The original Steam Machine, launched in 2015, promised a revolution in gaming. A hybrid console-PC, it garnered significant attention, but ultimately fell short due to performance issues and a high price tag, selling fewer than 500,000 units. Despite its commercial failure, the Steam Machine retained a dedicated fanbase, many of whom have eagerly awaited a successor. Recent discoveries suggest that wait may finally be over.
A Reddit user, u/coolbho3k, uncovered references to a “Fremont” project within the Steam Deck’s kernel code. While the code doesn’t explicitly reveal the nature of Fremont, it mentions an “AMD Lilac” platform. This same platform has appeared on Geekbench with significantly higher performance scores than the Steam Deck. Such a performance leap suggests Fremont is unlikely to be another handheld console, pointing instead towards a TV box or set-top box, as suggested by Tom’s Hardware.
The “Lilac” reference isn’t new; it first surfaced over two years ago, indicating that Valve may not be the only company utilizing this chip.
A close up of the Steam machine The code also includes a reference to HDMI-CEC, a feature not typically found in handheld devices. Interestingly, the specific type of CEC referenced is commonly associated with Google devices, particularly Chromebooks. This has led to speculation about potential Google involvement in the Fremont project.
If Fremont is indeed a new Steam Machine, it could potentially incorporate streaming capabilities similar to the Nvidia Shield. A collaboration between Google and Steam, bringing ChromeOS to the platform, could allow users access to ChromeOS alongside SteamOS, and possibly even the Google Play Store.
Speculation and Potential
It’s important to emphasize that all of this remains speculation. Until Valve releases an official statement, the nature of the Fremont device remains unknown. However, the timing of these discoveries is intriguing. Valve announced the original Steam Deck at CES 2014, and the current timeline for Fremont aligns roughly with that precedent. With CES 2025 approaching, it presents an ideal opportunity for Valve to unveil a new Steam Machine. Coupled with recent leaks suggesting a new Steam Controller is also in development, the evidence for a new Valve hardware initiative is mounting.
While the future of Fremont remains uncertain, the prospect of a new Steam Machine, potentially enhanced by Google integration and powerful hardware, is certainly exciting for PC gamers. The potential for a more powerful, versatile, and streamlined living room gaming experience could finally realize the original vision of the Steam Machine.
