PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
The first Steam Machines – PC gaming systems designed for the living room – will launch by the end of the year, Steam owner Valve has announced.
They will be available on November 10th, but a select few customers who put in early pre-orders from the Steam website or from GAME in the UK will be able to get theirs on October 16th.
A GAME spokesperson told PCR that the retailer will exclusively be selling the controller and Steam Link streaming device in the UK and Spain, with no confirmation on the actual systems themselves just yet. PCR has contacted other vendors and distributors to find out what’s happening regarding UK distribution.
The Alienware and Syber steam machines will start from $449 and $499 respectively from the Steam website, with customers able to pay more for better components.
A Steam controller will be priced at £39.99 while the Steam Link device, which allows users to connect any TV to their Steam host PC, Mac or Steam Machine at 1080p, will also cost £39.99.
The Steam controller will be available from GAME as part of two bundles, one for £59.99 including £20 of Steam credit and a second for £99.99 with Steam Link and £20 of Steam Credit.
The new Steam Controller emulates the use of a mouse and keyboard to facilitate PC gaming through the TV and features trackpads, dual-stage triggers, force feedback and customisable control schemes.
Charlotte Knight, UK Retail MD at GAME, said: "For years, Steam has been at the forefront of PC gaming and so we’re excited to be able to bring our gaming communities and Steam fans products that allow them to enjoy the full experience in the comfort of their living room, or indeed any room with a television."
"This November, we’re bringing everything that makes the PC great – the best games, the biggest communities, and the most exciting technologies – to new destinations," added Valve in a statement.
"Steam Machines provide the best living room access to the greatest games and user-generated content available. Steam Machines offer the In-Home Streaming capabilities of the Steam Link, plus the ability to locally install and play your choice of over 1,000 native SteamOS titles."
Valve initially unveiled its full list of Steam Machine hardware partners back in early 2014, including the likes of Alienware, Cyberpower, Gigabyte, Scan (with the UK’s first Steam Machine priced at £699) and more, all with their own versions of the Steam Machine.
However, in May 2014, Valve delayed the Steam Machines until 2015.
PCR has contacted Valve to find out the UK distribution partner for the Steam Machines, or if it will be a machine-by-machine basis.
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