Valve confirms Steam Machine will start at $1,049 and use randomized reservation system

Valve announced price and ordering details for its upcoming Steam Machine on June 22: the base 512GB model will cost $1,049, while a 2TB version is set at $1,349. Both configurations are available in bundles that include the Steam Controller for higher prices.

The company also revealed a short reservation window and a one-time randomization that determines waitlist order, a move Valve says is meant to reduce bots and frantic launch-day traffic.

What Valve is charging and the bundle options

Valve listed four Steam Machine options available to reserve now on Steam. The lineup includes the Steam Machine 512GB at $1,049, a bundle with the same unit plus a Steam Controller at $1,128, the Steam Machine 2TB at $1,349, and a 2TB bundle with a Steam Controller at $1,428. The 2TB bundle includes two faceplates: red fabric and solid walnut.

The company notes that the higher price reflects current component costs and availability, not a desired retail target when development began.

How the reservation and randomized queue work

Reservations open immediately and run through June 25. After that date Valve will perform a single randomization to set the order of its waitlist and determine who gets an opportunity to purchase. Users will receive an email indicating whether they have a Steam Machine waiting for purchase or if they were added to a wishlist and must wait for a later opportunity.

To make a reservation you must have a Steam account in good standing and have made a purchase on Steam prior to April 27. Valve limits one reservation per household and says it will validate signups using payment method, shipping address and other information to block attempts to bypass the rule.

Why prices climbed and what that means for availability

Valve explained the price increases by pointing to rapid and significant changes in component costs since it began sourcing parts in 2023. The company singled out RAM and storage as particularly affected; supply constraints and rising prices forced Valve to secure parts at current market rates, which pushed final retail pricing higher.

Valve also said supply issues reduced the number of units it can produce for launch, making the Steam Machine both expensive and potentially hard to find this year.

The reservation window runs until June 25 and Valve’s email notifications after the one-time randomization will tell users whether they can complete a purchase or remain on a waiting list.