Microsoft Gaming’s CEO Phil Spencer has commented on Valve’s recently announced Steam Machine. While the Steam Machine could be seen as new competition for the Xbox brand, Phil Spencer only had positive things to say about the upcoming gaming machine.
Looking to build off the success of the Steam Deck, Valve has unveiled what could offer stiff competition to Xbox and PlayStation hardware. While technically a PC, the Steam Machine will provide a console-style experience for gamers in a compact package. The system is an approximately 6-inch cube, which some think looks similar to Nintendo’s GameCube. Despite its relatively small form factor, Valve has said the machine is six times as powerful as the Steam Deck, making it capable of running popular AAA titles. Understandably, the machine has caught the attention of many in the gaming industry.
Phil Spencer Congratulates Valve on Steam Machine Reveal
Among those who have weighed in on the announcement is Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming. On Twitter, he praised the Steam Machine, saying that more options for play are good for both gamers and developers. According to Spencer, “a future built on choice” is an integral part of the Xbox brand, and the Steam Machine will help further this vision. Specifically, the CEO noted that Xbox is one of the largest publishers on Steam, and he said they “welcome new options for players to access games everywhere.” The tweet concluded by congratulating the company on the reveal of the product.
These comments from Spencer come as Xbox has moved toward a multiplatform strategy over the past few years. Some of the recent Xbox exclusives that have jumped ship to rival consoles include Sea of Thieves and Gears of War: Reloaded. Additionally, Xbox recently revealed that the Halo franchise would finally see an installment on a PlayStation console with the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved in 2026. There are already various Microsoft-published games available on Steam, so the upcoming Steam Machine could create more potential sales.
However, the announcement of the Steam Machine comes as Xbox is developing its own next-gen gaming machine. While details are slim, Xbox president Sarah Bond teased that the company’s next console will offer “a very premium, very high-end curated experience.” Furthermore, the company recently released the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, capable of playing Steam games. It will be interesting to see what type of impact the Steam Machine could have on the sale of these systems as its launch approaches next year.
It is worth noting that the Steam Machine was not the only announcement made by Valve. Beyond the new gaming machine, the company revealed a new Steam controller, which will be compatible with the upcoming system. According to Valve, the new gamepad will feature next-gen magnetic thumbsticks, high definition rumble, and Grip Sense, a type of gyro aiming activated by touch. Beyond the controller, the Steam Frame VR headset was unveiled with a launch expected in early 2026.
Given these recent announcements from Valve, gamers have a lot to look forward to in 2026. So far, the company has not revealed the pricing for the Steam Machine. Regardless, it looks like there will be more options for potential gamers in the future.
- Date Founded
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August 24, 1996
- Headquarters
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Bellevue, Washington, United States
- CEO
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Gabe Newell
- Subsidiaries
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Campo Santo
