Valve announces Steam Deck launch, review embargo end and initial shipment dates

Valve has announced that the Steam Deck will officially launch on February 25, having been delayed by two months. In a blog post, the company explains that it will send invites 'shortly after' 10:00 PST (18:00 UTC) to those who reserved the gaming handheld. These invites will arrive by email and will be sent in the same order that reservations were made.

In the same post, Valve stresses that people can only order the Steam Deck that they originally reserved. Also, it clarifies that initial reservation deposits will be deducted from the final price of the Steam Deck. Shipping costs will be included, too. However, invitees will have just 72 hours from receipt of their invite email to order a Steam Deck.

Supposedly, Valve will then start shipping Steam Deck orders on February 28. In other words, the first Steam Deck units should start reaching people in the first week of March. Valve adds that it plans to 'release new order email batches' weekly; it is unclear when the Steam Deck will be orderable without reserving one first. By contrast, Valve will begin sending out press units 'shortly', presumably this month. Valve explains that its review embargo lifts on February 25, as well.

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