Here's how to use head tracking on valve's new steam machine!
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
The New Steam Machine Has Arrived – Is It Worth It?
After years of speculation, Valve's new Steam Machine has finally arrived. Designed as a living-room gaming PC running SteamOS, it aims to combine the simplicity of a console with the flexibility of PC gaming. With native access to thousands of Steam titles and compatibility through Proton, it's an exciting option for players who want a console-like experience without leaving the PC ecosystem.
The Pros
One of the Steam Machine's biggest strengths is SteamOS. The Linux-based operating system has matured considerably thanks to the success of the Steam Deck, making game compatibility and performance better than ever. If your library is already on Steam, you can jump straight into your existing games without starting from scratch. Valve also claims the hardware delivers substantially more performance than the Steam Deck, making it well suited to modern simulation games and demanding PC titles.
Another advantage is openness. Unlike traditional consoles, the Steam Machine is still fundamentally a PC. You can connect your favourite peripherals, install compatible software, and customise your experience far beyond what's possible on most consoles.
The Cons
The biggest downside is price. Starting at over $1,000, the Steam Machine costs considerably more than current consoles, making it a significant investment for many gamers.
Game compatibility is also improving rather than perfect. While Proton supports thousands of games, not every Windows title works flawlessly, particularly games with certain anti-cheat systems or specialised peripherals.
Finally, some users may find SteamOS less familiar than Windows, especially if they regularly use non-Steam software.
TrackHat Sensor V2 on SteamOS
The good news for simulation enthusiasts is that the TrackHat Sensor V2 can also be used on the Steam Machine.
By downloading the Linux build of TrackHat OpenTrack from our GitHub repository and manually configuring the NeuralNet Tracker to use the Sensor V2 camera, Linux users can enjoy smooth, responsive head tracking in supported games.
Whether you're flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator, driving across Europe in Euro Truck Simulator 2, or taking to the skies in DCS World, PC head tracking remains one of the best upgrades you can make for immersion.
As SteamOS continues to mature, it's great to see Linux becoming an increasingly viable platform for simulation gamers—and we're pleased that TrackHat users can be part of that journey, and if you're not among them, you can get your TrackHat V2 sensor here:
