Steam Machine Preorder Emails Are Super Confusing

With Valve's Steam Machine set to launch on June 29, users might be left scratching their heads about when they can actually purchase the hybrid PC console. The process has proven to be a bit of a puzzle, especially with the emails that have recently landed in inboxes. If you've received one of these messages, you might be wondering if you're in line to preorder or if you're stuck waiting for more units to become available.

The confusion stems from the way Valve has structured its communication. The email you received is not the one that allows you to make a purchase — it's simply informing you of your status in the preorder process. If you're on the reservation queue, you’ll get a follow-up email within three days that lets you place your order. However, if you're on the waitlist, you may have to wait for a while as more units become available or as others cancel their reservations.

Understanding the Emails

Here's what the email looks like for users in the reservation queue:

"When your Steam Machine 512GB becomes available, we will send you a separate email with the option to purchase. You'll then have 3 days to complete the purchase before we cancel your reservation and move on to the next person in the queue. This is the only email you will receive about the results of the randomization. If you ended up with a reservation queue spot for more than one model, you were allocated a reservation for the highest-end model, and were removed from all the others."

And for those on the waitlist, the message is slightly different:

"When we did the one-time randomization of the list, your place in line ended up beyond the number of units we'll have in this production run. As we work our way through the reservation queue, some customers may cancel their reservations. If that happens, you may be moved into the reservation queue, and you'll be notified via email that you have a reservation after all. This is the only email you will receive about the results of the randomization. If you ended up with a waitlist spot for one or more models, you'll be placed on the waitlist for the model that you were closest to the front of."

What You Need to Know

  • If you're on the queue, you'll receive a follow-up email with a purchase option.
  • If you're on the waitlist, you may need to wait for more units to become available.
  • Only one email will be sent regarding the outcome of the randomization.
  • Those on the queue for multiple models are prioritized for the highest-end model.

Early feedback on the Steam Machine has been positive, with users noting that it functions as a compact, quiet, and powerful living room PC. It offers a fresh take on PC gaming in a console-like form factor. However, the price tag — ranging from $1050 to $1430 — means you'll need to budget accordingly.