The Steam Machine's 2026 release is facing significant challenges. According to Valve hardware designer Lawrence Yang, the ongoing shortage of RAM will severely impact the pricing and availability of future hardware products.
While the new Steam Controller will be released on May 4th for €99, the price of the console itself remains uncertain due to the market situation. This doesn't just affect Valve; Microsoft has also made similar statements, which also apply to Sony.
AI boom leads to empty warehouses
The main reason for the precarious situation is the enormous hunger of AI data centers for RAM—nothing new there. According to industry reports, these will claim up to 70% of global DRAM production by 2026. That leaves only the expensive remainder for consumer hardware like the Steam Machine. Lawrence Yang stated in Interview with PC Gamer It is clear that this development will "inevitably" affect everything Valve produces.
- SteamController: It will be released on schedule on May 4th, as it does not require RAM. Price: €99 / $99.
- Steam Machine: Planned release in 2026, but without a fixed date or final price.
- Cause: Prioritizing storage for generative AI infrastructure; rising tariffs and import costs.
Valve's decision to release the controller separately and in a timely manner is purely strategic. The device serves as a precursor to the Steam Machine and is intended to "Steam Deck feeling"...including trackpads and TMR sticks, bringing it into the living room. Since no RAM is used, Valve was able to continue production despite the crisis – although Yang admits that costs are already higher than originally planned."
PC hardware at its limit
The situation is doubly bitter for Valve. The Steam Machine is supposed to compete with the PS5 Pro and its successors as a PC alternative for the living room. But while Sony and Microsoft have long-term supply contracts for their components, the volatility of the RAM market is hitting a manufacturer like Valve, which tends to think in terms of smaller batches, much harder. Historically, this is reminiscent of the GPU crisis caused by cryptocurrency mining, except this time it's RAM that's in short supply.
Anyone hoping for a budget-friendly "console" from Valve should temper their expectations. With RAM modules costing almost twice as much as last year, the Steam Machine will either be significantly more expensive than originally planned, or Valve will have to heavily subsidize it – similar to the Steam Deck – to remain competitive. Another option would be... Barebones EditionThis version allows players to purchase RAM separately or install existing RAM themselves. Those planning to play SteamOS in their living room should use May 4th for the controller, but expect an "early adopter surcharge" for their main PC.
