Many PC gamers have snubbed consoles due to the fact that the current crop of consoles cannot be upgraded. When news about the Steam Machine surfaced, many PC gamers took notice, hoping for a chance to finally get a console that can be upgraded on a user's whim. When Alienware joined the fray, the gamers were also excited about what the PC gaming specialist could bring to the table. However, a recent announcement indicates that Alienware Steam Machines will not be upgradable.
The current crop of Steam Machines unveiled at the CES 2014 in Las Vegas bore stunning example of modern industrial design. However, it has recently been confirmed by Alienware that its product will not have any customization options. It means its Steam Machine will not have any user upgradable components.
"There will be no customization options, you can't really update it," says Frank Azor, the general manager of Alienware. Gamers who like having the latest and greatest high performance components will be given another chance to keep their system up to spec, however. Instead of manufacturing an upgradable machine, Alienware has announced that they will instead offer updated versions of their Steam Machines on a yearly basis.
Most consoles have a life cycle of around five to seven years. This means that console gamers who always want the latest machines will have to shell out cash once every 5 years or so. This is where the problem lies since Alienware's machines will be priced at similar price points compared to the Xbox One. Upgrading annually may be both impractical and expensive and many gamers may simply opt out.
Alienware is advising gamers who prefer upgradable systems to opt for more traditional gaming PCs in lieu of the new consoles. In fact, the company recommended systems like the Alienware X51, which comes with a number of upgradable components.
Whether Alienware's strategy of annually releasing non-upgradable Steam Machines succeeds will remain to be seen. However, many hopeful PC gamers will probably have to stick with their traditional gaming rigs. For people who opt for the Steam Machine, the upside is that all purchased gaming titles will still be available and playable even when they purchase newer and more powerful Steam Machines in the future.
