Valve has made adjustments to its hardware launch schedule in light of ongoing memory and storage shortages. In a recent blog post, the company expressed its commitment to establishing pricing and release dates that it can confidently confirm while acknowledging the volatility in the current supply chain.
Last November, Valve unveiled three new products: the next-generation Steam Machine, the Steam Frame VR headset, and an updated Steam controller, with an initial goal of launching them in early 2026. However, the company has indicated that the recent surges in memory and storage costs—widely reported across the tech industry—necessitate a reevaluation of their timelines and pricing strategies.
The situation has been compounded by increasing demand for memory chips, largely driven by the burgeoning need for high-performance components for artificial intelligence applications. According to industry experts, the price of RAM has more than doubled since October 2025 due to the surge in data centers that support AI technologies. Chris Miller, a historian and author, noted how the demand for High Bandwidth Memory has led to a significant rise in memory cost, with suppliers adapting to both demand uncertainties and restricted supplies, thus pushing prices higher.
In its communications, Valve has stressed that the target for releasing all three products in the first half of 2026 remains unchanged. However, they are focusing on refining their pricing, particularly for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, to remain competitive in the market. Valve software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated, “If you build a PC from parts and get to basically the same level of performance, that’s the general price window that we aim at.” He emphasized that while they are committed to providing a good deal, the current market conditions make it challenging to determine exact pricing.
Although these delays and price adjustments might initially seem discouraging for potential buyers, Valve’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges highlights their commitment to delivering quality products that meet market expectations. The gaming community can remain hopeful for innovations and competitive pricing once these hardware releases are finally launched.