Steam Machine Faces June 2026 Launch as RAM Shortages Threaten Price Hikes
Valve has confirmed that its upcoming Steam Machine hardware will be released by June 2026, but the company warns that ongoing RAM shortages could lead to significant price increases. The gaming giant originally planned an early 2026 launch for the revamped console, but component availability issues have forced a reassessment of both timing and cost.
Memory Crisis Impacts Gaming Hardware Industry
The global RAM shortage, driven largely by AI companies purchasing vast quantities of memory, has created challenges across the technology sector. Regular consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to buy or upgrade PCs, while console manufacturers face similar constraints. This scarcity has already influenced other major players in the industry, with expectations that the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox could face delays, and Nintendo considering price adjustments for the Switch 2.
Valve addressed these concerns in a recent blog post, stating: 'When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now. But the memory and storage shortages you’ve likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then.'
Revised Launch Window and Pricing Uncertainty
While Valve maintains that its launch goals for all new hardware remain unchanged, the company now targets a release 'in the first half of the year,' potentially pushing the Steam Machine launch as late as June 2026. The firm acknowledges that 'the limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing.'
This pricing uncertainty presents a particular challenge for Valve, as the Steam Machine is positioned as a premium product. The company has previously indicated that the device would be more expensive than traditional consoles, aligning more closely with PC pricing. However, with capable gaming PCs sometimes costing little more than a PS5 Pro, any additional price increases could risk repeating history—the original Steam Machine's high price tag was a key factor in its commercial failure.
Performance Assurance and Additional Hardware
Despite the pricing and timing concerns, Valve remains confident about the Steam Machine's capabilities. The company asserts that 'the majority of Steam titles play great at 4K 60fps with FSR on Steam Machine,' though some games may require upscaling or benefit from playing at lower framerates with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology to maintain 1080p resolution.
Alongside the Steam Machine, Valve plans to launch the Steam Frame VR device and a new controller compatible with any device running Steam, including the Steam Machine and Steam Deck handheld. These additional products face similar component challenges, though Valve continues to work toward concrete pricing and launch dates.
Industry Context and Future Implications
The RAM shortage represents a significant hurdle for the entire gaming hardware sector in 2026. While AMD recently confirmed during an investor earnings call that the next Xbox remains on track for a 2027 launch, and maintained that the Steam Machine would launch early this year, Valve's latest update suggests a more cautious timeline.
As Valve works to finalise its plans, the company has committed to keeping consumers updated: 'We have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change. We will keep you updated as much as we can as we finalise those plans as soon as possible.'
The coming months will be crucial for Valve as it navigates these component challenges while attempting to avoid the pitfalls that undermined the original Steam Machine's success.
