This just in! Third-party US developer iBuyPower just revealed their individualized model of the Steam-powered video game console. Kinda looks like someone bleached a PS4, doesn’t it? Just to remind you guys, a few months back Valve announced their plans for creating their very own living room friendly PC system (with Steam OS). And, they sent out the high-performance prototype to developers, completely upgradable and open.

“A powerful new category of living-room hardware is on the horizon. Join the hardware beta now. Choose the model right for you in 2014”

This was huge news for retailers; a true chance to be a part of Valve's new concept of breaking into the living room with gaming. Therefore, although iBuyPower will be the first to become available in 2014 for $499 (just matching up to the Xbox One), don't be surprised to see other Steam Machines pop up as well. Geez this is going to get exciting (it already is)! We now have a nice steady competition among Playstation, Microsoft and Valve gaming. Plus, even though $499 isn't cheap, the Steam Machine has the potential to cost more than a thousand dollars, easy. There is challenge in creating a hybrid PC/console with sufficient power to push high-performance graphics. This machine will feature an AMD CPU and AMD Radeon R9 270 graphics card (which on its own is close to $180 already). A little less oomph than Valve's original version (packed with an Nvidia Titan card), but it has to be affordable to consumers and this is a relatively nice deal. Additionally able to stream games in 1080p with 2.69 teraflops of computing power, 500 GB hard drive, wireless and Bluetooth, plus the almighty Valve Controller.

So there you have it. iBuyPower did it, but we won't see how well they did it until we can test it next year. Expect a good first look at the the company's prototype during the upcoming CES Las Vegas 2014. Until then, I anticipate to hear from more third-party contributions to the powerful potential of Steam Machines. Imagine the clutter of comparisons! It's a beneficial thing that the console is in the realm of affordable home gaming systems. We all know competition is a good thing. And for a hybrid, it could beat the idea of building your conventional PC gaming gear (cost wise), because it essentially does most of what a gaming PC can! However, never forget the skeptics out there who have complaints of iBuyPower manufacturing. No doubt they exist, and are denying the console to be anything to smirk about. Actions speak louder than words. So, I guess, how 'bout we wait until we see the Steam Machine from iBuy in action? I also very much hope to see some darn good marketing in the very near future. Remember guys, even though WE are all dorks, there are some weirdos out there don't even know what Steam is. Poor dudes.