Valve announced the starting price at $1,049 for its new Steam Machine console.
They will not include a gamepad in that cost.
The console has a large, angular case based on the Companion Cube design.
Experts quickly called it a specialized machine.
They pointed to its steep price and big size.
News sites reported that $1,049 figure under the Steam Machine name on June 23, 2026.
The box wants to move gaming from desks to sofas.
Players still need to buy extra parts to run it.
Many say the total cost will deter most shoppers.