Well, it seems that even Valve isn't immune to the sheer weight of the RAM situation right now. While the company has been working away on a console-like device called the Steam Machine, it seems the device has been delayed for a few more months at the very least. Worse, it seems that the shortage has caused Valve to go back to the drawing board and reconsider how much it wants to charge for this device, and its answer has a chance to really scupper the Steam Machine's changes.

The Steam Machine is arriving later, and will be more expensive

Not too much later, though

As spotted by The Verge, Valve has given us an update on what we can expect from the company's new hardware releases: the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller. As it turns out, things have gotten a little hairy because of the increase in RAM prices:

When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now. But the memory and storage shortages you've likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then. The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing (especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame).

Fortunately, while the delays aren't great to hear, Valve says it aims to get all three devices out in the first half of 2026. So, it doesn't seem like we'll have to wait too long. Valve just wants more time so it can confidently set a date, time, and price point for these devices.

The Steam Machine's new pricing may push gamers over the edge

Things were already looking grim

For me, the biggest fear I have over the Steam Machine right now is not the delay; it's the price. We already heard before that Valve will not price the Steam Machine as a subsidized product, like how consoles are typically sold. This means that, while Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo may sell consoles at a loss and make up the gap with game sales and subscriptions, Valve will price the Steam Machine so that the consumer pays for all the hardware.

This is pretty bad news for anyone hoping for a cheaper, console-like approach with the Steam Machine. It'll likely be priced more akin to a mini PC in the current climate, and if you've seen how much they sell for these days, you'll know why I'm so concerned about the new price point. Here's hoping Valve can find a sweet spot; if it fails, there's a good chance the Steam Machine will be dead on arrival.