The Steam Machine cost has finally been revealed! (And, yes, it’s higher than many people expected…) Even so, if you’re considering buying Valve’s sleek black box, this is information worth knowing. Just as important is understanding how to acquire a Steam Machine. It isn’t straightforward, but the process should at least be handled fairly.
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Want more details about the Steam Machine before you commit? No problem—I’ve pulled together everything you need to know about it.
Steam Machine cost
There are two versions of the Steam Machine: one with 512GB of storage and another with 2TB. Each one can be bought separately, or you can get it as part of a bundle that includes the new Steam Controller.
Here are the prices for each Steam Machine model, plus the two Steam Controller bundle options:
| GBP | EUR | USD | CAD | AUD | PLN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Machine 512GB |
879 | 1,039 | 1,049 | 1,509 | 1,609 | 4,389 |
| Steam Machine 512GB and Steam Controller |
938 | 1,108 | 1,128 | 1,628 | 1,728 | 4,698 |
| Steam Machine 2TB |
1,149 | 1,359 | 1,349 | 1,919 | 2,109 | 5,739 |
| Steam Machine 2TB and Steam Controller |
1,208 | 1,428 | 1,428 | 2,038 | 2,228 | 6,048 |
Note: If you purchase either the Steam Machine 2TB on its own or the 2TB controller bundle, you will also receive two additional faceplates – one in red fabric and another in solid walnut.
Valve has been clear about how the cost of the Steam Machine’s components has shaped the console’s final pricing—an outcome that strays from what they originally expected. While it may not feel surprising, the biggest factors are the current prices for RAM and storage parts. Valve has also chosen not to subsidize the pricing, saying they don’t think that’s the best way to build a healthy ecosystem, particularly across the broader PC landscape where people can experiment with different hardware and software. Valve’s view is that subsidizing the Steam Machine might lead some buyers to feel they have to purchase Valve hardware, rather than seeing it as a sensible option.
Looking beyond the numbers, component pricing isn’t the only challenge that’s changed over time—availability has shifted as well. That has affected Steam Machine production too, which is part of why Valve has taken a fairly unusual route when it comes to purchasing one. Below, I’ll walk you through that approach, along with the key details you should keep in mind.
How to acquire a Steam Machine
So, you want to get your hands on a Steam Machine? To do that, you’ll need to sign up for a reservation and then cross your fingers. I mean it. It’s almost like Valve looked at how Nintendo ran Switch 2 pre-orders through their store last year and then decided to add a little extra “drama”. (Though I’ve also gone into why Valve has leaned into this method a bit more, in case you’re curious.)
Before you can think about buying a Steam Machine, you must meet these requirements:
- Have a Steam account in good standing. (No active bans, etc.)
- Have completed a Steam purchase before 27th April 2026.
- One registration per household. Your payment method, shipping address, and extra details will be used to stop multiple submissions.
If you meet the criteria, here’s how you go about securing a Steam Machine.
- Register for the Steam Machine model/s or bundle/s you want before Thursday 25th June at 6pm (BST) / 7pm (CEST) / 1pm (EDT) / 10am (PDT).
- After the deadline, Valve will run a one-time randomization to determine the reservation order.
- Following that, you’ll receive an email on the 25th June. That message will fall into one of these categories:
- Reservation Email – This indicates that a Steam Machine has been reserved in your name. If you get this email, you’ll need to wait until Valve later offers you a chance to purchase. At that point, you’ll have 72 hours to complete your buy. The initial wave of Steam Machines begins Monday 29th June, and Valve intends to work through the reservation list by the end of the year. Once you purchase your Machine, it will be shipped to you.
- Waitlist Email – This means you’ve been added to the waitlist and will be notified when more Steam Machines become available.
If you register after the Thursday 25th June cut-off, you’ll automatically be placed at the very end of the waitlist. Your position will only shift if someone cancels their reservation, fails to purchase within their window, a person ahead of you buys a Machine, or Valve begins additional production runs for the Steam Machine.
To make it absolutely clear for anyone who receives a reservation email—this confirms that a Steam Machine has been assigned to your name, and you’ll get the opportunity to buy one during 2026. It does not promise that you’ll be able to purchase it on Monday 29th June.
Because the reservation order is randomized, it’s not possible to predict when your chance to buy will arrive. Still, Valve’s goal is to process the reservation list by the end of 2026. Keep an eye on your inbox, and if you genuinely want a Steam Machine, make sure you submit your purchase right away once you’re offered it. The good part is that after you buy your Steam Machine, it will be sent out to you! (So, really, you’re just waiting for the email.)
Remember: you have 72 hours from the moment you receive a reservation email to purchase the Steam Machine that’s been assigned to your name. You can’t switch the model you chose. If you miss that 72-hour window, your reservation will be canceled and moved to the next person. You’ll then have to start again at the bottom of the waitlist.
Here are a few more points to consider while you register and wait for your Steam Machine:
- You cannot change the model you selected when you sign up.
- Canceling your reservation or leaving the waitlist will cost you your spot.
- There are separate reservation lists for each shipping region: North America, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia. You’ll automatically be added to the reservation list for your home region (the one linked to your address from registration).
- You can register for several models, since each model comes with its own reservation list.
- If you’ve secured a reservation queue for one or more models, you’ll be assigned to the model you place highest and removed from the rest.
- If you don’t get a reservation spot for any of the models you selected, you’ll be put on the waitlist for the model that’s nearest the front.
- This approach helps ensure everyone retains a chance to buy a Steam Machine without breaking the one purchase per household rule.
Why did Valve choose this reservation approach?
Valve picked this randomized reservation system to stop scalpers and bot operators from taking advantage of the Steam Machine’s launch. It also gives Valve a way to screen out anyone trying to place multiple orders from the same household, and to help ensure that purchases are completed by legitimate accounts.
For you, Valve is aiming to make the purchase process smoother and more fair. There’s no need to worry about your internet connection or taking time off work. You just need to sign up, hope you’re included in the reservation queue, and then wait until you’re given a chance to buy a Steam Machine. (And if you do get that chance, make sure you purchase within 72 hours.)
Yes, the timeline may feel a little drawn out. Yes, there’s a possibility you won’t end up succeeding in buying a Steam Machine. Still, this approach seems designed with fairness in mind, while also helping Valve avoid overselling the device and ending up in a situation where they offer more than they can deliver. Only time will confirm that last part.
Good luck getting a Steam Machine!