- Valve’s new Steam Controller could launch before Steam Machine
- A new public import record shows Valve has a ‘wireless PC controller’ shipment, with multiple packages
- An early release of the Steam Controller could greatly benefit PC users planning custom Steam Machine builds
Gamers are still waiting for the launch of Valve’s Steam Machine, which has been delayed from its launch in early 2026, as the company previously promised. However, its most important accessory could be in the hands of players 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.
VideoCardz’s report highlights that Valve’s shipping record, presumably for the Steam Controller, includes 40 packages weighing 12,970kg, but it’s still unclear exactly how many units are in the shipment.
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What is clear from this public record is that Valve is at least preparing to release the controller to consumers well in advance of the Steam Machine’s final release date, or the long-awaited console-style PC is already having bundled preparations (as the Steam Controller will come with the Steam Machine).
The Steam Machine is still scheduled to launch in 2026, but memory and storage crises are more active than ever, ultimately forcing Valve and other big-name PC hardware companies to restructure their product sales plans.
However, an early release of the Steam Controller may be a good starting point, specifically for those looking to build a custom Steam Machine using SteamOS or Bazzite (effectively a SteamOS clone).
Official SteamOS support on PC hardware is also expected to strengthen once the Steam Machine launches, and if the controller release is indeed imminent, it will help both SteamOS and, in particular, Windows users on Steam get used to its dual trackpad design.
The best-case scenario would be a surprise reveal from Valve with an official Steam Machine release date, but with the shaky state of the PC hardware market, that’s certainly wishful thinking.
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