Steam Deck
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Deck across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Valve's Steam Machine reservation page code points towards four package flavors, and two could ditch the controller
Code found on Valve's Steam Machine reservation page suggests four package configurations will be available, including options with and without the new Steam Controller. The article speculates on potential storage sizes and pricing, noting that a smaller SSD could make the device more affordable for indie gaming or as a secondary console alongside platforms like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Steam Machine release window, specs, and price estimate
The Steam Machine is slated for an early 2026 release, aiming to bring PC gaming to the living room with a compact, console-like design. It will feature semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPUs and RDNA 3 GPUs, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD storage, with pricing estimated between $799 and $999. Valve anticipates the system will rely on AMD's FSR upscaling technology to achieve 4K gaming performance.
Valve forming an orderly queue for the Steam Controller makes it clear we need the same for the Steam Machine, Frame, and perhaps a lot more in-demand tech too
Valve's implementation of a reservation queue for the Steam Controller highlights the need for similar systems for other in-demand tech like the Steam Machine. The article contrasts this with the frustrating purchasing experiences for the Steam Deck and PlayStation 5, advocating for reservation systems to combat resellers and improve customer satisfaction.
Valve announce a reservation system for the new Steam Controller
Valve has announced a reservation system for the Steam Controller due to high demand, with reservations opening on May 8th. This system mirrors the one used for the Steam Deck, allowing customers to secure a place in line for future orders. The company also detailed purchase limits, account standing requirements, and regional rollout plans for the controller, which remains priced at $99 USD.
Steam Controllers to come back in stock with reprise of Steam Deck reservation system
Valve announced that the Steam Controller will be restocked using a reservation system similar to the one used for the Steam Deck. Reservations open on May 8, with fulfillment prioritizing the US and Canada first. This move aims to manage demand after the initial batch sold out rapidly.
I bought a $5 Steam Controller 7 years ago and forgot it existed. Now it's my new living room sidekick
The author rediscovers the original Steam Controller, purchased years ago for $5, and finds it to be an excellent companion for the Steam Deck in living room PC gaming setups. Despite Valve discontinuing the device, strong community support through Steam Input ensures extensive game compatibility, making it a surprisingly viable option for mouse-centric games on a TV.
The Steam Controller might be sold out, but official Valve 3D files mean I could make my own using Steam Deck parts
Valve has released official 3D CAD files for the Steam Controller and its wireless puck under a Creative Commons license, allowing users to download, modify, and 3D print their own versions. This move enables enthusiasts to create custom accessories, repair existing controllers, or even attempt to build new ones using parts from devices like the Steam Deck.
Steam Controller goes out of stock as Valve get a ton of "Game Console" shipments
The Steam Controller has sold out in multiple regions shortly after its standalone release, indicating high demand. Valve is reportedly receiving significant shipments of "Game Console" hardware, potentially including more Steam Deck units, Steam Machines, and Steam Frames, suggesting a potential restocking wave.
The Steam Controller sold out in 30 minutes, utterly breaking Steam in the process
The Steam Controller experienced a sell-out within 30 minutes of its launch, causing significant issues with the Steam Store. Reports of transaction errors spiked around the launch time, with stock appearing and disappearing rapidly. This mirrors the high demand seen during the Steam Deck's initial release.
The new Steam Controller from Valve is out now - some early thoughts
Valve's new Steam Controller offers a comfortable and feature-rich experience, building upon the lessons learned from the Steam Deck. It boasts excellent battery life, repairability, and deep customization through Steam Input, making it a versatile option for PC gaming, especially on Linux. While it has a learning curve and some minor quirks with non-Steam games and specific titles, it significantly outclasses previous controllers for couch gaming and general PC use.
Valve breaks down the issues causing Steam Machine launch delay
Valve has announced that the launch of the Steam Machine, a compact gaming PC running SteamOS, has been delayed due to ongoing hardware shortages, specifically RAM and SSDs. Valve UX designer Lawrence Yang cited these issues, along with price hikes, as significant obstacles. Despite the delays, rumors suggest a potential summer launch, and Valve has other hardware releases planned for the year, including the Steam Controller and Steam Frame VR headset.
Valve’s hardware graduates from side-quest to full-blown ambition
Valve is increasingly focusing on hardware development, with the positive reception of the new Steam Controller highlighting growing anticipation for upcoming launches like a home console and VR headset. Despite supply chain issues causing delays, Valve's cumulative approach to hardware, building on successes like the Steam Deck and Proton compatibility layer, positions its new products as significant growth vectors for the company's ecosystem.
Steam week in review: Another online shooter winds down weeks after launch, as robot cowboys take over
The cooperative shooter Far Far West, inspired by Left 4 Dead and Vermintide, is shifting focus to replayability and community support after a successful early access launch. Despite a challenging year for new multiplayer titles, developer Night Street Games aims to keep the game playable for its community. The article also reviews Steam's top sellers list for April 21-28, noting the performance of various games including Counter-Strike 2 and the new s&box platform.
Massive Valve shipment rumor may hint at the Steam Machine's launch window, but I have my doubts
A recent rumor suggests a large shipment of 'Game Consoles' to Valve warehouses could indicate an imminent Steam Machine launch, potentially aligning with their early 2026 target. However, doubts are raised due to the lack of verifiable sources and the possibility of shipments including Steam Deck restocks. The author expresses skepticism about the timing, considering Valve's workforce size and the proximity to the Steam Controller's launch.
Steam Deck restocks or a pile of Steam Frames and Machines? Either way, Valve's been importing a whole heap of…
Valve's warehouses in the USA have reportedly received a large number of 'game consoles,' sparking speculation about restocks of the Steam Deck. Other possibilities include shipments of Steam Machines or Steam VR headsets, which were announced alongside the Steam Controller but have not yet been widely released. The article suggests that these shipments indicate Valve is preparing to make more hardware available to consumers.
Gabe Newell Emailed Elon Musk To Try To Get Hideo Kojima An Invite To SpaceX
In 2018, Valve founder Gabe Newell emailed Elon Musk to inquire about Hideo Kojima receiving a tour of SpaceX, as Kojima expressed a strong desire to experience space travel. The exchange also touched upon AI, with Newell noting Kojima's belief in its future importance. These emails were revealed as part of a legal dispute involving Musk, Sam Altman, and OpenAI.
Apple has reportedly 'given up' on the Vision Pro headset and that doesn't seem like a good thing for VR,…
Reports suggest Apple has halted development on its Vision Pro headset, with the team reportedly being reassigned. This follows earlier rumors of slow sales for the $3,500 device. The broader VR landscape is also seen as lacking major investment, with Meta reportedly stepping back from the Metaverse.
Gabe Newell Predicted Console PC Hardware Shift Years Ago | HappyGamer
Gabe Newell's past prediction that consoles would adopt PC hardware has proven accurate, with modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S utilizing AMD components similar to those found in gaming PCs. This convergence simplifies development, narrows performance gaps, and benefits gamers through easier porting and potential for cross-platform play.
Why aren’t there more PC-first gamepads? Valve don’t know, but they "did see an opportunity" for the new Steam Controller
Valve designers Lawrence Yang and Steve Cardinali discuss the lack of PC-first gamepads, noting an opportunity for their new Steam Controller. While acknowledging the dominance of console controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller and PlayStation 5 DualSense, they believe there's a market for a controller specifically designed for PC gaming, offering features beyond 'good enough'.
New Zealand Gamers Pay Double for Steam Deck Through Importers | HappyGamer
New Zealand gamers are facing significantly inflated prices for the Steam Deck, with importers charging up to $2000 NZD compared to Valve's direct price of $400-650 USD. This issue highlights Valve's limited regional availability for its hardware, contrasting with the day-one console releases from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo in New Zealand.
