Imagine a compact box, and inside is a jumble of PC parts: a CPU, RAM, SSD, and a cleverly engineered thermal apparatus to keep everything cool under pressure. This box is meant for running demanding games at a fair clip. It’s designed to allow developers to create games around the system without any difficulty working with non-standardized hardware. Right now, I’m describing Valve’s newly revealed Steam Machine . Five years ago, I could have been describing an Xbox. But not so much anymore .

After years of attempts at making Steam Machines viable, Valve understands the benefits of consoles in today’s gaming landscape. The Steam Machine fits a niche of people who can’t afford a high-end PC but still want to play their PC game library while lounging on the couch. Valve promises that it

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