YouTuber Zac Builds has constructed a custom PC console designed to outperform Valve’s upcoming hardware at a lower price point. The DIY build cost $950, intentionally targeting a price below the $1,000 mark according to kotaku.com.
The machine features a Ryzen 5 5600X processor, a Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM, and 16GB of DDR4 memory. It also includes a 2TB SSD housed in a custom 3D-printed case with wood paneling.
According to the report, the rig can run titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Spider-Man 2 at up 60fps in 4K using FSR upscaling. While the creator utilized specific one-off deals to keep costs down, Valve may use bulk manufacturing to compete on price.
Hardware price hikes hit Samsung and Microsoft
An AI-driven component shortage is driving up prices for major consumer electronics. Samsung is increasing the cost of its Galaxy smartphones and tablets by as much as $100, kotaku.com reported.
Microsoft is facing similar upward pressure. The 15-inch Surface Laptop recently saw its starting price jump from $1,300 in 2024 to $1,600.
In other gaming news, Blizzard has updated Overwatch for the Nintendo Switch 2. The company stated the update provides "better visuals, higher fidelity audio, and up to 60 FPS in both docked and handheld mode."
Meanwhile, the developers of Subnautica 2 have transitioned to self-publishing on Steam. This follows a legal victory by the studio's cofounders against Krafton, which stripped the publisher of control over the game's Early Access launch plans.