Valve just shook the gaming industry. In this episode of Press Start Select, we break down the newly announced Steam Machine, a $500–$700 console-style PC targeting early 2026. With PS5-level performance, full access to the Steam library, and potential hardware upgrades, this device could disrupt the entire console market—and put real pressure on Xbox’s long-term strategy.

We also dive into broader industry stories, including:

Why Arc Raiders found success after a rough start

The real reason live-service games fail

How bad netcode kills fighting games

Sony’s confusing approach to a Horizon MMO

Marvel Rivals expanding with Gambit and Rogue

Nintendo’s rushed gaming-movie plans

Plus: our full Game Awards 2025 predictions—from Best Fighting Game to Game of the Year—and a reality check on Kingdom Hearts 4.

Whether you're interested in hardware, live-service trends, fighting games, or industry strategy, this episode covers one of the biggest potential shifts in gaming’s future.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:46 Arc Raiders Success

08:40 Live Service Longevity

13:29 What Kills Fighting Games

17:47 Sony’s Horizon MMO Problem

37:25 Marvel Rivals: Gambit & Rogue

49:34 Nintendo’s Movie Problems

01:00:00 Steam Machine Announced

01:16:25 Steam Machine Success Factors

01:27:09 Best Fighting Game – Predictions

01:41:05 Best RPG – Predictions

01:56:59 Game of the Year Predictions

02:11:41 Surprise Trailer Predictions

02:18:05 Kingdom Hearts 4 Reality Check