Valve has announced substantial price increases for its Steam Deck OLED models, with the 512GB version now priced at $789 and the 1TB version at $949, raising concerns about the upcoming Steam Machine's pricing. The Steam Machine, which aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, is likely to be priced over $1,000. This price hike comes amid a significant component shortage, as tech companies prioritize resources for AI infrastructure, leading to increased manufacturing costs. While the Steam Machine may initially attract buyers due to Valve's brand strength, its high price and the challenges of running Linux-based SteamOS could hinder its success. Many new multiplayer games face compatibility issues with Linux, which may deter potential users. The Steam Machine's inability to offer the same level of modularity as traditional PCs further complicates its market appeal, making it a niche product at a potentially prohibitive price point.