The Steam Machine is Valve’s first way of penetrating the console gaming industry. This full-fledged console is capable of playing games on the big screen with no problem. However, it isn’t without its faults.
Those who are thinking of buying a new console will likely want to go for either the PS5 or Steam Machine. However, the looming question is which of the two is better, especially when pitting them against each other in a battle of factors that every gamer looks for in a new console.
Performance
The PS5 offers more consistent performance, primarily thanks to hardware-specific optimization. While the Steam Machine is popular, most developers likely won’t want to create games that perform well specifically on that console. On the other hand, most AAA games target stable 60 FPS or higher on the PS5, aiming for a quality and performance mode for players.
This isn’t to say that the Steam Machine is lacking in power. It has the newer Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU, but actual performance really varies depending on the game you’re playing. Playing on 1080p shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to most older titles, but newer titles will likely require you to adjust settings or rely on FSR.
Game Library & Exclusives
The PS5 has a very diverse library of games. However, it’s also true that the console relies heavily on exclusives. While some of these exclusives are available on Steam, that won’t be true going forward for future exclusives. Because of this, those who like titles such as the God of War games and the Spider-Man games will likely lean toward buying a PS5.
As for the Steam Machine, it lets players access the entire Steam catalog. As most players will know, Steam has the largest game catalog out of the major gaming players, giving easy access to PC exclusives, multiple indies, and even early access titles. Players can also use mods with this console, making it excellent for those who are used to PC gaming and want to carry some of its best features over to their console gameplay.
Price & Value
The PS5’s upfront cost is much lower than the Steam Machine’s. While the PS5 Pro is definitely more expensive than the base version, they’re all fairly affordable compared to Valve’s console, making them excellent for those who want to focus only on gaming. However, the games do cost a lot, especially since the PS Store doesn’t usually offer steep discounts and sales on its heavy hitters.
The Steam Machine is the exact opposite in this regard. The console itself is fairly expensive, setting players back $1,049 and not even giving a controller for their troubles. However, Steam is popular for offering steep sales and discounts to players, which can reduce the cost over time. It’s generally a good idea to go for the Steam Machine if you already have a fairly large library, or if you don’t mind paying a lot at the start and then saving later.
Ease of Use vs. Flexibility
When it comes to ease of use, it’s tough to beat the PS5. Sony’s console is the literal definition of plug and play, especially since developers create their games with the platform in mind. This means that most players won’t ever have to touch the settings options in their games, ensuring minimal troubleshooting.
On the other hand, the Steam Machine isn’t nearly as supported as the PS5. While it does provide a console-like interface for players, it’s also true that players will likely have to tweak some settings to get the best possible experience when gaming. With this being said, the Steam Machine does offer additional flexible options, including the desktop mode, modding, and PC functionality. These options require tweaking, but they also provide greater flexibility than the one-note PS5.
Ecosystem & Long-Term Ownership
This is definitely the most subjective point when comparing the PS5 and Steam Machine. The PS5 is perfect for those who are invested in PlayStation exclusives and the general PlayStation ecosystem. Players will likely be able to enjoy their purchased games on future PlayStation consoles as well through backwards compatibility, eventually creating a library of exclusives and third-party games. Not to mention, the DuelSense features are most supported in PlayStation exclusives.
As for the Steam Machine, it’s ideal for those who have an existing Steam library or platforms that can utilize it. For example, those who have a Steam Deck or even a PC will likely want to gravitate toward the Steam Machine, since purchases carry over across compatible platforms. You can also use multiple types of controllers and additional storefronts with the Steam Machine.
