Valve is reassessing its plans for the Steam Machine and Steam Deck due to challenges in sourcing sufficient memory and storage, according to multiple reports. While the company remains committed to releasing new hardware, timelines are being adjusted in response to component availability and pricing.
The issues stem from constraints in the supply chain for both DRAM and NAND flash storage. These components are critical for building both the Steam Machine, a traditionally more powerful gaming PC, and the Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device. The rising costs associated with these components are also a significant factor, impacting the feasibility of previously planned configurations.
Despite these hurdles, Valve intends to launch new hardware in the first half of . This suggests the company is working to mitigate the supply chain issues, potentially through design adjustments or securing alternative suppliers. The initial plans for the Steam Machine have been impacted, but Valve is still aiming to deliver a product within the established timeframe.
Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, recently confirmed that a new Steam Machine is “already around the corner.” This statement, reported by PCTuning.cz, indicates that development is progressing, even amidst the component shortages. AMD is a key partner for Valve, providing the processors and graphics solutions for both the Steam Deck and the Steam Machine.
Valve acknowledged the complications in a statement, as reported by Hrej.cz. The company admitted that the current market conditions are creating difficulties in finalizing the hardware specifications and production schedule for the Steam Machine. However, they reiterated their commitment to bringing a new Steam Machine to market.
The delays echo similar challenges faced by other hardware manufacturers. The global shortage of semiconductors and storage components has disrupted supply chains across the technology industry, leading to increased prices and longer lead times. Valve’s situation highlights the pervasive impact of these shortages, even on companies with established supply chain relationships.
The Steam Machine’s development has been a long and iterative process. Valve initially announced plans for a Steam Machine back in , but the project faced numerous setbacks and delays. The current iteration represents a renewed effort to create a dedicated gaming PC experience integrated with the Steam platform. The Steam Deck, released in , demonstrated Valve’s commitment to hardware and paved the way for a more focused approach to the Steam Machine.
The challenges with memory and storage are not unique to Valve. zing.cz reports that the high cost of these components is impacting the entire industry. This suggests that Valve is facing broader market pressures rather than issues specific to its own supply chain.
While the exact specifications and pricing of the new Steam Machine remain unknown, the company’s commitment to a first-half launch suggests that they are confident in their ability to overcome the current challenges. The success of the Steam Deck has demonstrated a clear demand for Valve’s hardware offerings, and the company is likely eager to capitalize on that momentum with a more powerful and versatile gaming PC.
