These are probably going to be in
very limited quantities during RAMageddon.
For those that simply want a Steam Machine and you don't care how you get it, I'd recommend reserving all four models to increase your chances. The lottery is pretty wonky if you read the rules below.
It's very very easy to upgrade the storage and you might be better off hunting down a Steam Controller separately.
If the option you chose doesn't get randomly selected, then you'll get put
at the end of the line of the waitlist for the other options if you choose them later.
Steam Machine FAQ
Why a randomized reservation order?
Valve underestimated demand after the new Steam Controller's release and wanted a fairer system than a fixed launch time, which tends to reward bots, fast connections, and quick reflexes. Spreading signups over several days also lets them validate accounts and enforce one signup per household.
Sign-up criteria
- Steam account in good standing
- A Steam purchase made before April 27, 2026
- One signup per household (enforced via payment method, shipping address, etc.)
What if I don't sign up before June 25 at 10am Pacific?
After that one-time randomization, anyone signing up afterward goes straight to the back of the waitlist.
Do I have to pick a specific model?
You can sign up for multiple models. Each model has its own randomized list (June 25, 10am). If you land a queue spot for more than one, you're automatically allocated the highest-end model and removed from the others. If you don't land a spot for any, you're placed on the waitlist for whichever model you were closest to qualifying for.
Are sign-up lists separated by region?
Yes — separate lists for North America, UK/EU, and Australia, based on your region.
What does a "reservation queue" email mean?
You have a Steam Machine reserved. Once it's ready, you'll get a purchase email and
72 hours to complete the purchase before the reservation is canceled and passed to the next person.
When will order emails go out?
Starting the week of June 29, in randomized order, continuing through the rest of the year.
What does a "waitlist" email mean?
Your randomized position landed beyond this production run's supply. You may move up if others cancel; otherwise your position carries over to future production runs.
Can I change my reserved model?
No — once randomized and notified, your model is locked. Canceling releases your spot entirely.
What about Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong?
- Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong: order through Komodo, the official regional distributor
- South Korea: Steam Machine will not ship there
Is this "the Valve console"?
Valve frames it as an extension of PC gaming, not a console — no hardware-loss/subscription lock-in model. The bet is that open ecosystems (PC gaming's traditional strength) win out over time, and Steam Machine is one solution within that open ecosystem, not the only one.
What if I don't get one right away?
Thanks to PC openness, other native or streaming options exist for living-room gaming. Valve is also expanding SteamOS to non-Valve hardware —
SteamOS 3.8 already lets you run it on your own PC, though currently only with AMD GPUs (broader support planned).
