Steam Machine is here, starts at $1,049—sign up live for 512 GB/2 TB model, with optional Steam Controller

Steam Machine Launches at $1,049—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Valve has officially announced the price of its Steam Machine, a new gaming PC powered by SteamOS. The Steam Machine offers multiple configurations, with two different storage capacities and the option to include or exclude the Steam Controller. If you're intrigued by the price, you can now sign up live for a chance to purchase one. Here are the available models and their pricing:

• 512 GB model: $1,049 USD / 1,509 CAD / 1,039 EUR / 879 GBP / 1,609 AUD / 4,389 PLN
• 2 TB model: $1,349 USD / 1,919 CAD / 1,359 EUR / 1,149 GBP / 2,109 AUD / 5,739 PLN
• 512 GB with Steam Controller: $1,128 USD / 1,628 CAD / 1,108 EUR / 938 GBP / 1,728 AUD / 4,698 PLN
• 2 TB with Steam Controller: $1,428 USD / 2,038 CAD / 1,428 EUR / 1,208 GBP / 2,228 AUD / 6,048 PLN

Both 2 TB models include two optional faceplates: one with a red fabric design and another with a solid walnut finish, which attach using magnets. Valve has also confirmed that it will release the CAD files for these faceplates, allowing users to create their own custom designs.

The bundle that includes the Steam Controller offers better value compared to purchasing it separately. The Steam Controller normally retails for $99, but adding it to the Steam Machine only increases the price by $79. Additionally, availability for the Steam Controller has been limited, with some users potentially needing to wait until 2027 to purchase one individually.

Limited Availability and Price Hikes

Despite the official launch, availability for the Steam Machine is expected to be quite limited. This is due to the ongoing memory crisis, which has caused a significant increase in the cost of some components. Valve explains that certain parts they initially planned to use are now either unavailable or have become prohibitively expensive.

“More than anything else, this impacted our launch quantity,” Valve says, confirming that the limited supply of the Steam Machine is a direct result of these supply chain challenges.

To manage the limited supply and avoid issues with automated bots, Valve has implemented a randomized reservation system for the Steam Machine. This system is similar to those used for the Steam Deck and Steam Controller, where users can register their interest to be placed in a queue for future purchase.

How the Reservation System Works

• Start your reservation now: You can sign up for the Steam Machine model or bundle you're interested in.
• Flexible sign-up window: If you're unable to register immediately, you can do so anytime before Thursday, June 25, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
• Randomized queue: At that time, Valve will close signups and perform a one-time randomization to determine the reservation order.
• Results notification: After the randomization, you will be informed whether you have successfully reserved a unit or been placed on a waitlist for future availability.

Valve hopes to process the entire reservation queue by the end of the year, but those on the waitlist may have to wait well into 2027 or beyond.

Why the Price Increase?

Valve notes that the cost of components has fluctuated significantly over the past year, especially for RAM and storage. While the company had a good understanding of potential costs when sourcing parts in 2023, the situation has changed dramatically. The price of the Steam Machine reflects the current state of the market based on components secured over the past six months.

This situation is not unique to Valve. Many PC manufacturers have warned of further price increases as component stock continues to dwindle and new parts must be purchased at inflated prices.

In fact, Valve recently increased the price of the Steam Deck due to rising component costs and global logistical challenges. Similar trends may continue for the Steam Machine as well.

Why No Subsidy?

Valve has also clarified why it is not subsidizing the price of the Steam Machine, despite having access to Steam funds. The company argues that PC gaming should remain open and flexible, allowing users to choose their preferred hardware and software.

"Companies that sell hardware below cost or buy exclusive content are creating a more closed system," Valve explains. "We don’t want that for PC hardware. You shouldn’t feel like you have to buy Valve hardware; you should be able to view it as just one option among many."

Final Thoughts

For now, your best chance to get a Steam Machine in 2026 is to sign up for the reservation system before June 25. Once you've registered, it's a matter of waiting and hoping you end up in the right queue. With limited availability and potential future price increases, this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the first Steam Machines.