Last November, Valve announced the Steam Machine and told customers not to expect console-level prices. The company said it would price the device similarly to a gaming PC with the same specs.
Now Valve says the price might go up even more because of the global memory shortage.
Early estimates put the Steam Machine between $500 and $1,000, depending on what configuration you choose. But you might end up paying more than that.
Valve posted an update saying it planned to announce pricing and release dates, but the memory and storage shortages changed those plans. The company needs to reconsider both when it ships and how much it charges for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.
You can see how supply chain problems hit even big companies like Valve. The memory shortage affects everyone trying to build hardware right now.
Valve wants to be transparent about why it can’t lock down final numbers yet. The delays and potential price increases stem from factors outside its control.
If you were planning to buy a Steam Machine, expect to wait longer and possibly pay more. Valve will share concrete details once the supply situation becomes clearer.
Valve still plans to ship the devices sometime between January and June 2026. That target hasn’t changed. But the company admits it needs more time to figure out exact prices and launch dates. It can’t commit to specific numbers yet.
The company posted this update along with a new FAQ page. The page answers common questions about the upcoming hardware. You can read through it to learn more about what Valve has planned.
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The timeline stays the same for now, but the details remain fuzzy. Valve knows what customers want to hear. It just can’t provide those answers until it sorts out the supply issues and calculates what everything will actually cost.
Valve Steam Machine Performance and Upgrade
Valve says the Steam Machine can run most Steam games at 4K and 60 frames per second when you turn on AMD FSR. Games that demand more power might need you to lower the frame rate (with VRR turned on) or drop down to 1080p resolution instead.
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You can upgrade the SSD and RAM yourself. Valve designed both components to be accessible, so you won’t need to send the device back to the company when you want more storage or memory.
Valve will release CAD models for the faceplates in the next few months. This lets third-party companies make custom faceplates for your Steam Machine. You’ll have options beyond what Valve offers directly.
Right now, nobody knows the final price or the exact release date. You need to wait for Valve’s official announcement. The company promises to share updates as soon as it can nail down the details.
