Valve announced the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will launch in summer 2026, although there is no information yet regarding their pricing. The company shared the release timeframe in a developer-focused blog post about the inclusion of these devices in the Verified program.
The Verified program informs players how well games will run on specific hardware and originally launched with the Steam Deck. Valve stated that requirements for the Verified badge for the Steam Machine are nearly identical to those of the Steam Deck.
For the Steam Frame, Valve noted, “Like Steam Deck Verified, the Steam Frame Standalone Verified program focuses on the experience customers will have with the device out-of-the-box in standalone mode.” The criteria include performance of default graphics, clarity of text and UI, and functionality of the default controller configuration, applicable to both VR and non-VR titles.
Speculation about the pricing of Valve’s hardware has been ongoing since the announcement of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller in November 2025. The current global memory shortage has significantly increased gaming console and PC prices in 2026, with no resolution in sight. Xbox, Sony, and Valve have raised prices of existing hardware lines by several hundred dollars, including a $300 increase for the Steam Deck. Nintendo is expected to follow with price increases for the Switch 2.
The Steam Controller was released on May 4 at a price of $99. Valve reports it operates using minimal RAM and haptic feedback technology. In addition to hardware announcements, Valve has updated the Steam Store homepage to improve organization. The refresh includes wider, higher-resolution images and more detailed quick-look options for games, along with reinstated Wishlist and DLC sections.
The new Personal Calendar feature now offers game promotions based on user play history. Users can view the Discovery Queue in an overlay, and infinite scroll has been enabled on the homepage.
