Update Tips Base Steam Machine With 512 GB, Possible PSU-less Frame Option

It seems as though Valve is working on making the launch of the Steam Machine and Frame go down more smoothly than the Controller, according to a new Steam update that has been spotted by a Reddit user, u/pepeizq on r/SteamMachine, Valve will start the Steam Machine with a 512 GB base model and top it off with a 2 TB model. There are four total Steam Machine SKUs (referred to as 1629460, 1629458, 1629446 and 1629447 in the code), so there are likely other configurations between the 512 GB version and the 2 TB version—likely controller bundles and perhaps a barebones model for those with a pile of SSDs in a desk drawer somewhere. Additionally, in order to avoid the early supply and scalping issues faced by Valve’s Steam Controller, the Steam Machine will launch with a reservation system right out the gate. Similarly, the Steam Frame will likely ship with 256 GB or 1 TB of storage.

From the code in the update, it looks like the same reservation limitations will apply to the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, meaning users will only be able to reserve one item per account, and they must have an active, pre-existing Steam account in good standing in order to make a reservation. More interestingly, the code also makes reference to a “PSULessModel,” which may refer to a Steam Frame model without an external PSU—for those who plan to charge the built-in 21.6 Wh battery with a regular USB-C PD charger or those who mostly plan to use the device tethered. It doesn’t seem reasonable that Valve would sell a PSU-less Steam Machine, since that has a built-in PSU that is necessary to function.