Valve’s second-generation Steam Controller arrived as the first product of a trio of hardware launches this year. Demand for the gamepad surpassed expectations, surprising Valve and forcing it to announce a ‘reservation queue’ program. The program has helped manage customer demand, all the while focusing on trusted Steam account owners to deter scalpers.

In a new blog post, Valve has provided Steam Controller customers with an update. “We have no plans to stop making [the] Steam Controller,” says Valve, but the company admits it is swamped with orders. In the update, customers who have reserved a unit can now look forward to three order windows, which is when they’ll be able to actually purchase the device.

Steam Controller orders slip as far back as 2027

Reserving the Steam Controller is free, and you can still do so if you’re interested. However, we imagine those who were quick to reserve their controller when reservations went live on May 8 will be near the front of the queue. Again, keep in mind that Valve is still prioritizing Steam accounts “in good standing” – assuming that backlog hasn’t been caught up to yet.

Starting today, the Steam Controller page will show you a time frame by when you can expect to receive your order email, based on when you reserved.

To keep it simple, we’re showing one of three estimated order windows:

• By September 2026
• By December 2026
• In 2027 (with additional information on specific timing to come)

Source: Steam

Those with a reservation can now see which estimated date they fall under on the Steam Controller page. We expect anyone who has recently reserved or does so from now on will be placed in the 2027 category. “The current estimation for orders placed today forward indicate a 2027 date for shipping,” says Valve, though these estimates will continue to be updated moving forward.

If you have a Steam Controller reservation, be sure to keep a keen eye on your emails. Once your time in the queue arrives, Valve will email you and give you the option to purchase the gamepad – but if you don’t complete your order within 72 hours, you’re removed from the list, and it’s essentially back of the queue if you choose to rejoin.

The new Steam Controller is priced at $99 USD / $149 CAD / £85 GBP / €99 EUR. Despite some backlash following its launch, Valve certainly thinks the new gamepad is competitively priced. It offers many unique and premium features not found on rivals.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.