Aug 17, 2026, 11:28 AM@beejay I don't have a Steam Deck, and connected to the TV I would use I have a Switch 2. my only PC atm is my work pc which is on a desk, honestly my PC digital game collection is bigger than consoles but I rarely have the "stamina" to be around the desk after work hours.
@djlink Oh, that sounds like a great reason to get one! I kiiiind of wish i was in your situation to justify it for myself :D
Could you imagine gaming more on the TV? (i don't) Are you fine with 1080p gaming scaled to your possibly existing 4k TV? (i would)
Do you prefer having a modular PC system which you can upgrade or the small and cute, super efficient relatively low-spec of the Steam Machine? (I'd first try with the Steam Machine and switch to a different, more powerful self-built system if there would be the need)
Do you play more "Controller" than "mouse-and-keyboard"-games? I play a lot of mouse-and-keyboard-stuff, so this could never be my "main gaming"-machine.
In short:
Is it powerful enough for your needs?
Do you want a gaming console or a gaming-PC?
Aug 17, 2026, 11:45 AM@beejay I think I would be fine with 1080p/1440p because last gen I was on Switch 1 and PS4 (although I guess Even my work PC I rarely update them incrementally, usually I let them be until "it's time", current work PC is starting it's 6th year, with a 9y old GPU. I imagine the next time I update will be complete, unless it's astronomically expensive and I can only go for CPU etc. Or maybe I'm trying to talk myself into getting one regardless xD
@djlink I mean, if you want to upgrade your "work"😉-PC anyways, you could use that one for graphically intense games and do the rest on the Steam Machine. I think it's a great piece of hardware, where much of the price goes to the compactness. You could also use a Silverstone SG13 and build your own Steam Machine which would be cheaper or more powerful for the same price.
In your case I'D go for a Steam Machine, simply to support the idea of it. It has way more soul and uniqueness than just a compact gaming PC. It's perfect to turn on and play a chaotic round of Overcooked, "It Takes Two" or Mortal Kombat with a friend. Or Dark Souls or Forza Motorsport or any other console game (until PS2 i would guess). You'll love it :)
Aug 17, 2026, 12:09 PM@beejay yeah, and the compactness of it, and there's tons of pc-only indie games I'm yet to play
@djlink Go for it. And tell us how u like it. :)
Aug 17, 2026, 12:39 PM@beejay will do