Valve Delays Steam Hardware Pricing Amid Component Shortages, Details New Features

Valve has announced a delay in revealing pricing and specific launch dates for its upcoming Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame hardware, citing industry-wide shortages in memory and storage components. While confirming the products remain on track for release in the first half of 2026, the company acknowledged that volatile component costs and availability require reevaluation of timelines. This update comes alongside detailed technical clarifications about the hardware's capabilities through an official FAQ.

The component shortages, described as "rapidly increased" since the products' November 2025 announcement, impact critical elements like DDR5 memory and NVMe storage. Valve emphasized that while the H1 2026 shipping target stands, concrete pricing and dates require further assessment due to market instability. The company commits to frequent updates via its new Steam Hardware Blog, which will include deep technical explorations of features.

Key revelations from the FAQ include:

Steam Frame (VR Headset)

• Supports streaming services through SteamOS's theatrical browser mode
• Developer kits available via Steamworks partner portal with ongoing distribution
• Modular design enables community/third-party accessories, though Lighthouse base station integration isn't planned
• Glasses compatibility confirmed for most frames, with prescription lens inserts under development
• Introduces foveated streaming: A system-level feature using eye-tracking to prioritize high-resolution streaming only where users look. Unlike foveated rendering (which reduces GPU load), this optimizes bandwidth by streaming full resolution solely to the focal point. Valve clarified it works universally across all Steam games without developer input and stacks with existing rendering optimizations.
• Valve Index will receive ongoing support despite discontinued production

Steam Machine (Compact Gaming PC)

• Handles most Steam titles at 4K/60FPS using FSR upscaling, though some demanding games may require lower resolutions or VRR
• Actively developing HDMI VRR support, ray tracing optimizations, and improved upscaling
• Faceplate CAD files will be released for third-party customization
• User-upgradeable components include NVMe SSDs (2230/2280 formats) and DDR5 SODIMM memory

Steam Controller

• Compatible with non-Steam games via Steam Overlay integration

Valve's transparency about supply chain challenges contrasts with typical hardware launches, reflecting the volatile state of electronics manufacturing. The technical disclosures—particularly foveated streaming's bandwidth efficiency—demonstrate how Valve leverages software innovation to overcome hardware limitations. With Steam Frame's modularity and Steam Machine's upgrade path, the ecosystem prioritizes flexibility amid component uncertainty. Further updates will follow through Valve's hardware blog as launch approaches.