- Valve’s new Steam Controller could be released before the Steam Machine
- A new public import post shows Valve has a multi-pack ‘Wireless PC Controller’ shipment
- An early launch of the Steam Controller could greatly benefit PC users planning custom Steam Machine builds
Gamers are still awaiting the launch of Valve’s Steam Machine, which has been delayed from an early 2026 launch as previously promised by the company. However, the most important accessory may be in players’ hands very soon.
As reported by VideoCardz, Valve’s Steam Controller could launch very soon without the Steam Machine, according to Valve insider Brad Lynch. This is not mere speculation as Lynch discovered a public import record showing a large batch of a ‘wireless PC controller’ coming from China.
The VideoCardz report highlights that Valve’s shipping record, presumably from the Steam Controller, includes 40 packages weighing 12,970 kg, but it’s still not entirely clear how many units are in the shipment.
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What’s clear from this public record is that Valve is at least preparing the controller’s launch for consumers much earlier than the Steam Machine’s final launch date – or, the long-awaited console-like PC is already in package preparations (since the Steam Controller will come with the Steam Machine).
The Steam Machine is still slated for launch in 2026, but the memory and storage crises are as active as ever, ultimately forcing the hands of Valve and other reputable PC hardware companies to reschedule plans for product sales.
However, an early launch of the Steam Controller could be a good step as a head start, especially for those looking to build a custom Steam Machine using either SteamOS or Bazzite (effectively a SteamOS clone).
Official SteamOS compatibility on PC hardware is also expected to be strengthened when the Steam Machine launches, and if the controller’s launch is indeed imminent, it will help both SteamOS and especially Windows users on Steam get used to its dual-trackpad layout.
The best-case scenario would be a surprise reveal from Valve with an official Steam Machine launch date, but with the volatile state of the PC hardware market, that’s certainly wishful thinking.
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