Steam Machine launch appears near as Valve adds Welcome Tour to Steam backend

Ever since Valve officially announced the Steam Machine, many have been eagerly waiting to see when the device would finally arrive. The device was originally expected to launch in early 2026, but plans were pushed back due to the ongoing memory shortage affecting the tech industry. However, after months of waiting, it seems that Valve is finally getting ready to launch the device.

As spotted by industry insider Brad Lynch, Valve recently added the Steam Machine's Welcome Tour to Steam's backend through a new update. This discovery suggests that the plan is moving into its final stages, and the company could be preparing for a public release.

The backend files include references to the Welcome Tour itself, along with several welcome images that users will likely see when setting up the Steam Machine for the first time. 

What's especially interesting is that Valve appears to have followed a similar approach with the Steam Controller. A Welcome Tour and related assets were added to Steam's backend only a few weeks before Valve officially revealed the controller's pricing and release date. If the company is following the same roadmap again, Steam Machine fans may not have to wait much longer to learn when they can get their hands on the device.

Previous references found in Steam's database files have also hinted at multiple launch configurations. Based on those findings, the Steam Machine could arrive in four different packages. These include a standard 512GB model, a 2TB version, and two bundles that come packaged with a Steam Controller.