Last November’s announcement of the new Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller provided us with new hardware to look forward to. Valve is often lauded as a fan-favorite among PC gamers – a company that often seems unable to do no wrong, so the prospect of first-party hardware is exciting. However, SSD and RAM shortages have already caused some delays, turning the original ‘early 2026’ release window into a much more generic ‘first half’, and now, just ‘2026’.

Valve has been busy at the GDC Festival of Gaming this week, already running a presentation which gave us an insight into its triple hardware launch, including Steam Machine Verified & Steam Frame Verified requirements and more. The company has also reiterated its 2026 launch window, but not without making another snappy comment on the RAM crisis.

Discussing the lack of RAM during Valve’s GDC 2026 presentation

According to writer and editor Hayden Digman, who was present at the presentation, a speaker remarked that Valve is “in the market” for some RAM. Reports suggest Valve casually joked about the lack of components, with those in attendance saying that a Valve rep joked there would be no hardware announcements at GDC 2026 unless someone could provide some RAM.

Valve explained in February why it hasn’t announced any release dates yet. As expected, “Limited availability and growing prices” of memory and storage components are the biggest issue. Valve went on to blame these shortages for the lack of Steam Deck OLED stock, too, as the handheld suddenly disappeared from official Steam storefronts around the world.

The company may joke about the lack of RAM, but delays are understandably worrying for consumers, who were hoping to already have their hands on the new tech based on the original ‘early 2026’ window. For now, there’s still no official word on which month or quarter the trio of hardware will launch. We’ve previously suggested that Valve should release the Steam Controller early (since it shouldn’t be held back by the same shortages), though that also comes with its own drawbacks.

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.