Valve's Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller hardware has been delayed due to the ongoing memory and storage crunch in the industry. The company initially announced that its products would begin shipping in early 2026 but now believes it will need to revisit its exact shipping schedule and pricing.
The delay is largely attributed to the rapidly increasing prices of RAM and other critical components, which have had a significant impact on Valve's ability to determine pricing for its hardware. In November last year, Valve hinted that it was having trouble setting a price due to "market conditions," but it appears that these conditions have worsened.
The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with many fans of Steam's new hardware eagerly awaiting details about their release dates and prices. The Steam Machine is expected to be an entry-level console, priced lower than a PC, while the Frame will offer advanced features at a price lower than Valve's previous headset, the Index. The Steam Controller is also anticipated to have competitive pricing.
AMD CEO Lisa Su has stated that the Steam Machine is on track for release in early 2026, but this news appears less significant given the changes in pricing and supply chain constraints. This shift highlights the difficulties of navigating complex supply chains when it comes to high-tech hardware.
Valve's revised timeline and strategy reflect a growing trend among tech companies, where shifting demand, component shortages, and market volatility can significantly affect product timelines and budgets.
The delay is largely attributed to the rapidly increasing prices of RAM and other critical components, which have had a significant impact on Valve's ability to determine pricing for its hardware. In November last year, Valve hinted that it was having trouble setting a price due to "market conditions," but it appears that these conditions have worsened.
The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, with many fans of Steam's new hardware eagerly awaiting details about their release dates and prices. The Steam Machine is expected to be an entry-level console, priced lower than a PC, while the Frame will offer advanced features at a price lower than Valve's previous headset, the Index. The Steam Controller is also anticipated to have competitive pricing.
AMD CEO Lisa Su has stated that the Steam Machine is on track for release in early 2026, but this news appears less significant given the changes in pricing and supply chain constraints. This shift highlights the difficulties of navigating complex supply chains when it comes to high-tech hardware.
Valve's revised timeline and strategy reflect a growing trend among tech companies, where shifting demand, component shortages, and market volatility can significantly affect product timelines and budgets.
, i was so stoked about those steam hardware releases, now we gotta wait even longer? 
like, can't they just make it happen already? 
but i guess that's the way it is when you're dealing with crazy expensive components... memory and storage are like, super hard to come by these days 
. anyway, it's not all bad news - i'm actually kinda excited to see what valve comes up with in terms of pricing now that they've had a chance to adjust... maybe we'll get some sweet deals 
. can't wait to dive into those new steam frames and controllers when the time is right 
. I was really looking forward to getting my hands on the Steam Frame for its advanced features... now I don't know if it'll even be released by 2026 
. And what's with the price hikes? It's already hard enough for parents to budget for gaming setups without these prices going up 
. I just want my kid to have a good time playing games, not break the bank 
I mean, come on Valve! You gotta have some control over the whole gaming industry thingy, right? And now we're supposed to wait even longer for these awesome new Steam hardware?! The prices are going up and down like a crazy rollercoaster ride, it's making me wanna pull my hair out!!! 
I'm really disappointed about this delay, especially since I was super hyped for the Steam Machine and Frame. It makes sense that there are memory and storage crunches in the industry, but I feel like it's gonna be a while before we get our hands on these awesome new controllers 
. I was looking forward to getting into gaming without breaking the bank 
. And now they're saying they might have to revisit pricing? That just makes me nervous 
! I've been waiting to get my hands on those things since they were first announced... I mean, who wouldn't want a powerful console that's actually affordable? The fact that the prices are increasing is just another example of how crazy the tech industry has become 
. But for Valve, it's just another example of how hard it is to balance innovation with production costs 
i remember when they said it was coming out in early 2026 but now its like "we dont know" lol. 
how are they gonna get it right? 
. Do you guys think the delay will affect the Steam Machine's performance or user experience?
it's also crazy how prices of ram & other components have skyrocketed 
the memory and storage crunch thing sounds super legit tho, i mean who wouldn't get caught up in that? 
anyway, i think valve is just trying to be smart about this and all but it's hard not to feel a lil disappointed 
just heard about Steam Machine, Frame & controller delays 
, making it super tough for them to set a price that won't leave customers feeling ripped off 
. Fingers crossed they can get everything sorted out and release something awesome in 2026 
!
. It's like they're using the old "Think-Frog-Think" diagram from back in my web design days 
! I was really looking forward to the Steam Machine and Frame coming out, especially since they're supposed to be affordable options for those who don't want to spend a fortune on a gaming rig. Now it sounds like we might have to wait even longer... and prices are going up anyway? It's just not fair 
My kid is already begging for their first gaming console, this delay is just putting it off till later