Scalpers are already selling the Steam Machine for over $3,000

Valve has finally started sending out reservation emails for the Steam Machine, allowing selected users to secure a unit ahead of the June 30 launch. However, it didn't take long for scalpers to step in, and some are already trying to make huge profits before the device has even been released.

The Steam Machine is launching in limited quantities, something Valve confirmed a while ago. And in such conditions, scalpers always try to take advantage of the situation. In fact, Steam Machine listings have already started appearing on third-party marketplaces like eBay, and the asking prices are eye-watering.

Some listings are starting at around $1,700, which is already a huge markup over Valve's official pricing. But things get even worse, as we've spotted sellers asking as much as $3,200 for the base 512GB Steam Machine bundle that includes the Steam Controller. The crazy part is that this bundle officially costs $1,128 from Valve, so these scalpers are asking for nearly three times the retail price.

Even more surprising is that some buyers appear to be willing to pay these prices. At least one Steam Machine listing priced at $2,800 has already been marked as sold, suggesting that someone actually paid the inflated price to secure a unit early.

Unfortunately, this isn't anything new in the gaming industry. We've seen the same thing happen with graphics cards, game consoles, and even the recently launched Steam Controller. If you didn't get selected for the Steam Machine but want to buy one, it's probably best to avoid these listings altogether. Valve hasn't yet announced when the next wave of reservations will open, but there's a good chance more units will become available in the near future.