Valve delays Steam Machine and Steam Frame launches

• Valve has pushed back shipments of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame due to a global RAM shortage.
• The company says it still hopes to ship both devices "in the first half of the year."
• The RAM crisis is affecting component availability and consumer hardware timelines across the industry.
• Buyers should watch Valve channels for updated ship dates and preorder guidance.

Valve delays hardware because of a RAM shortage

Valve has confirmed delays for two of its upcoming devices — the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame — blaming an ongoing shortage of RAM. The company said it still hopes to ship both devices "in the first half of the year."

The announcement offers a concrete timeline but does not commit to specific dates, leaving room for further slips if component availability does not improve.

Why RAM shortages matter for device launches

RAM is a core component for PCs and many consumer devices; shortages can slow production lines and raise prices. For systems like the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame, which rely on consistent supply of memory modules, shortages can force manufacturers to delay builds until inventory stabilizes.

Supply constraints often ripple through the parts ecosystem: manufacturers may prioritize higher-volume or higher-margin products, while smaller-run devices face longer waits. That dynamic helps explain why Valve’s launch schedule has been affected.

Impact on buyers and the market

For consumers who preordered or were planning to buy at launch, the delay means extended waiting and uncertainty about final pricing and availability. Retailers and partners may update preorder windows or offer options for cancellations and refunds; buyers should check where they ordered for specifics.

For the broader market, delays can shift competitive windows. Rival hardware makers may gain short-term advantage if they can ship sooner, while Valve may need to adjust marketing and retail plans to accommodate the revised schedule.

What to watch next

Valve’s statement sets an expectation — "in the first half of the year" — but buyers should watch official Valve channels, retailer notices, and trade coverage for firm ship dates. If RAM supply improves, Valve could confirm exact launch weeks; if supply remains constrained, expect further updates.

Until Valve provides more detailed timing, the safest course for interested buyers is to monitor official announcements, keep preorder receipts handy, and weigh alternatives if they need hardware immediately.