Friends Per Second We ask Valve the big questions around the Steam Machine, Frame & Controller | FPS Podcast #83
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Nov 22, 2025 This conversation features Lawrence Yang, a Valve engineer, and Pierre-Loup Griffais, a designer and engineer, who dive into the company's latest hardware strides. They dissect the design innovation behind the new Steam Controller, emphasizing important features like trackpads. The duo also discusses lessons learned from previous iterations like the Steam Machine, and the advancements in streaming technology that benefit the entire Steam ecosystem. Tune in for insights about Valve's direction and the future of gaming hardware!
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Valve's Ecosystem-First Hardware Strategy
- Valve's hardware push (Steam Machine, Frame, Controller) targets ecosystem expansion, not console wars.
- The devices aim to bring more players into Steam by offering varied entry points and form factors.
Consider Steam Link Before Buying A Box
- If you want console simplicity with PC access, consider a Steam Machine rather than building a new living-room PC.
- Use Steam Link or a docked Steam Deck as cheaper alternatives before buying dedicated hardware.
Relief After The Announcement
- Valve staff felt relief and excitement once the hardware announcements were public.
- Lawrence Yang said revealing work reduces internal secrecy burden and helps ship components like ARM runtime.
