Alienware Steam Machine coming late 2014, X51 to make the jump

Alienware has a Steam Machine launching later this year, the gaming-focused PC manufacturer announced today, and will also make its existing X51 desktop compatible with SteamOS.

The Alienware Steam Machine is described as "the first dedicated Alienware Steam Machine gaming console", resulting in "an easy, open and simple way to play PC games in any room".

Specs were not supplied, but Alienware said its Steam Machine has "an incredibly small footprint, providing the best balance between size, performance and aesthetics for the living room gaming experience"; a "sleek design", which is "both distinctively Alienware yet unobtrusive in a media cabinet"; and "a custom-built chassis to provide optimal thermal and acoustic management".

In addition to the console, the manufacturer will make its existing desktop system - the Alienware X51 - available as a Steam Machine, with two form factors to choose from.

Both systems are expected in late 2014, after four years of collaboration with Valve.

"The result of our collaboration is the Alienware Steam Machine, a console that encapsulates the full potential of what a Steam Machine should be," Valve founder Gabe Newell said in a statement.

Pricing and further details will be released in the coming months.