Steam Machine launch seems near as Valve adds "more support" for the device in latest SteamOS update

Valve recently confirmed the release date and pricing for the upcoming Steam Controller, but there’s still no exact release date or pricing information available for the Steam Machine. The company previously explained that they are releasing the controller first because it doesn’t rely on RAM, making it easier to produce during the ongoing memory crisis. However, things might finally be moving forward for the Steam Machine as well, and we could hear something soon.

Valve rolled out a new SteamOS 3.8.3 beta update today, which brings several general improvements and fixes. But the main highlight is something much more interesting. According to the patch notes, the update adds “even more support for the upcoming Steam Machine” hardware. Valve hasn’t shared exactly what changes have been made, but this clearly suggests that the company is preparing the software side for the device. Updates like this usually happen when a product is getting closer to launch, as the OS needs to be fully optimized before release.

What’s even more interesting is that over the past couple of weeks, Valve has reportedly been receiving large shipments labeled as “game consoles” at its U.S. distribution warehouse. Industry insider Brad Lynch believes that these shipments could include Steam Machine units, possibly alongside some Steam Deck restocks.

Both of these things suggest that the company might be finally preparing for a launch. Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais also recently mentioned that the company is expected to “roll out some news” soon regarding the Steam Machine's release date.