partners to let players purchase eligible XBOX hardware at 0% APR financing for up to 12 months.
Previously Played Consoles: We are working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously played consoles at lower prices.
Certified Refurbished Consoles: XBOX Certified Refurbished Consoles are available”
GTA VI won’t have a disk and will cost $80
“The physical version of Grand Theft Auto VI, containing a download code inside the box, will be available starting November 12 to support pre-loading. ”
“SK Hynix’s main competitor, Samsung, is raking in big profits from the general-purpose DRAM segment, and SK Hynix wants its own slice of this cake. Hence, we will see memory manufacturers shift from HBM to General-Purpose DRAM, which includes DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory....We don’t expect a major change in the markets with this renewed DDR5 DRAM production. It might cause a short-term effect, but once HBM demand picks up again, we will see the same vendors set their eyes on the more lucrative DRAM industry. These DRAM vendors have created a loop that benefits only themselves, moving production where they can earn big profits.”
Tim Sweeney is not happy with Valve
Tim Sweeney head of Epic Games, likes AI a lot, we recently saw how AI is used in the creation of Fortnite skins. But Sweeney says that Valve is irresponsible for requiring AI use disclosure by publishers.
“If you want to launch a game, and get it as widely publicized as possible, you’ve got to put it on Steam so people can wish list it, and if you want to play it on Steam, then you have to get this Scarlet Letter of AI attached to your product....a hater community trying to kill the game,” going on to criticize the AI disclosures on Steam.
I think it’s really irresponsible of Valve. They shouldn’t do it because it makes it much, much, much harder for a game developer to have a chance of success. You have to choose from either not using tools that can make you way more productive, and probably failing due to competition that does.”
