While Valve still hasn't announced a date for its new Steam Machine, a small European project has decided to fill the gap left by the video game giant. We're talking about Playnix, a living room computer in the form of a console that seeks to bring the PC experience to the living room sofa without the user having to assemble anything or struggle with complex configurations.
This device, developed by a studio based in Spain and linked to the well-known EmuDeck project, is presented as a direct alternative to the Steam MachineThe same compact design, 100% AMD hardware, and a proprietary Linux-based operating system designed to boot directly into game mode. The idea is clear: to offer the flexibility of a PC, but with the simplicity of a console connected to the TV.
Playnix: a living room PC with the soul of a console
Playnix bets on a compact console-type formatDesigned specifically to live under the television, the casing measures approximately 320 x 247 x 64 mm and is manufactured using 3D printing, an unusual decision in the sector but one that fits with the small scale of the project and the impossibility of affording traditional industrial molds.
The company admits that this manufacturing process may leave minor imperfections in the chassisThese include slight variations in color or surface markings, which the company accepts as part of its commitment to keeping costs under control. Each case is inspected before shipping, but the goal isn't the flawless finish of a large multinational corporation, but rather a balance between quality and viability for a small company based in the European Union.
Beyond the design, the functional approach is that of a pre-assembled computer with console experienceIt connects to the TV, the controller is paired, and the system boots directly into a gaming-ready environment. It comes standard with PlaynixOS, which loads a Steam game mode upon startup, and features options such as quick suspend, automatic system updates at boot, and an online manual with dedicated support.
The European approach is also evident in the warranty policy. Playnix offers 2-year warranty as per EU regulations, extending to 3 years if the purchase is made from Spain, which brings the proposal closer to the consumer protection standards usually found in the consumer electronics market.
Playnix uses AMD hardware geared towards 4K with scaling technologies
Inside, Playnix uses exclusively AMD components, in line with what's expected from the upcoming Steam Machine. The configuration revolves around a AMD Ryzen 5 6-core processorWith a frequency of 3,50 GHz and a TDP of 65 W, it's sufficient to smoothly handle demanding games and general tasks without spiking the power consumption in such a compact chassis.
The graphic part is in charge of a AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16 GB of GDDR6 memoryBased on RDNA 4 architecture, the card comes with 2.048 Stream Processors and an approximate TDP of 150W, placing it in a league close to current high-end consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 Pro, at least in terms of raw rasterization power.
The main memory starts from 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM in dual-channel configurationThis figure is now considered the minimum reasonable requirement for reliable PC gaming. As for storage, the machine includes a 512GB NVMe SSD, sufficient for the operating system and a few games, although it can easily become insufficient for managing large game libraries.
The manufacturer emphasizes that, with this combination, Playnix is ready to offer game in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second In very demanding titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, provided that upscaling technologies such as AMD FSR are used in quality mode and the graphics parameters are adjusted, also having improvements in Vulkan that help performance.
To keep all of this in such a small volume, the refrigeration relies on a Thermalright heatsink combined with Noctua fansThis choice, common in mid-range and high-end PC builds, points to a system designed to maintain controlled temperatures and contained noise levels, something key in a device that will live in the living room, often a short distance from the user.
Connectivity and user experience in the living room
In terms of ports, Playnix behaves like a modern desktop PC in a compact form factorThe front and back feature a USB-C 3.1 port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and four USB-A 2.0 ports, enough to connect controllers, external storage, adapters, and other common peripherals in a gaming environment.
For the video, the team integrates HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputsIt supports 4K HDR at 120Hz and even 8K at 60Hz, provided the TV or monitor is compatible. This feature is designed for current mid-range and high-end TVs, as well as high refresh rate gaming displays.
Network connectivity combines a 1 Gbps Ethernet port For those who prefer a wired connection, there's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5, covering both the needs of stable online gaming and wireless connectivity for controllers, headphones, or keyboards. In practice, the user can opt for a completely wireless setup next to the TV, except for the power cable.
To power the system, Playnix assembles a 600W Flex power supplyIt's more than enough power for the integrated hardware, leaving room for peak consumption and possible future storage expansions without compromising system stability.
In terms of day-to-day use, the software integrates functions similar to those of a modern console: Sleep mode and Quick Resume to quickly resume games, and automatic system updates upon startup. The manufacturer itself acknowledges that, for now, sleep mode is only activated via the physical power button, a detail that needs to be refined in future software updates.
PlaynixOS and the bet on Linux versus SteamOS
One of the project's distinguishing features is its focus on the operating system. Instead of opting for Windows 11 or SteamOS, Playnix is launching with PlaynixOS, a Linux distribution based on Arch, adapted to offer a game-centric experience and ready to integrate with Valve's platform and enhance the game compatibility on Linux.
This distro boots directly into a Steam game modeThis prevents the user from having to navigate a traditional desktop to access their library, and benefits from compatibility improvements in Steam Deck that make it easier to run more titles without complications.
Choosing Linux has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the benefits, PlaynixOS integrates well with tools like EmuDeck, making the device a very capable emulation machine, from classic consoles to more recent systems, depending on the required power. It also benefits from frequent updates and the flexibility typical of the Linux ecosystem.
However, the company admits that the system inherits Typical limitations of gaming on LinuxCertain multiplayer titles that use highly restrictive anti-cheat systems may not function correctly, and some DRM may still cause problems. Furthermore, the console currently does not officially support virtual reality games, which may be relevant for a specific segment of users.
For those who prefer a different environment, the manufacturer emphasizes that the equipment allows for installation SteamOS, Bazzite or even Windows 11 Without major obstacles, since, essentially, it's a standard PC in a compact chassis. This gives leeway to those who want to take advantage of libraries, services, or applications that work best on the Microsoft system.
Relationship with the Steam Machine and market context
The emergence of Playnix comes at a particular moment. Valve announced it more than six months ago. a new generation of Steam MachineIt was aimed at both console and PC users, but the project has since been delayed by a shortage of RAM and storage, which has driven up production costs.
That delay It has left the door open to proposals from third parties. Playnix is positioning itself precisely in that gap. using shelving hardware Instead of waiting for a possible custom design blessed by Valve, the result is a device that, on paper, can even surpass the raw power of the mini PC being prepared by the Steam company, although naturally without the official Valve label.
The company behind Playnix, linked to EmuDeck, already had previous experience in projects of pre-configured machines for emulationAlthough previous attempts failed to gain traction, this time they've taken the leap directly to a complete living room PC, with a fixed configuration and sold directly from their website, shipping from Spain to other countries.
Although any advanced user could assemble a similar piece of equipmentThe added value that the brand proposes comes from the whole package: a compact chassis already solved, an operating system ready to play, specific technical support and an integration designed to plug in, configure just enough and dedicate yourself to playing.
In terms of positioning, Playnix presents itself less as a direct rival to traditional consoles and more as an option for those who want a PC without complications in the lounge, with an emphasis on emulation, Steam libraries, and the flexibility to switch operating systems if needs change in the future or new compatibilities emerge, such as More Windows games on Linux.
Price, availability and purchase conditions
Currently, Playnix is marketed en a single base configurationIt features a 6-core Ryzen 5 processor, a 16GB Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card, 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. This version is priced at €1.139 and is sold exclusively through the manufacturer's official website.
The first units were offered for a slightly lower amountThe price was around €1.039-€1.089, but it has been rising in line with the overall increase in memory and storage prices. Shipping costs, which are around €20-€25 within Europe depending on the region, must be added to this figure.
The manufacturer emphasizes that Stocks are limited The project is being produced in batches, which is common for niche products. This means that the console may sell out at certain times, requiring a wait for the next shipment, something that has already happened with the first series released.
The sales package includes an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controllerThe system arrives ready to connect to your TV and start playing without needing to buy any additional peripherals. From there, you can add a keyboard, mouse, or other controllers if you want to use the system as a complete PC.
With all these elements, Playnix positions itself as a unique proposal within the European landscapeIt combines mid-to-high-end AMD-based hardware, a 3D-printed case, a custom Linux operating system geared towards gaming, and a price that competes not with traditional consoles, but with mid-range mini PCs and compact desktops of a certain caliber. For those who were waiting for the new Steam Machine and don't want to keep waiting for announcements, this PC-console offers a real alternative that, with its limitations and strengths, can already be purchased and placed in the living room.
