Valve remains optimistic about launching the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller “this year

Valve has expressed confidence in its intention to release all three of its upcoming hardware products within this calendar year, though it is currently withholding specific launch dates.

Back in February, not long after revealing its latest hardware initiatives—which include the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller—Valve issued a blog post announcing delays. Originally expected to debut in the year’s first quarter, the timeline was pushed to the first half of the year due to widespread “memory and storage shortages.”

Recently, the company reiterated that despite facing obstacles related to these shortages, it remains committed to launching all three products this year, without indicating a precise timeframe for their availability. “We have outlined that we have encountered challenges with memory and storage, but we are on track to release all three products this year,” Valve stated in a blog update reflecting on its experiences and insights from 2025. They promised to provide further updates as plans are solidified.

In this communication, Valve also took the time to consider the lessons learned throughout its initial foray into hardware production. “When we first announced our ambitions to bring PC gaming into the living room in 2013, developers faced difficulties with Linux compatibility, and Valve was still acquiring knowledge about the logistics of manufacturing and distribution. At the time, virtual reality felt more like a distant aspiration,” the company noted. “We struggled to deliver the library of games and user experience that we set out to achieve, despite the enthusiasm from players eager to enjoy PC games on larger screens.”

As we look ahead to 2025, Valve has made significant strides in overcoming the initial challenges. The introduction of the Proton compatibility layer has enabled thousands of high-quality games to be played on Linux and SteamOS without incurring additional costs for developers. Countless players have contributed to enhancing the gamepad experience on Steam through shopping, playing, and communication features.

Lessons learned from developing the inaugural Steam Controller, the Steam Link streaming device, the Valve Index, and the Steam Deck have all been instrumental in bringing to fruition Valve’s long-held vision: a gaming-centric living room setup, an accessible platform for users, and a wireless virtual reality headset equipped with its own processing capabilities.