AMD CEO Lisa Su Confirms Valve’s Steam Machine On Track for Early 2026 Shipping

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) CEO Dr. Lisa Su said Tuesday that Valve Corp. remains on schedule to begin shipping its long-awaited AMD-powered Steam Machine in the early months of 2026, providing the strongest third-party confirmation yet of the device’s imminent arrival.

Speaking during AMD’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call on Feb. 3, Su highlighted progress on the company’s semi-custom system-on-chip (SoC) business, which includes custom silicon for gaming consoles and handhelds. She specifically addressed Valve’s project amid broader commentary on AMD’s partnerships with major platform holders.

“From a product standpoint, Valve is on track to begin shipping its AMD-powered Steam Machine early this year,” Su stated in prepared remarks. She paired the update with news that development of Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox SoC is “progressing well to support a launch in 2027.”

The comments come as Valve, the Bellevue, Washington-based gaming giant behind the Steam platform and Steam Deck handheld, prepares to expand its hardware lineup. Valve first teased the revival of the Steam Machine concept in late 2025, describing it as a compact, living-room-focused gaming PC running SteamOS and optimized for couch play. Unlike the original Steam Machines launched in 2015 — which struggled with limited game compatibility and fragmented hardware partners — the new iteration builds directly on the success of the Steam Deck, leveraging SteamOS improvements and a broader library of verified titles.

Details on the device’s specifications remain limited, but industry reports indicate it features a semi-custom AMD APU combining Zen 4 CPU architecture with RDNA 3 graphics. Valve has described the Steam Machine as significantly more powerful than the Steam Deck — potentially up to six times in certain workloads — positioning it to deliver 4K gaming at 60 frames per second in many titles when connected to a television or monitor. The system is expected to include modern connectivity options, expandable storage, and compatibility with a wide range of PC peripherals.

Su’s affirmation carries weight because AMD serves as the primary silicon supplier for the device. The company’s semi-custom division has powered every major console generation in recent years, including current Xbox and PlayStation hardware, as well as the Steam Deck. Investors and analysts closely monitor these updates for clues on production timelines and revenue implications.

Despite the positive note, key consumer details — including exact pricing, configuration options, and a firm ship date — have not been disclosed by Valve. Speculation from analysts and leaks suggests a starting price in the $700–$800 range to compete with mid-tier gaming PCs and current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Valve previously indicated the Steam hardware family, which may include additional devices like an updated Steam Controller or Steam Frame accessory, would ship in early 2026.

The original Steam Machines, released over a decade ago, faced challenges in a market dominated by traditional consoles and high-end PCs. Many reviewers criticized the ecosystem’s reliance on Proton compatibility layers for Windows games and the lack of exclusive titles. Valve quietly discontinued the initiative but retained lessons that informed the Steam Deck’s 2022 launch, which has sold millions of units and established SteamOS as a viable Linux-based gaming platform.

Industry observers view the new Steam Machine as Valve’s bid to capture living-room gaming share amid rising interest in PC-handheld hybrids and cloud gaming alternatives. The device could appeal to PC gamers seeking a console-like experience without subscriptions, while leveraging Steam’s vast library and frequent sales. Its success may hinge on seamless integration with existing Steam accounts, controller support, and performance that justifies the premium over budget mini-PCs.

AMD’s semi-custom revenue is expected to decline significantly in 2026 as the current console cycle matures, Su noted during the call. However, new projects like the Steam Machine and future Xbox contributions could help offset that trend in subsequent years.

Valve has remained characteristically tight-lipped since the initial 2025 announcement, with no official updates following Su’s remarks. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

For gamers and investors alike, Su’s comments reduce uncertainty around the Steam Machine’s timeline at a moment when handheld and mini-console markets continue to heat up. If Valve delivers on the early 2026 window, the device could arrive in time to influence holiday purchasing decisions later in the year or set the stage for broader Steam hardware ecosystem growth.