Console Shock Podcast 166: The Death of Discs & Steam Machine Pricing Revealed!

🎮 Is the Steam Machine worth its £879 starting price, or are DIY SteamOS PCs the better option? 💻 Why SteamOS could kick-start a new generation of affordable "console PCs" from manufacturers like Asus and Lenovo. 🛠️ Can building your own SteamOS-powered gaming box deliver better performance and value than Valve's official hardware? 🔄 The hidden advantages of PC gaming, from cheaper games and free online play to backwards compatibility and upgradeability. 💿 Sony's decision to phase out physical PlayStation games—and what it means for collectors, ownership, and game preservation. 📦 Are code-in-a-box releases the future, and does physical media still have a place in modern gaming? 🔮 How Project Helix, SteamOS, and rising console prices could reshape the future of PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gaming. 🎯 Why Nintendo may be the last traditional console maker standing as PlayStation and Xbox move closer to becoming PC-like platforms. ⚽ Plus, a quick chat about the FIFA World Cup, fan culture, and why football supporters can sometimes set the perfect example.