Valve is moving ahead with its next piece of gaming hardware, confirming that the new Steam Controller will launch on May 4 with a $99 price tag, even as its companion system, the Steam Machine, remains delayed.
The controller will be available starting May 4, with orders opening at 1 p.m. ET through Valve’s official Steam store page. The release follows a February blog update in which the company pushed back its early 2026 hardware plans, which included the Steam Machine, a device referred to as Frame, and the controller itself.
In that update, Valve said the delay was tied to ongoing memory and storage shortages that have affected production timelines across the industry. Those same constraints continue to impact the Steam Machine, which still does not have a confirmed release window. Valve has not provided a new date for when the system or its related hardware will be ready.
The controller has avoided many of those issues. Valve hardware engineer Steve Cardinali said the device is able to ship first because it does not rely on components like RAM, making it less exposed to the supply problems slowing down more complex systems. That distinction has allowed Valve to move forward with at least one part of its hardware plans while others remain in development.
What stands out is that the controller is arriving ahead of the hardware it was originally introduced alongside. The Steam Machine, designed as a compact PC for living room gaming, is still being worked on, leaving the controller to launch on its own for now. Valve has not said how far along the system is or when more details will be shared.
Even without that system, the controller is not tied to a single device. It is built to work across the Steam ecosystem, including desktop PCs, laptops, and handheld devices such as the Steam Deck. That compatibility allows players to use it immediately without waiting for additional hardware, which may help drive early adoption.
The design builds on the original Steam Controller released in 2015, with a continued focus on customization and flexibility. It includes dual trackpads, rear buttons, motion controls, and full integration with Steam Input. Players can remap controls to match different game styles, from shooters to strategy titles, giving it a different feel compared to standard console controllers.
Releasing the controller first also gives Valve time to gather feedback from players before moving forward with the rest of its hardware lineup. Early response could influence adjustments before the Steam Machine and other devices are finalized, especially as expectations build around how Valve will position its hardware in a competitive market.
For now, the Steam Controller will arrive on May 4 at $99, with orders opening that afternoon, while the Steam Machine and other planned hardware remain in development as Valve continues working through supply and production challenges.
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