With the memory crisis in full force, Valve’s Steam Machine has been an open question for the company for a few months now. As of the latest Steam update, it seems like Valve is planning four models at launch, and it might have a reservation system like it does with the Steam Controller.
This is all according to some data mining from a Redditor in the Steam Machine subreddit (via VideoCardz). Using the SteamTracking GitHub page, they show that there are four model numbers for Steam Machines in the latest Steam update. Alongside this, they have found two Steam Frame packages.
What those four Steam Machine models are is anyone’s guess, but we know from chatting to Valve last year that there are plans for a 512 GB and 2 TB model. Perhaps things have changed somewhat due to the memory crisis, or maybe there’s a bundle for each of the two models with and without a Steam Controller.
As the original Reddit thread notes, this new Steam update is focused on Valve’s own reservation system, so one might assume the same reservation will be present for the launch of the Steam Machine later this year.
We don’t yet have information on the Steam Machine’s release date or launch price, though, despite confusion about it potentially delaying the launch to 2027, Valve has reaffirmed as of March that the Steam Machine will launch this year. When exactly is still up in the air, but setting up a reservation system is certainly a good sign that we could see some update on the storefront at some point soon.
Reference to the Steam Machine in the reservation system update according to Steam Tracking from r/steammachine
Given the recent change, the Steam Machine subreddit is rather hopeful for a May Steam Machine announcement, though I’m a tad more cynical. Given the Steam Controller selling out and needing a reservation system, I could see this as simply a forward-thinking action from Valve.
Pricing is still one of the biggest concerns around the Steam Machine, though. Back when it was announced in November last year, some of the team were hopeful for the ‘ever so slightly above console’ price range. By February, we were significantly less optimistic about it. Now, I’m dreading the announcement just a little, as I don’t know if my poor wallet can take the news.