Digital Foundry Direct Weekly DF Direct Weekly #241: Steam Machine Price Concerns, Win 11 Update Kills Perf, Proton FSR 4, RDR1!
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Nov 24, 2025 This week features a deep dive into the intriguing pricing of the upcoming Steam Machine, sparking debates about its target audience and upgrade potential. The hosts discuss the surprising performance drops caused by a recent Windows update, revealing significant FPS regressions in games. There's excitement over the new Linux FSR 4 support via Proton, especially for older GPUs. Plus, they explore the latest on Red Dead Redemption's re-releases and take a look at the visually stunning Horizon Steel Frontiers, before recommending the addictive twin-stick shooter, Sektori.
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Steam Machine Priced As A PC
- Valve signals the Steam Machine will be priced like an equivalently powered PC rather than a subsidized console.
- That removes expectations of console-like low pricing and reframes its market positioning.
Pre-Built PCs Set Price Benchmark
- Pre-built PC comparables suggest Steam Machine pricing could land around $800 or more for similar performance.
- The form factor and small/noise advantages become the core differentiators versus upgradable pre-builts.
Buy Based On Use, Not Hype
- Avoid expecting the Steam Machine to match consoles on price if Valve targets PC parity in specs.
- Evaluate it as a compact, quieter, non-upgradeable PC alternative rather than a direct console replacement.