Gamers may soon secure a Steam Machine as a pre-order announcement is tipped to occur next week. Following months of anticipation for Valve's upcoming console, the release date appears imminent. According to sources, Valve is preparing to announce pre-orders starting June 23, 2026, with the reservation system opening on June 30. This information comes from X user HardwareSteam, who has tracked Steam Machine developments closely. Last week, it reported that review units had reached reviewers, and now claims the review embargo lifts next Tuesday.
Review Embargo and Timeline Details
"[Reviewers are] allowed to post videos after June 23," one source stated. The post adds: "Not 100% yet, but if I were to give an exact date off of what would make sense and what I was told, I'd say announcement Tuesday, June 23 at 10AM PT, and reservations Tuesday, June 30 at 10AM PT." This timeline mirrors Valve's Steam Controller launch in April and May, where the review embargo lifted on April 27 and orders went live a week later on May 8.
Evidence Points to Late June Launch
Several clues suggest Valve targets the end of June for the Steam Machine release. The company initially promised delivery in the 'first half' of 2026, later pushing to 'Summer 2026'. Opening orders on June 30 meets both promises narrowly. Additionally, a Canadian FCC filing indicates the Steam Machine manual becomes public on June 29, potentially aligning with the hardware launch.
Valve's path to launch has been lengthy, originally planning an 'early' 2026 release. Delays occurred due to rising computer component prices and supply chain strain from AI demand. While Sony and Nintendo have raised console prices, Valve has not confirmed the Steam Machine cost, though it is expected to be higher than initially anticipated.
How to Order a Steam Machine
The Steam Machine will be available exclusively through Valve's Steam platform, similar to the Steam Deck and Steam Controller. The Steam Controller launch caused server crashes in May, leading to a reservation system where gamers registered interest to join an order queue. Orders required trusted Steam accounts with good VAC standing and at least one prior purchase. Given high demand, the Steam Machine will likely use a similar reservation system.
We will report back when Valve officially announces availability and pricing.
