What do the Steam Machines mean for this generation?

[KHlover]

Anfebious said:

KHlover said:

Anfebious said:

Well the OS seems like the best of the three announcments. The other day was an article about the Steam Machines saying that they could go from 500 US$ to1500 US$!! But what do you think about them? Do you see them as a next gen console?

No, I view them as pre-built PC's with a custom OS.

But if that is the perception we have of them. Why did they do this in the first place? Why make a pre-built PC? You can build one or ask someone to help you... I don't see the reason xD.

I actually think Valve intended them to be seen as a PC/console hybrid. You get all the power (and customization options) of a PC and the comfort of a console. That's the idea.

But with the astronomical pricepoint they really shoot themselves in the foot. Console gamers aren't used to pay $700 (I suspect any Steam Machine with a lower price point will really only be good enough for streaming and older games) - $1500 for their "consoles". PC gamers are, but they can simply build their PC themselves and save $$$. As a result the Steam Machines aren't really interesting for anyone besides enthusiasts and maybe some PC gamers which would have bought some other pre-built PC before the announcement.

At least that's how I see the situation.