I reported on the failure of Valve's first Steam Machines 8 years ago—this time I think they have it right

Valve's new Steam Machine during a visit to Valve HQ in Bellevue, Washington. The Steam Machine is a compact living room gaming PC.

If you're experiencing déjà vu following Valve's announcement of a little cubic "Steam Machine"—essentially a PC gaming console—it's because Valve already announced and launched Steam Machines a decade ago. It didn't work out so well back then, but this time, I think Valve has a real shot at finally decoupling a respectable chunk of PC gaming from Windows, if not the entire saucer section.

Tyler Wilde, US EIC

(Image credit: Future)

This week: I'm considering whether I'd like a cube under my TV while hopping on a flight to help with the next PC Gaming Show, which airs December 4.