Steam Controller, demand is out of control: those who reserve it today will receive it in 2027

Valve has announced that the strong demand for the new Steam Controller has generated much longer waiting times than expected, to the point that some reservations made today indicate a projected shipping date in 2027.

To clarify the situation for users, the company has introduced a system that shows three different time windows for the actual purchase of the controller: by September 2026, by December 2026, or in 2027. Currently, those who make a reservation are informed that delivery is expected in 2027.

Valve has made it clear that it has no intention of stopping the production of the Steam Controller. However, by comparing current demand with available production capacity by the end of the year, the company has decided to communicate waiting times more transparently to avoid unrealistic expectations among consumers.

Additional details on the Steam Controller and shipments

The new Steam Controller went on sale in early May. The immediate interest from users was such that it caused problems during the purchasing phase, with many customers encountering difficulties in completing their orders before stock depletion. To address the situation, a few days after launch, Valve introduced a reservation queue that allows interested parties to sign up for a waiting list.

According to the procedure established by the company, when a controller becomes available, the user receives a notification and has 72 hours to complete the purchase. Valve explained that transitioning to the reservation system has helped reduce inconveniences for customers and has provided the company with more accurate data to plan future production.

The company also noted that the launch of its three main hardware products had been postponed from the initial plans for early 2026 due to the component crisis. Currently, Valve has not yet announced a marketing date for Steam Machine PC and Steam Frame VR.