Gaming Consoles
Steam Machine vs Xbox Series X
Steam Machine and Xbox Series X both bring 4K gaming to the living room, but they take very different approaches. Steam Machine offers a large PC library, mods, desktop access, and operating-system freedom, while Xbox costs less, includes a controller, supports physical games, and requires less setup.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Valve
Steam Machine
A compact SteamOS gaming PC built for living-room play, desktop freedom, expandable storage, game streaming, and access to a large PC library.
VS
Microsoft
Xbox Series X
A high-performance Xbox console built for native 4K gaming, Quick Resume, Game Pass, physical discs, and simple television play.
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Specifications
Pros & Cons
Steam Machine — Pros
✓Provides access to a much larger PC game catalog
✓Carries your existing Steam purchases, cloud saves, and friends list into the living room
✓Supports Steam Workshop and broader PC modding
✓Does not require a general platform subscription for ordinary online multiplayer
✓Allows desktop applications and user-installed operating systems
✓Includes microSD expansion alongside its internal NVMe SSD
✓Provides DisplayPort and HDMI outputs
✓Offers four USB-A ports and one USB-C port
✓Supports a wider selection of controllers and PC peripherals
✓Can host Remote Play sessions for other Steam devices
Steam Machine — Cons
✕Costs substantially more than every standard Xbox Series X configuration
✕Does not include a controller with the base model
✕Some Windows games may not work correctly through Proton
✕Certain anti-cheat systems and launchers remain incompatible with SteamOS
✕The 512GB model provides less storage than any current Xbox Series X
✕Requires more graphics and compatibility management
✕Does not include an optical disc drive
✕SteamOS performance can vary considerably between games
✕Xbox Game Pass console titles aren't natively available through SteamOS
✕Its 8GB of dedicated VRAM may become restrictive in demanding future games
Xbox Series X — Pros
✓Costs far less than the entry-level Steam Machine
✓Includes an Xbox Wireless Controller
✓Offers 1TB or 2TB of internal storage
✓Disc-drive models play physical games and 4K UHD Blu-ray discs
✓Delivers consistent game optimization for a fixed hardware target
✓Supports Quick Resume across compatible games
✓Plays thousands of titles across four Xbox generations
✓Includes Dolby Vision gaming and Dolby Atmos support
✓Offers broad Game Pass integration
✓Requires less setup and troubleshooting than a gaming PC
Xbox Series X — Cons
✕Uses a closed console operating system
✕Cannot run the full Steam PC catalog
✕Does not provide a conventional desktop environment
✕Offers much more limited mod support
✕Online console multiplayer generally requires a paid Game Pass plan
✕Storage expansion cards are more restrictive than common PC storage options
✕The hardware cannot be upgraded like a conventional desktop PC
✕Digital purchases remain tied to the Xbox platform
✕All-digital models cannot use physical games
✕Provides fewer USB ports and no DisplayPort output
Best used for
✦Play supported Steam games on a television through the console-style SteamOS interface
✦Move your existing Steam library into the living room without buying the same games again
✦Run compatible Windows games through Proton when they don't have native Linux versions
✦Install browsers, media tools, emulators, and desktop applications through KDE Plasma
✦Add Windows or another operating system when SteamOS doesn't support software you need
✦Use Steam Workshop and community mods in supported PC games
✦Stream demanding games to Steam Deck, Steam Frame, or another Steam Link device
✦Expand storage through microSD cards for indie games, older releases, and media files
✦Connect monitors through DisplayPort and HDMI for gaming or desktop work
✦Pair existing PC controllers, keyboards, mice, or the optional Steam Controller
Best used for
✦Play optimized Xbox games at native 4K and up to 120fps on compatible televisions
✦Switch between several suspended games through Quick Resume
✦Access hundreds of console and PC titles through eligible Game Pass plans
✦Play compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games
✦Use physical Xbox games and 4K UHD Blu-ray movies on disc-drive models
✦Carry supported digital purchases between Xbox and Windows through Xbox Play Anywhere
✦Stream compatible games to phones, tablets, handhelds, and televisions
✦Continue using most existing Xbox One controllers and accessories
✦Expand current-generation game storage through an Xbox Storage Expansion Card
✦Start games without managing drivers, Proton versions, or PC graphics presets
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Our Verdict
Xbox Series X is usually the better fit for buyers who want straightforward television gaming. It costs far less, includes a controller, offers more base storage, supports Quick Resume, and can play physical games on disc-drive models. Game Pass and four generations of compatibility strengthen the package. Steam Machine is usually the better fit for established PC players who already own a large Steam library and genuinely value mods, desktop access, free standard multiplayer, flexible peripherals, and operating-system freedom. Those benefits are meaningful, but they come with a steep price and occasional compatibility work. Pick Xbox for convenience and value. Pick Steam Machine when openness matters more than cost.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Steam Machine if...
→You already own a large Steam library and don't want to buy games again on Xbox
→You regularly install mods, community patches, or Steam Workshop content
→You don't want to pay a platform subscription for ordinary online multiplayer
→You're comfortable checking Proton compatibility and adjusting graphics settings
→You'll use desktop applications as well as games
→You want to connect PC monitors through DisplayPort
→You may install Windows or another operating system later
→You'll stream games to a Steam Deck or another Steam Link device
Choose Xbox Series X if...
→You want to connect the console and start playing with minimal configuration
→You want to spend far less than the Steam Machine starting price
→You'll use Game Pass for a rotating library of console games
→You buy used or discounted physical games
→You watch 4K UHD Blu-ray discs
→You want Quick Resume for switching between several games
→You have older Xbox games, controllers, or accessories
→You don't want to troubleshoot Linux, Proton, launchers, or anti-cheat support
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Steam Machine or Xbox Series X better in 2026?
A: Xbox Series X is better for most living-room players because it costs less, includes a controller, and requires less setup. Steam Machine is better for established PC players who value their Steam library, mods, desktop tools, and platform freedom.
Q: Is this the new 2026 Steam Machine?
A: Yes. This comparison covers Valve's new 2026 Steam Machine with Zen 4 processing, RDNA 3 graphics, SteamOS 3, and 512GB or 2TB storage. It doesn't cover the third-party Steam Machines released during the 2010s.
Q: Which is cheaper, Steam Machine or Xbox Series X?
A: Xbox Series X is substantially cheaper. Current official US prices range from $599.99 to $799.99 depending on storage and disc drive. Steam Machine starts at $1,049 for 512GB without a controller.
Q: Which system is more powerful?
A: The specifications aren't directly comparable. Steam Machine uses newer Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture, while Xbox Series X has a larger 52-CU GPU and fixed-console optimization. Actual performance will vary by game, settings, resolution, and upscaling method.
Q: Can Steam Machine play every Steam game?
A: No. Many Windows games work through Proton, but support isn't universal. Certain anti-cheat systems, launchers, drivers, and game-specific problems can prevent titles from running correctly under SteamOS.
Q: Can Steam Machine run Windows?
A: Yes. Valve treats Steam Machine as an open PC and allows users to install another operating system. Windows can improve compatibility with certain games, but it removes some of SteamOS's console-style simplicity.
Q: Can Xbox Series X play Steam games?
A: No. Xbox Series X cannot install Steam or directly access a PC Steam library. Some games support Xbox Play Anywhere or cross-save, but ownership on Steam doesn't normally include an Xbox copy.
Q: Which is better for Game Pass?
A: Xbox Series X is the better choice for console Game Pass. SteamOS doesn't natively provide the full Xbox PC app or locally installed PC Game Pass catalog, although browser-based Xbox Cloud Gaming may be available.
Q: Which system has better backward compatibility?
A: Xbox Series X offers curated compatibility across four Xbox generations. Steam Machine can access decades of PC releases, but older-game reliability varies and may require Proton versions, community fixes, launch commands, or Windows.
Q: Which is better for mods?
A: Steam Machine is much better for mods. Steam Workshop, local files, community patches, and external tools provide broader flexibility. Xbox supports mods only in selected games and within limits approved by the developer and Microsoft.
Q: Does either system include a disc drive?
A: Steam Machine doesn't include or officially offer an optical drive. Xbox Series X is available in disc and all-digital versions. Disc models can play supported physical Xbox games and 4K UHD Blu-ray movies.
Q: Which has better storage?
A: Xbox Series X offers 1TB or 2TB as standard, while Steam Machine offers 512GB or 2TB. Steam Machine has convenient microSD expansion; Xbox uses proprietary performance-matched expansion cards for current-generation games.
Q: Does Steam Machine include a controller?
A: No. Valve sells the Steam Controller separately or as part of a higher-priced bundle. You can also connect compatible existing PC controllers, keyboards, and mice.
Q: Is Steam Machine worth paying more than Xbox Series X?
A: It is worth paying more when your Steam library, mods, desktop access, free standard multiplayer, and operating-system choice are central to how you play. For ordinary television gaming, Xbox Series X offers stronger value.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
- ↗Steam Machine Official Product Page
- ↗Steam Hardware Official Page
- ↗SteamOS Official Page
- ↗SteamOS and Steam Machine Official FAQ
- ↗Steam Remote Play Official Support
- ↗Xbox Series X Official Product Page
- ↗Xbox Series X Official Microsoft Store
- ↗Xbox Series X Official Console Store
- ↗Xbox Series X Official Comparison Page
- ↗Xbox Series X Official FAQ
Last verified: June 2026
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