Steam Machine price leak disappoints gamers, but uncertainty over release date continues

After the Steam Machine surfaced in November, speculation immediately began about its cost. A Valve engineer then hinted that it would match the pricing of a gaming PC with similar specs. Given how expensive storage and memory have become, that would mean an MSRP well above popular consoles. If a Czech retailer is correct, the Steam Machine price may be even higher than feared.

Buyers should not take the latest leak at face value until Valve makes an announcement. Nevertheless, Smarty.cz has listed the 512GB version of the system for 19,826 CZK, which roughly equates to $950. Meanwhile, the 2TB alternative would cost buyers 22,305 CZK, or $1,069 after converting to USD.

In a new update on social media, Clawsomegamer projects lower numbers. If the seller aims for a 17% margin, the 512GB version would be $814, while the 2TB option would be $916.

The Steam Machine price leak was found in the source code on the Czech website, rather than being visible. In many countries, Valve only sells hardware like the Steam Deck on its official storefront. However, in other regions, third-party retailers do stock new devices.

It’s possible that Valve made a final decision on pricing and Smarty.cz inadvertently posted the information. Or, the company has since ditched those plans and will send an update at a later time. Either way, many gamers are questioning whether the compact PC would be worth such a steep investment.

Might Valve still postpone the Steam Machine?

As memory prices skyrocket, sources like Insider Gaming have expressed doubt about a Q1 2026 Steam Machine release date. The rationale is that without an ample supply of DDR5 RAM, Valve could not announce attractive pricing. Laptop makers, who rely on the same components, have already increased prices across their inventories.

Other insiders, like Moore’s Law Is Dead, proposed a barebones version of the system. Owners could hunt for reasonably affordable RAM and storage and install it themselves. Regardless, Valve would likely want to offer a ready-to-go version as well.

Hopefully, the Czech pricing doesn’t reflect what most gamers will have to pay for the Steam Machine. Not only would it cost buyers more than the PS5, but the PS5 Pro is also a bargain in comparison. Valve’s published specs include a faster processor and the prospect of improved upscaling and ray tracing. Even so, it may be better off waiting for the AI-fueled memory shortage to ease.