Jeremy
Chai
Staff Writer
We’ve all known about Valve’s alleged Steam Box console; rumors of its existence and development have been on the internet for quite some time now. But it’s the first I’ve heard that Valve will be offering multiple versions of their console.
Simply called ‘Steam Machines,’ according to Steam’s website, it is the second of three announcements on Valve’s campaign to bring their games to the console and living room.
While there isn’t much information on the console itself, Valve has left us with a couple of tidbits of information: the machine will be running SteamOS and is compatible with the traditional mouse and keyboard – it is a campaign for console friendliness, but hey, Steam gives you as much flexibility as they can.
Like its operating system, the Steam machine will be extremely modifiable by the user:
Can I hack this box? Run another OS? Change the hardware? Install my own software? Use it to build a robot?
Sure.
This is a particularly interesting piece of information because consoles aren’t known for the user ability to swap out their hardware. That’s why we had Xbox 360s and PS3s with 500GB and 250GB versions.
This isn’t the case with the Steam machine.
We won’t be constricted to waiting for the latest version of the machine to come out, and never ending up buying it because there will always be an endless stream of newer machines to replace the older ones (like a certain popular device I will choose not to name here). We can customize the steam machine to our heart’s content. And that is awesome.
If you’re super picky about AMD vs. Intel processors like I am, well, Valve’s got you covered on that side as well. Forbes reports that the Steam machines will have both versions of the hardware available for Valve’s console, the AMD version coming around in 2014.
There’s also been an announcement for a beta testing phase for anyone to participate in. But time’s running out – there’s a deadline set for October 25th. Any time after that is too late to get your hands on the hardware. For those who want to apply, and for those who want all the information on the Steam machine, go to Steam’s website here.
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