The Steam Machine is officially on its way, as the PC-console hybrid system is almost ready to take over your gaming setup. Developed by Valve, it’s set to make PC gaming more accessible than ever, whilst also providing a more laid-back approach akin to the console experience.
That said, unlike the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, buying one isn’t as easy as walking into a store and grabbing the box; instead, you need to jump through some hoops, and it can be quite confusing at first glance.
With that in mind, here’s when the Steam Machine officially launches, as well as how you can get your hands on one for yourself.
When Does The Steam Machine Release?
According to Valve, the first batch of Steam Machines will begin to roll out on Monday, June 29, 2026.
It’s a relatively quick turnover, with the system’s prices and bundles only just being announced on June 22, a week before release. That’s not much time to plan ahead financially, but if you’re in the market for one and want the Steam Machine on day dot, you’ll need to decide quickly, as you can’t just walk into a store to buy one.
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Instead, you’ll have to order one directly through Steam and work your way through a reservation system, all before the cutoff date. It’s a slightly confusing process, but if you’re looking to secure a Steam Machine, you can find out how below:
How To Order The Steam Machine
If you want to buy your very own Steam Machine on day one, you need to register your interest in the system before 10 AM PT on June 25.
Once that time passes, Valve will close sign-ups and do a one-time randomization to determine the reservations and waitlist order. From there, you’ll soon discover if you’ve been put in the reservation queue or the waitlist. If you miss the sign-up date, you’ll simply be added to the back of the waitlist.
If you’re in the reservation queue, congratulations! A system will be reserved in your name, and once units become available for shipment, you’ll have an opportunity to order a Steam Machine. Those first batches will roll out starting June 29, and continue to ship as and when systems are ready.
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If you’re on the waitlist, there’s not much else you can do other than, you guessed it, wait your turn. Steam Machines are being produced in limited quantities, due to the high component costs, so Valve has struggled to produce units for the system’s launch.
It might be frustrating to leave your fortunes up to fate, but the process has been decided in an effort to eliminate as many bots and scalpers as possible.
For a step-by-step guide on ordering a Steam machine, follow the process below:
- Head to this page, and log in to Steam.
- Select which bundle you’re interested in—there are four to choose from.
- Tick the box saying you’ve read and accepted the Terms and Conditions.
- Hit the button at the bottom asking you to ‘Join the List.’
It’s as simple as that! Now, it’s all down to fate, and whether you get selected for a day-one purchase—good luck! And if you’re still on the fence, check out the original trailer below:
Will you be trying your luck to secure a Steam Machine? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
For more on the Steam Machine, read about how it was initially planned to be cheaper, and don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter.
Charlie is one of Insider Gaming's Guides Writers who's been in the gaming industry for a little over a year. Unfortunately for him, he enjoys every video game genre out…
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