Insider claims Steam Machine release date delay possible because of rising memory prices

In November, Valve announced that its Steam Machine would arrive in Q1 2026. However, that timeframe may not be set in stone, according to one source. Mike Straw of Insider Gaming believes that the manufacturer is contemplating how to respond to higher DDR5 RAM prices. The debut of Half-Life 3 could also be pushed back, along with the Steam Machine release date.

Straw appeared on the Insider Gaming podcast to update viewers on several Valve stories. The conversation first focused on the rumored Half-Life 3. Several leaked dates for the reveal had come and gone, but he still expects the title to launch with the compact PC. The problem is that rising component prices are reportedly causing Valve to rethink its plans.

Straw explains that, facing a memory shortage and astronomical DDR5 RAM costs, Valve is hesitating to set a Steam Machine price. Gamers are already concerned that it will strain wallets significantly more than the PS5. Valve itself hinted that its cost would match a gaming PC with similar specs. Increasing the device's MSRP would only alienate console buyers further.

Steam Machine release date delay scenarios

The other option for the company is to pause in the hopes that prices will stabilize. Unfortunately, some analysts predict that demand from AI data centers may not level off until 2027 or 2028. Even if Valve has already accumulated a generous supply, eventually it will run out. To avoid a delay, engineers could also shuffle the system’s specs. Performance may suffer if the small-form-factor PC ships with less memory or uses cheaper RAM.

Leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead recently suggested another approach to the crisis. By offering a barebones configuration, Valve could cap the Steam Machine price at $400. Still, it’s far from an ideal solution, since buyers would need to track down affordable memory and storage.

Fans anticipating Half-Life 3 were already deflated when it wasn’t shown at The Game Awards. Straw, along with other insiders, has heard that the game will launch alongside Valve’s console alternative. Considering it has been 21 years since Half-Life 2 surfaced, a Steam Machine release date delay would be another setback.