The Steam Deck LCD just got Black Friday'd, and I'd use the discount to make a low-spec Steam Machine

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The Steam Deck LCD just got Black Friday'd, and I'd use the discount to make a low-spec Steam Machine Deals By Phil Hayton published 25 November 2025

The sub $400 Steam Machine you seek already exists (sort of).

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(Image credit: Phil Hayton)

Valve just officially kicked off Black Friday Steam Deck deals, as the 256GB LCD model is now 20% cheaper. Naturally, that's great news for anyone looking to scoop a handheld gaming PC for less than every current-gen console, but I'd personally use the discount to conjure up my own Steam Machine for under $400.

Okay, a big hear me out on this one, as I'm obviously aware that the Steam Deck LCD isn't on par with Valve's upcoming Steam Machine. The latter is a fully-fledged console alternative with 4K 60fps capabilities. But, if you're not too fussed about performance beyond 1080p on your TV and really just need a console alternative to plough through your Steam backlog and some indies, grabbing the gaming handheld while it's going for $319.20 makes complete sense.

Steam Deck LCD 256GB | $399.99 $319.20 at ValveSave $80.79 - Valve only tends to discount its mighty Steam Deck once a year, so this is your chance to grab the LCD model for under $320. Much to the dismay of our Editor-in-Chief Josh, the OLED version is still full price, but I'd still jump on the current discount if you're not fussed about a more vibrant 90Hz display.

UK price: £349.99 £279.20 at Amazon

SteamOS alternative:

Lenovo Legion Go S | $649.99 $449.99 at Best Buy

View Deal

If you buy the Steam Deck LCD on its own, you'll naturally have something that isn't very console-like. To transform it into what I'll call a DIY Steam Machine, all you really need to do is grab the right Steam Deck dock and a PC controller, as using the 20% off deal alongside other discounts will let you do just that for under $400.

Sounds like too much work? Oh, darling, I already have some picks for you with Black Friday discounts. I've tested these accessories with the Steam Deck OLED and LCD versions, so I'd say they're the cream of the crop:

Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock | $35.99 $29.99 at AmazonSave $6 - This Steam Deck dock is still my top pick even in 2025, and it's thanks to its solid build quality and excellent adjustable cradle. The current 17% discount is knocking it to a record low, and the fact that it can fold flat makes it perfect for creating a stealthy low-spec Steam Machine setup.

UK: Check Amazon

View Deal

Gulikit Elves 2 Pro Wireless | $49.99 $39.99 at AmazonSave $10 - Recently, the Elves 2 Pro entered my life and replaced just about every controller I use, and it's a magical Bluetooth option for the Steam Deck. It also happens to be under $40 for only the second time this year, and that's a damn good price given it's got hall effect thumbsticks and haptics.

UK: £49.99 £39.99 at Amazon

View Deal

I want to point out a few natural caveats to using a Steam Deck as a DIY Steam Machine, as they're not all related to raw performance. Yes, you'll be lucky if you hit 1080p 60fps in new games with a setup like this, never mind 4K like Valve's new box, but you'll also have half the storage by default since the handheld has 256GB. That's easily remedied by picking up a microSD card or even modding the portable with a SSD like the WD Black SN770M (it happens to be $79.99 at Amazon right now), but that will take you well over the $500 mark.

The other drawback ties to using most PC controllers out there with the Steam Deck, as you'll be missing out on the new Steam Controller's trackpads and gyro. You could pick up the HORIPAD for Steam and gain back the latter perk, but I'd probably just wait for the real deal if you really need handheld gamepad features.

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Phil Hayton)(Image credit: Phil Hayton)

Those aside, I'd say putting your own Steam Machine together using the handheld makes for a nice way to try Valve's living room console experience. If you find that you love the features and functionality of SteamOS, but need a bit more horsepower, it means the black box will be for you when it arrives. Keep in mind that we have no idea how much it will cost yet, and if it's pretty expensive, I'd absolutely explore alternatives before eventually splurging.

• More Steam Deck accessories at Amazon
• More gaming handhelds at Best Buy

Still got savings on your mind? Swing by Black Friday Retro deals for classic consoles, handhelds, and accessories. Or, if you're in the market for a screen, check out Black Friday gaming monitor deals and Black Friday 120Hz 4K TV deals for excellent panel price cuts.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. TOPICS Black Friday Phil HaytonSocial Links NavigationHardware Editor

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar and joined the team in 2023. In the past, they've also contributed to the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, and PCGamesN, but these days, they specialize in testing the latest gaming handhelds, monitors, TVs, and PC components. They're also extremely nerdy about retro consoles and playing the classics on both new and old systems.

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