Hi everyone!

I had been a Playstation user since the first one and I own the fifth one.

After using Linux for years on weak computers for my admin, I decided to try Linux gaming in 2025 and bought a used LCD Steam Deck.

While I’ve been enjoying the Steam Deck, it hurts my neck and isn’t powerful enough for sim racing games.

Naturally, I was happy to learn that the Steam Machine was coming and was willing to invest up to CHF1000.- (~$1236) to get it.

Sadly, it’s not available to order in my country, Switzerland.

So now I have to choose between finding ways to order a Steam Machine or buying a prebuilt computer since I don’t want to source components to build something myself.

My priority would still be the Steam Machine, but I’d be open to alternatives.

What are your advices, what would you do if you’re in the same situation?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Edit and update:

Thank you all for your answers and useful links! You gave me some great advices!

In the end, I’ll keep using a combo of Steam Deck and Playstation 5 for a while. The Steam Deck for almost every game, but more often than before docked to preserve my neck, and the Playstation 5 for demanding racing games or an eventual Last Of Us 3.

Then, around 2029, once my Playstation 5 is gonna be old and not upgradeable, I’ll get a Linux gaming rig which is gonna be more powerful. At that time, I’ll have a better disposable income, but I’d still want to pay around CHF 1000.- anyway.

It’ll also allow me to fully emulate all my Playstation games which aren’t available on PC, at least from PS1 to PS4 generations, and use these consoles as decoration for memories.

    • MentalEdge@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      0·
      15 days ago

      Looks like anything above the nano pro is more powerful than the Steam machine as long as you don’t pick the weakest GPU in the configurator.

    • Natanox@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      0·
      15 days ago

      Technically their Cube L w/ a 9060 XT 16GB outperforms the Steam Cube by a long shot (I’d guess 40-80%) and offers upgradeability but it’s also wildly more expensive and a little bit bigger. It also comes with 32gb RAM at a minimum instead of the Cube’s 16gb which contributes to the high price. Choosing an older GPU like the 7600 doesn’t make too much sense cost and feature wise, for Couch gaming you’d want the newest FSR’n’stuff in a just-works manner.

      Technically a full AMD system is best for SteamOS, but the most important piece is the GPU (do not chose an Nvidia whatsoever). Their Cube with AMD is outdated. It will work fine with the Ultra 5.

      Beating the price point of the Steam Cube is almost impossible if bought new, even full diy systems have a hard time unless using used parts.

      • stuner@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        15 days ago

        Beating the price point of the Steam Cube is almost impossible if bought new, even full diy systems have a hard time unless using used parts.

        A regular pre-built with a 9060 XT 8GB can be had for about 10% less than the Steam Machine (900 Euro). That will be quite a bit faster and also upgradeable. The main advantage of the Steam Machine is the form factor and power consumption.

        • Natanox@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
          0·
          14 days ago

          Where. I just checked with Geizhals, the only pre-built that comes somewhat close to the Cube is this HP (and I’d bet the build quality is shit, they did some nonsense that causes issues for om anything but Windows etc). And even that one with its mediocre CPU is still more expensive than the Cube.

          With the Tuxedo you at least get modern hardware with no additional shenanigans and proper customer support (tho’ that one will be hardware-only if you install SteamOS, but still). Sure you can get it cheaper elsewhere (about 300€ less for same performance as the Tuxedo if you buy some no-name pre-built from Amazon) and especially with diy, but knowing your hardware harmonizes with your OS (i.e. Linux) and doesn’t contain bad surprises goes a VERY long way.

          (I literally had a PSU in a pre-built catch fire without shutting down as a teenager, inside my wooden desk)