Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast The Steam Machine Takes on PS5 and Xbox
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Nov 21, 2025 Explore the unveiling of Valve's new Steam devices, including the Steam Cube's impressive specs and console-like design. Dive into the pros and cons of local versus cloud storage, sparked by a Cloudflare outage that raises questions about reliance on the cloud. Discover Google's Gemini 3 and its ambitious goals, along with their innovative Antigravity IDE for coding. The hosts also engage in playful trivia and wit, making for a lively and insightful discussion on the future of gaming and technology.
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Steam Machine Aims To Replace The Console
- Valve's new Steam Machine targets 4K/60 on TV by combining console-like optimizations with PC flexibility.
- The device aims to bridge handheld Steam Deck use and living-room couch gaming with ecosystem synergies.
Price Will Reflect Hardware Margins
- Expect higher-than-console pricing because Valve must make hardware margin without subsidizing via exclusive games.
- Factor in that Steam hardware must earn money on the device itself rather than rely on first-party software sales.
Ecosystem Design Beats Raw Modularity
- Valve built ecosystem conveniences like a microSD slot to let Steam Deck users move games to the living-room box instantly.
- Those cross-device design choices make the machine more of a seamless Steam ecosystem than a standalone PC.