We’re still waiting for the Steam Machine to hit the market. While Valve launched the Steam Controller earlier this month, there’s no official word on when the Steam Machine will release or how much it will cost. In the meantime, gaming brand Thunderobot has released its own Steam Machine-like mini PC, and it comes with some extremely powerful hardware inside.

Called the Thunderobot AI Mini Workstation, the compact system was first shown off during CES 2026. Back then, the company only showcased the device and did not reveal pricing or launch information. Now, the mini PC has officially launched in China, giving us a better look at what it offers and how much buyers will need to spend to get one.

Thunderobot AI Mini Workstation launched in China

Looking at the specifications, this is clearly not an ordinary gaming mini PC. The system is powered by AMD’s high-end AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, paired with the integrated Radeon 8060S GPU. It also comes packed with a massive 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM alongside a 2TB SSD for storage. Based on the hardware alone, the Thunderobot AI Mini Workstation appears to be designed more for heavy AI tasks, workstation workloads, and professional use rather than simply gaming.

Connectivity is also strong, with two USB4 ports, three USB 2.0 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and one USB 3.2 Type-C port. For displays, users get both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 outputs. There are also two 3.5mm audio ports for headphones and speakers. Thunderobot has also included both 10G Ethernet and 2.5G Ethernet ports, allowing you to establish a high-speed wired internet connection. Wireless support is also modern, with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 included.

How much does it cost?

As for pricing, this is where things get serious. The Thunderobot AI Mini Workstation is currently selling for CNY 26,999 in China, which converts to roughly $3,975 USD. That puts it firmly in the premium workstation category rather than the average gaming mini PC market, and far beyond what we hope the Steam Machine to cost.

Compared to that, Valve’s Steam Machine is expected to retail somewhere between $700 and $1,000 based on current rumors and leaks. However, both devices are clearly targeting very different audiences. Valve’s system is expected to focus on console-like PC gaming in the living room, while Thunderobot’s AI Mini Workstation is built for demanding workloads, AI processing, and professional tasks packed inside a compact form factor.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.