The ongoing RAM shortages are preventing Valve from committing to exact pricing for its upcoming hardware, including the Steam Machine.
2026 should be an interesting year in the games hardware space, since Valve is trying its hand at releasing its own games console again (sort of) by resurrecting the Steam Machine.
As a quick reminder, the Steam Machine is more of a PC wrapped in console clothing. The concept was originally annouced in 2014 but wasn’t a success and was quietly discontinued a few years later.
In November, Valve announced plans to release a revamped Steam Machine, alongside some other new hardware, in early 2026, but it’s now having to rethink its plans thanks to the ongoing RAM shortages.
It’s well documented that RAM has grown more scarce and more expensive thanks to AI companies buying up so much of it. As a result, regular customers are finding it difficult to buy or upgrade their PCs.
Other companies stand to be impacted too, since console manufacturers also require memory components. This is one of the reasons why the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox are expected to be pushed back and why Nintendo is pondering a price increase for the Switch 2.
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Chip manufacturer AMD did recently assert, during an earnings call with investors, that the next Xbox was still targeting a 2027 launch. They also said that, despite a lack of news, the Steam Machine will be launching early this year.
Valve’s update on the matter tells a different story and while it avoids saying the Steam Machine itself is delayed, it does sound like early 2026 isn’t a viable launch window anymore.
‘When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now,’ reads a blog post from Valve.
‘But the memory and storage shortages you’ve likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then. The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing (especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame).’
Valve insists its launch goals for all its new hardware hasn’t changed, but it is now saying the plan is to have them out ‘in the first half of the year,’ which means the Steam Machine may not launch till as late as June.
‘We have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change. We will keep you updated as much as we can as we finalise those plans as soon as possible,’ continues Valve.
While Valve never committed to an exact price for the Steam Machine, it did caution that it will be more expensive than a console and more in line with how much a PC would cost, although capable gaming PC consoles don’t necessarily cost much more than a PS5 Pro.
The final price may be higher than Valve’s initial plans, though, if it’s having to rethink things. But that runs the risk of repeating history, since one of the reasons the original Steam Machine didn’t take off was its high price tag.
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In the meantime, Valve has answered some of the most pressing questions people have about the Steam Machine (besides the price), including how well it can run certain games.
Valve confidently asserts ‘the majority of Steam titles play great at 4K 60fps with FSR on Steam Machine,’ so you shouldn’t worry about any performance downgrades.
Some games, however, ‘currently require more upscaling than others, and it may be preferable to play at a lower framerate with VRR to maintain a 1080p internal resolution.’
Aside from the Steam Machine, Valve plans to launch another VR device, the Steam Frame, and a new controller that will be compatible with anything that can run Steam, including the Steam Machine and the Steam Deck handheld.
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