Valve has announced that new orders for the steam controller will not be met before 2027 at the earliest. The company mentioned that the response to the controller has exceeded expectations since its launch in May 2026.
Valve also confirmed that it has no plans to stop manufacturing the Steam Controller. The reservation list remains current and customers will be notified by email when it is their turn to purchase.
Delivery windows and how the reservation system works
Valve now provides three estimated delivery windows for Steam Controller orders based on when they were placed:
- September 2026,
- December 2026, and at some point in
- 2027, with specific dates to be announced later.
Customers who have already placed orders can log into their Steam accounts to view the assigned delivery window.
Once a customer’s reservation moves to the front of the queue, Valve sends a notification email. The customer then has 72 hours to complete the purchase.
If the reservation is not converted into a sale within that period, it will be forfeited and the opportunity will be offered to the next customer in line.
Customers who wish to retain their spot should ensure their Steam account email address is updated and reviewed regularly, monitor Steam notifications during the expected delivery period, and be prepared to complete the purchase within 72 hours of receiving the notification.
Known Steam Controller Issues and Valve’s Wider Hardware Limitations
The Steam Controller has generally been well received by users who have received units. However, a compatibility issue with the vibration feature has made it difficult to use in some games.
Valve hasn’t provided a timeline for fixing the rumble issue, but firmware updates are likely part of the solution. Additionally, the controller features a cinematic scream sound effect that plays when the device is dropped or thrown.
Supply constraints contribute to current challenges with the pricing and availability of Valve hardware. Recently, the Steam Deck’s price increased significantly due to persistent component and memory shortages, and the 1TB OLED model now costs $949.
Valve has also announced the release of the Steam Machine console and Steam Frame VR headset for summer 2026, although no specific release dates or pricing details have yet been revealed.
The limited supply and pre-order queue for the Steam Controller means that anyone placing an order today would have to wait several months.
Valve has not indicated any plans to increase manufacturing capacity that would speed up supply beyond what has already been announced.
