A YouTuber has constructed a custom $950 gaming console designed to run SteamOS, effectively creating a modern Steam Machine without waiting for Valve to release new dedicated hardware. The project, documented by the creator behind the channel DIY Perks, utilizes a custom-built chassis finished with wood paneling to achieve a sleek, living-room-ready aesthetic.
Valve famously discontinued its original Steam Machine initiative years ago, leaving a gap in the market for a dedicated, console-like PC experience. While the Steam Deck has seen massive success, the creator decided that a stationary, more powerful alternative was necessary for high-end gaming.
Custom hardware for the living room
The build features a compact form factor that prioritizes thermals and airflow, a common pain point for small-form-factor PCs. By integrating a custom power supply solution and clever cable management, the YouTuber managed to fit high-performance desktop components into a case significantly smaller than most gaming towers.
"Valve was taking too long," the creator noted, explaining the motivation to build a machine that bridges the gap between a traditional PC and a plug-and-play console. The project relies on Valve’s publicly available SteamOS, allowing users to boot directly into a console-style interface that mirrors the experience of the Steam Deck.
Performance metrics for the machine indicate it can handle modern titles at high settings, successfully mimicking the fluidity of a console while maintaining the flexibility of a PC. The wood-panel design serves as a deliberate aesthetic choice, aiming to make the device look more like high-end audio equipment than a standard piece of computer hardware.
While this remains a one-off hobbyist project, it highlights a persistent demand among enthusiasts for dedicated Steam-based hardware that sits under a television. As Valve continues to focus its engineering efforts on the Steam Deck portable line, independent builders are increasingly taking matters into their own hands to fill the void.
