A discovery in Valve's source code may be preparing the Steam Machine reservation system for hardware prices in the four-figure range. This dashes the hopes of PC gamers for an affordable console alternative for their home TVs.
Valve has rolled out a seemingly innocuous update to its in-house hardware reservation system on its servers. Data miners immediately analyzed the update and discovered new lines in the source code that explicitly prepare the system for payments of "thousands of euros".
Despite the RAM crisis, previous market reports and analyst estimates assumed it would be suitable for the mass market. Entry price between $600 and $800 Valve has so far refused to issue any studio statement regarding the incident. The community is reacting with horror in the relevant forums at the impending purchase costs.
Expensive bundle or premium hardware
There are three possible explanations for the discovery in the source code, aside from a simple programming error. The most likely option is the availability of a high-end model with a 2-terabyte hard drive right from launch. Alternatively, Valve might be planning to release a comprehensive premium bundle that includes additional controllers or VR hardware alongside the actual processor. Or it could simply be a placeholder to generate buzz.
An exact release date for the device has not yet been officially announced. The reactions of potential buyers are clear. Many gamers are already comparing the leaked figures to the cost of a PS5 Pro and have announced they will immediately refrain from buying if the price exceeds €1,000.
Valve's new version of the Steam Controller has been completely sold out worldwide since its launch on May 4, 2026, with prices on eBay for confirmed orders reaching up to €399. climbedThis represents a price increase of almost 303 percent compared to the official recommended retail price of €99. Within half an hour, the device went from being regular hardware to a purely speculative object, as Valve dispensed with established safeguards against automated bot purchases.
Studio statements from Valve engineer Steve Cardinali vaguely point to a massively underestimated demand as well as ongoing bottlenecks in the component market due to the parallel production of the upcoming Steam Machine.
It remains to be seen how the Steam Machine will position itself on the market – and above all, at what price.
I hope it won't be that expensive.
700 would be my absolute limit. Otherwise, I'll build one myself.