Having officially unveiled its first Steam Machine console last week at CES 2014, gaming specialist Alienware has confirmed that it intends to launch new models every year.
Speaking out on its first Steam Machine, the Dell owned company has revealed that due to a lack of upgrade options on the Steam OS powered console, it will be forced to launch new models every 12 months.
“Lifecycle wise, consoles update every five, six, seven years, we will be updating our Steam Machines every year,” Frank Azor, Alienware’s General Manager told TrustedReviews.
Detailing the need for annual Alienware Steam Machine launches, Azor stated: “There will be no customisation options, you can’t really update it.” Despite the lack of customisation options he added: “The platform will continue to evolve as the games become more resource intensive.”
Given that the Alienware Steam Machine will be priced comparably with the £429 Xbox One, the lack of upgrade and customisation options on the digital-content based console is sure to deter many gamers from jumping aboard for the first-generation consoles.
For those after more upgrade options, Alienware has suggested that a more traditional gaming PC might be more fitting.
Azor stated: “There will be some configuration options when you purchase it, maybe you can get a faster CPU, maybe some more memory something like that.
“If you actually want to customise your Alienware Steam Machine, maybe change your graphics card out or put in a new CPU, you would be better off with the standard Alienware X51. This particular product is restricted in its upgrade options.”
For those who are open to annual hardware refreshes, the Steam OS innards of the Alienware Steam Machine will ensure that the transition is as fluid as possible.
“The amazing thing about Steam is that you won’t have to repurchase your games,” the Alienware MD said. “If you update your hardware, your games will still be there and work.”
Read More: A guide to SteamOS