Miyuki Aizawa

Remember that mysterious device codenamed “Fremont” I mentioned before? Right here!

Well, mystery solved - and no, it’s not Half-Life 3 that caused the Steam Autumn Sale to move a few weeks earlier.

Turns out, Valve has unveiled three new pieces of hardware: the next-gen Steam Controller, Steam Machine 2.0, and the Steam Frame VR headset.

🎮 Steam Controller - magnetic precision meets tactile future

The new Steam Controller is a complete redesign.

It comes with magnetic TMR sticks, a grip gyroscope, high-precision haptics, and full Steam Input customization.

It also introduces the Steam Controller Puck - a tiny charging base and wireless receiver in one. You just snap it on magnetically, feel that satisfying click, and start playing.

It works with almost anything that runs Steam - PC, laptop, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, or even the upcoming Steam Frame.

It looks like a controller you’ll fall in love with after a few late-night sessions in Hades or Baldur’s Gate 3.

💻 Steam Machine - the living room PC reimagined

I’ll be honest - the first Steam Machine never truly impressed me. Great idea, weak execution.

This time though, Valve’s back with a beast: over six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, running full SteamOS, with 4K @ 60 fps gameplay, desktop-grade cooling, and a tiny 16 cm cube design perfect for under-TV setups.

Basically, it’s a PC that thinks it’s a console.

But unlike the first version, this one actually looks promising - especially for players who want a seamless “sit down and play” experience in their living rooms.

🥽 Steam Frame - VR, wireless and worry-free

The new Steam Frame headset is where things get really interesting.

Completely wireless, pancake lenses, 2160×2160 per eye, up to 144 Hz refresh rate, built-in high-fidelity audio, and camera-based tracking that doesn’t need external sensors.

It also uses a center-focus sharpening system - the sharpest image exactly where your eyes are looking, which improves clarity while reducing data load.

Put it on, wake it up, and play. No wires. No calibration. No headache.

🧠 My thoughts

I have to say, I’m impressed. The Steam Deck was a hit, and it makes sense that Valve is expanding its ecosystem with the next-gen Machine and Controller.

I’ve used the old Steam Controller and the first Steam Machine, and while they had potential, they never fully clicked.

But Valve is one of the few companies that actually learns from its mistakes, and this time it feels like they’ve nailed it.

As for me - I can’t wait to try out the Steam Frame in person… and yes, I’m still waiting for Half-Life 3. 😅

Hardware presentation: