Steam Machine: Fans praise new reservation system – but one group is left out

Alongside the high price, one of fans’ biggest concerns was that the Steam Machine launch could be just as chaotic as the launches of the Steam Deck and Steam Controller. Valve has now found a solution designed to distribute the available units more fairly. Instead of using a “first come, first served” system, the company is relying on a randomized reservation process – and most fans seem to like the idea so far.

Anyone who wants to buy a Steam Machine can register for their preferred configuration until June 25. The list will then be randomized. Selected users will receive an email starting in the week of June 29 and will have 72 hours to complete the purchase. Those who are not selected immediately will be placed on a waiting list. However, there are several requirements for registration.

The Steam account must be in good standing and must have made at least one purchase on Steam before April 27, 2026. In addition, only one registration per household is allowed. Valve says it will use payment details, shipping addresses and other information to filter out duplicate entries. Anyone who registers for multiple models and is selected more than once will receive only one reservation – apparently for the highest-end variant they were selected for.

Fans like the random reservation system, but new customers have no chance

Valve’s new approach is being very well received by existing Steam users. Fans are relieved that this time, they will not have to compete against bots or overloaded servers. Valve is also receiving particular praise for its apparent attempt to curb scalpers. The account requirements make it much harder for resellers to buy large quantities.

However, the system is not entirely uncontroversial. One group is clearly at a disadvantage: new customers. Anyone hoping to use the Steam Machine as an entry point into PC gaming could initially come away empty-handed. Users already firmly rooted in the Steam ecosystem probably already own a gaming PC. Given the Steam Machine’s comparatively low performance, it remains to be seen whether excluding potential new customers in particular was a good decision on Valve’s part.