Compare Microsoft Xbox One S vs Valve Steam Machine
In this technical comparison between the Microsoft Xbox One S and the Valve Steam Machine, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
Choosing between these two Home Consoles models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $299 USD (500GB) / $349 (1TB) / $399 (2TB) and $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB).
| Specifications |
Microsoft Xbox One S |
Valve Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | August 2016 | - |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | 8-core Custom AMD Jaguar @ 1.75 GHz | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 (6-core / 12-thread) up to 4.8 GHz |
| GPU | Custom AMD Radeon (GCN 1.0) @ 914 MHz (Slightly overclocked vs. the original 853 MHz) | Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 (28 Compute Units) |
| GPU Power | 1.4 Teraflops | Approx. 10.5 Teraflops (Comparable to an RTX 4060 / RX 7600) |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR3 (plus 32 MB of high-speed eSRAM) | 16 GB DDR5 (System) + 8 GB GDDR6 (Dedicated VRAM) |
| Storage | 500 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB HDD (Internal) | 512 GB or 2 TB NVMe SSD (User-upgradeable 2230/2280 slots) |
| Expandable | External USB 3.0 Hard Drive support | High-speed microSD card slot; External USB storage |
| Disc Drive | 4K UHD Blu-ray / DVD / CD drive (Note: The "All-Digital Edition" launched in 2019 has no disc drive) | None (Digital only) |
| Video Output | ||
| Resolution | Native 1080p for gaming (upscaled to 4K); Native 4K for video/streaming | Native 4K (2160p); 8K support via DisplayPort |
| Max FPS | Up to 60 FPS | Up to 240 FPS (via DisplayPort 1.4); 120 FPS (via HDMI 2.0) |
| HDR | HDR10 support for games and video | HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support |
| VRR | Variable Refresh Rate (AMD FreeSync) | AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Ray Tracing | No | Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing (RDNA 3) |
| Audio | ||
| Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, PCM 2.0/5.1/7.1 | Multichannel Linear PCM, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Headphones | 3.5mm jack on controller; supports Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for Headphones | 3.5mm jack on controller; USB-C and Bluetooth audio support |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.0a (Out), 1x HDMI 1.4b (In) | 1x HDMI 2.0 (with CEC support) |
| USB | 3x USB 3.0 ports (1 front, 2 rear) | 2x USB-A 3.2 (Front), 2x USB-A 2.0 (Rear), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Rear) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) |
| Bluetooth | No (Uses proprietary Xbox Wireless; Bluetooth only on the controller for PC/Mobile) | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated antenna) |
| Services | ||
| Online Multiplayer | Xbox Live (now Game Pass Core/Ultimate) | Free (Steam Networking) |
| Cloud Saves | Unlimited free cloud storage | Steam Cloud (Free) |
| Subscription | Xbox Game Pass, EA Play | None required (Access to Steam Store, EA Play) |
| Remote Play | Supported via the Xbox App | Steam Remote Play / Steam Link |
| Controller | ||
| Included | 1x Xbox Wireless Controller (Model 1708) | Standard in bundles (or sold separately) |
| Features | Bluetooth support (first time on Xbox), textured grip, 3.5mm jack | Dual haptic trackpads, TMR Magnetic Sticks (no drift), 4 back buttons, Gyro, Capacitive touch sensors |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward | Plays all Xbox One games; select Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games | Full Steam Library (via Proton/SteamOS); plays thousands of Windows games |
| VR Support | No | Full support for Valve Index and the new Steam Frame headset |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 9.1 x 2.5 inches (295 x 230 x 64 mm) | 6.1 x 6.4 x 6.0 inches (156 x 162 x 152 mm) — Compact cube design |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Color | Robot White (standard); various limited editions | Matte Black with customizable 17-LED RGB strip |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | 120W | 300W Internal Power Supply (Max draw approx. 150-180W) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Console, Wireless Controller, HDMI cable, Power cable, Vertical Stand | Console, Steam Controller 2, Charging Puck, HDMI 2.0 cable, AC Power cord |
| Price | $299 USD (500GB) / $349 (1TB) / $399 (2TB) | $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB) |
| Full Details | Xbox One S - Full Specifications | Steam Machine - Full Specifications |