Valve changes Steam Machine release date to this 'year,' second change as AI-fueled memory and shortage crisis deepens — official announcements went from "early 2026" to "first half of 2026" to "this year"

Valve has adjusted the release date of its Steam Machine to "this year" due to ongoing memory and storage chip shortages caused by the AI infrastructure expansion. The company initially planned to launch the console in early 2026, but delays have pushed the release to later in the year. Valve aims to provide a gaming-focused living room experience with the Steam Machine, but challenges with component shortages persist. The pricing and specific release date remain uncertain, with expectations that the console may be priced higher than competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Valve faces the challenge of delivering the Steam Machine at a competitive price amidst rising memory and storage chip costs.