My worst fears in regards to the Steam Machine are coming true

When Valve introduced the Steam Machine again in November, I used to be cautiously optimistic. This wasn’t Valve’s first try on the concept, as the unique Steam Machine launched in 2015, however it by no means actually discovered its footing. Nevertheless, loads has modified since then. {Hardware} and software program have improved considerably, and the Steam Deck’s success since its 2022 launch has proven that Valve can completely construct compelling gaming {hardware}.

So when Valve revealed the brand new Steam Machine — a compact, cube-shaped mini PC slated for an early 2026 launch, together with a brand new Steam Controller and the Steam Body VR headset — it felt just like the timing may lastly be proper.

Sadly for Valve (and, actually, everybody), issues took a flip virtually instantly after the announcement, due to what I will name the RAM apocalypse. You have in all probability heard about it already, but when not: the explosion of AI has led knowledge facilities to scoop up huge quantities of RAM, inflicting provide shortages and sending costs skyrocketing. To place that into perspective, I purchased 32GB of DDR5 RAM for my PC again in 2024 for $145. Right now, that very same package of RAM prices round $550 — practically 4 occasions the unique value.

Since Valve had already confirmed the Steam Machine would ship with 16GB of RAM and 8GB OF VRAM, it did not take lengthy for issues to come up about how the worldwide RAM scarcity may have an effect on pricing. Because it seems, these worries have been well-founded.

In a current Steam Machine FAQ, Valve confirmed it is delaying the system’s launch, which was initially deliberate for early 2026. The corporate additionally stated that on account of rising RAM prices, it wants extra time to reevaluate the Steam Machine’s value earlier than saying it.

“Once we introduced these merchandise in November, we deliberate on having the ability to share particular pricing and launch dates by now. However the reminiscence and storage shortages you’ve got seemingly heard about throughout the trade have quickly elevated since then,” Valve defined. “The restricted availability and rising costs of those crucial parts imply we should revisit our actual transport schedule and pricing (particularly round Steam Machine and Steam Body).”

The Steam Machine’s delay will not be lengthy

Although my optimism is popping into skepticism

Credit score: Valve

As for the Steam Machine delay, the excellent news is it should not be lengthy. Whereas Valve initially focused an early 2026 launch, it is now shifted its language to “the primary half of the yr,” which hopefully means we’ll see it someday earlier than June. That delay additionally applies to the brand new Steam Controller and the Steam Body headset.

“Our objective of transport all three merchandise within the first half of the yr has not modified. However we have now work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we will confidently announce, being aware of how rapidly the circumstances round each of these issues can change,” Valve stated. “We’ll maintain you up to date as a lot as we will as we finalize these plans as quickly as attainable.”

On paper, the Steam Machine nonetheless appears like a really promising piece of {hardware}. It packs a semi-custom, desktop-class AMD CPU and GPU (Zen 4, 6 cores / 12 threads, as much as 4.8GHz) with 8GB of VRAM, 16GB of RAM, and choices for both a 512GB or 2TB SSD. From the beginning, Valve has stated the system is able to operating video games at 4K at 60FPS with FSR (AMD FidelityFX Tremendous Decision) and its newest FAQ reiterates that declare. Although it does admit some titles would require tweaking settings.

That stated, as promising because the Steam Machine could also be, my greatest fears appear to be coming true. First, it is already delayed, and it isn’t exhausting to think about it slipping once more. Second, my hope that it could be an reasonably priced gateway to PC gaming feels more and more unlikely.

Initially, I hoped the Steam Machine would land round $600, given its {hardware}. Now, although, I would not be stunned if the 512GB mannequin finally ends up nearer to $900, given the price of comparable parts. That will put it a lot farther away from the worth of a PS5, Xbox Collection X, or perhaps a Swap 2. To be clear, that $900 determine is pure hypothesis on my half, however it does not really feel out of the realm of risk.

At this level, Valve’s resolution to delay the Steam Machine and reevaluate pricing amid the RAM scarcity has turned my optimism into skepticism. I nonetheless love the idea, but when the worth climbs too excessive, I fear it will push lots of people towards a console or simply constructing their very own PC as an alternative, and make the Steam Machine lifeless on arrival. Nonetheless, Valve, I might like to be improper right here. Shock me with a aggressive value in a couple of months and renew my hope, and I am certain many others.