Recent Steam Deck Update Could Be Bad News for the Steam Machine

by

Gamers were cautiously optimistic when Valve announced the Steam Machine was coming back. This combination of PC and console had the potential to be great for both players and independent game creators. However, Valve hasn’t announced a price yet, and many fear it will be more expensive than typical consoles. Valve recently confirmed the price and release date are still undecided because of parts shortages. And updates to Valve’s Steam Deck might further delay things.

Valve recently discontinued the 256GB LCD version of the Steam Deck, meaning the OLED model was set to become the only option. However, the OLED Steam Deck is now also experiencing limited availability. Valve has updated the Steam Deck store page to explain that OLED models are facing temporary stock issues due to a shortage of memory and storage components. Considering previous delays with the Steam Machine, this could mean potential customers will have to wait even longer to get their hands on the new device.

Steam Machine Likely to See Additional Delays Due to Component Shortages

Originally, the Steam Machine was planned to be released earlier this year. However, Valve recently announced that both it and the SteamFrame VR have been delayed because of a shortage of parts. Valve still aims to launch both in the first six months of 2026, but hasn’t announced exact release dates or prices. The continued limited availability of the Steam Deck OLED suggests these launches might also face challenges.

The Steam Deck OLED is currently hard to find in many areas. While Valve has stopped making the older LCD model, they are still technically producing the OLED version. Recent announcements about limited availability suggest Valve may have reduced production because the price of some computer parts has gone up. This same issue – rising component costs – is why Valve hasn’t announced a price or release date for the Steam Machine, and it doesn’t bode well for future availability.

Right now, all versions of the Steam Deck are showing as unavailable on the Steam store in the US. Valve has explained that the Steam Deck OLED is experiencing occasional stock issues in some areas because of limited supplies of memory and storage. This suggests it will likely be a while before more Steam Decks are available.

It’s also possible Valve is focusing on getting the Steam Machine ready for release instead of updating the older platform. However, because of shortages, the parts needed for the Steam Machine are now much more expensive. If Valve moves forward with the current market conditions, they’d probably have to charge a high price, which many gamers might not be able to afford. This makes me think Valve might postpone the Steam Machine’s launch, hoping the cost of parts will go down in the future.

Currently, Valve is still aiming to release the Steam Machine in the first six months of the year, but details about pricing and the exact launch date haven’t been announced yet. Also, getting a Steam Deck might be more difficult for a while as they focus on the new Steam platform.

So, are you guys excited about the Steam Machine finally coming out? I’m really curious to know if anyone’s planning on getting one! Let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum – I’ll be there!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/2026s-best-game-is-steam-deck-verified-at-launch/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-17 21:42