Console comparison
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Machine
Compared on price, graphics throughput, storage and the thing specifications never capture: what each one is actually for.
Verified September 26, 2026Prices from secondary reporting — confirm with a retailer
Sony
PlayStation Portal
$249.99 · 1080p
Valve
Steam Machine
$1,049.00 · Up to 4K (PC settings-dependent)
Amazon UK search links are provided for current availability; no affiliate programme is currently configured, and no live price is claimed here. Affiliate disclosure.
| Specification | PlayStation Portal | Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | ||
| Maker | Sony | Valve |
| US MSRP | ||
| US MSRP | Winner: $249.99UK RRP £219.99 | $1,049.00UK RRP £879 |
| Price source | ||
| Price source | Reference source | Reference source |
| GPU throughput | ||
| GPU throughput | Not publishedUnverified | Not publishedUnverified |
| Storage | ||
| Storage | Not verifiedUnverified | 512GB |
| SSD throughput | ||
| SSD throughput | Not publishedUnverified | Not publishedUnverified |
| Target resolution | ||
| Target resolution | 1080p | Up to 4K (PC settings-dependent) |
| Portable | ||
| Portable | Yes | No |
| Disc drive | ||
| Disc drive | none | none |
| UK street price | ||
| UK street price | Search Amazon (opens in new tab) | Search Amazon (opens in new tab) |
US MSRP is the reported RRP for the standard configuration — not a live UK street price. Use the Amazon UK buttons to check current UK availability.
PlayStation Portal
A streaming remote player for PS5 — not a standalone console, but a real handheld buy inside the PlayStation ecosystem.
Best for
- Second-screen PS5 streaming
- Bedroom/travel play
- Households with one PS5
Watch out
Requires a PS5 on the same network to stream from; no native game installs. Not a Switch 2 competitor for on-the-go gaming — it is a PS5 accessory, not a console replacement.
Steam Machine
Valve's SteamOS living-room PC (launched June 2026): your Steam library on the TV with console-style setup, priced well above the mainstream consoles.
Best for
- Steam library owners
- PC games on the TV
- Buyers who want PC flexibility without building
Watch out
512GB $1,049 / £879; 2TB $1,349 / £1,149; Steam Controller bundles cost more. Valve said its original pricing was “no longer viable” because of hardware supply issues. Zen 4 6-core CPU, RDNA 3 28-CU GPU, 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6. It is a PC — game compatibility depends on Proton, and a similarly priced DIY PC can be faster.
Common questions
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Machine
Answered from the verified figures on this page rather than general guidance.