Gaming

Valve’s Steam Machine Ships June 29 for $1,049 Valve has officially confirmed that its next-generation Steam Machine console will begin shipping on June 29, 2026, with a retail price of $1,049. The device runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, and is designed to bring full PC gaming capabilities to the living room. According to Ars Technica, the Steam Machine features a custom AMD processor and graphics card capable of running most AAA titles at 4K resolution. Unlike traditional closed consoles, the device offers full PC functionality — users can install any software, modify system settings, or even dual-boot alternative operating systems. ...

[Brief] Xbox Games Showcase 2026 Held; Asha Sharma Hosts for First Time According to Eurogamer, the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 took place recently, featuring announcements and trailers for multiple upcoming games. The event was hosted by Asha Sharma for the first time, marking a new chapter for Xbox’s showcase events. The presentation covered a wide range of content from major AAA titles to indie games, showcasing Microsoft’s latest gaming strategy and future product roadmap. ...

[Brief] Nintendo announced price increases for the Switch 2 console, becoming the third major hardware maker to raise prices after Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox. Rising manufacturing costs forced the move. Analysts note price hikes could affect sales, but profit margins have been significantly squeezed. Source: Forbes via Google News

[Flash] Microsoft has abandoned its Xbox Copilot AI integration, The Verge reported. The move comes as Xbox CEO overhauls leadership amid sinking sales, with the executive stating “we need to evolve how we work.” This signals a reevaluation of AI strategy within Microsoft’s gaming platform.

Valve’s relaunched Steam Controller sold out within minutes of becoming available, but many buyers encountered payment processing failures that prevented orders from completing. The return of the classic gamepad sparked strong demand from players worldwide. However, numerous users reported stuck checkout pages, failed transactions, and unauthorized charges appearing on their accounts. Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints about cancelled orders and refund delays. Valve has not yet issued an official statement addressing the payment problems. The company had announced the Steam Controller relaunch as a limited-time offering without disclosing exact inventory levels. Industry analysts suggest that demand far exceeded supply, and the sudden traffic spike overwhelmed the checkout infrastructure. ...

Roblox shares plummeted 18% after earnings, as the company’s child safety measures significantly impacted bookings, raising investor concerns about growth prospects.