Alienware has announced its plans to launch Steam Machines every year, in order to create a lifecycle similar to that of consoles.

Alienware GM Frank Azor confirmed the plans to TrustedReviews, commenting that, like the consoles produced by Sony and Microsoft, the hardware of Alienware’s Steam Machines would be locked.

Gamers wanting to play the latest games at the highest settings will therefore have to buy an entirely new system.

However, Azor pointed out that the boxes’ refresh cycle would be much quicker than consoles.

"Lifecycle wise, consoles update every five, six, seven years, we will be updating our Steam Machines every year," he explained.

“There will be no customisation options – you can’t really update it."

“The platform will continue to evolve as the games become more resource intensive.”

“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.”

The 2014 Alienware Steam Machine is yet to have any specifications or a release date confirmed.