Valve has officially unveiled the pricing for its Steam Machine consoles, with models ranging from $1,049 USD for a 512GB version to $1,349 USD for a 2TB configuration. Both configurations can be purchased as standalone units or bundled with the new Steam Controller. The higher cost is attributed to the current market prices and availability of essential components like RAM and storage, a factor Valve stated it would not subsidize to maintain the openness of the PC ecosystem.
Steam Machine Models and Pricing
Two primary Steam Machine models are available: one equipped with 512GB of storage and another with 2TB. These can be bought independently or as part of a bundle that includes the Steam Controller. Pricing in USD is as follows:
- Steam Machine (512GB): $1,049
- Steam Machine (512GB) and Steam Controller: $1,128
- Steam Machine (2TB): $1,349
- Steam Machine (2TB) and Steam Controller: $1,428
Customers opting for the 2TB model, either by itself or in the controller bundle, will also receive two additional faceplates: one in red fabric and another in solid walnut. Valve has acknowledged that component costs have impacted the final price, exceeding their initial expectations. This situation, coupled with component availability challenges, has led to a distinctive purchasing process.
How to Buy a Steam Machine
Acquiring a Steam Machine involves a reservation system designed by Valve to deter scalpers and bots, and to ensure fair distribution. Potential buyers must meet specific criteria: possess a Steam account in good standing with no active bans, have made at least one purchase on Steam before April 27, 2026, and adhere to a one-signup-per-household limit. Payment and shipping details will be used to enforce this.
The reservation process requires users to sign up for their desired Steam Machine model or bundle before a specific deadline: Thursday, June 25, at 1pm EDT / 10am PDT. Following this cutoff, Valve will conduct a randomized draw to determine the order of reservations. All participants will receive an email on June 25, which will either be a Reservation Email, confirming a reserved unit, or a Waitlist Email, placing them in a queue for future availability. Those who miss the initial sign-up deadline will be automatically added to the back of the waitlist. Users who receive a Reservation Email will have a 72-hour window to complete their purchase once they receive a subsequent email offering them the chance to buy.
The first batch of Steam Machines is slated to become available starting Monday, June 29, with Valve aiming to fulfill all reservations by the end of the year. While a reservation email secures a spot, it does not guarantee immediate purchase on June 29. The randomized nature of the reservation order means the timing of purchase availability can vary significantly. Cancellations or missed purchase windows will move individuals up the waitlist, and Valve may conduct future production runs. Once purchased, the Steam Machine will be shipped directly to the customer.
Purchase Limitations and Region Specifics
It is not possible to change the selected model after signing up for a reservation. Canceling a reservation or opting out of the waitlist will result in the forfeiture of one's position. Separate reservation lists are maintained for North America, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia, with users automatically assigned to their respective regions based on their provided address. While users can sign up for multiple models, they will ultimately be allocated only one, based on their ranking of preference. If no reservation is secured, the user will be placed on the waitlist for the model they were closest to obtaining.
Valve's rationale behind this reservation method is to create a more equitable purchasing experience, mitigating the issues of scalping and botting that have plagued other hardware releases. The system also allows Valve to manage inventory and production more effectively, aiming to prevent overselling while ensuring that genuine customers have a fair opportunity to purchase the device.