Valve preparing to open Steam Controller reservations for users soon

After officially launching the new Steam Controller earlier this week, Valve quickly ran into major demand issues. The release saw Steam store errors, extremely limited stock, and many customers missing out entirely as units sold out almost immediately. Now, Valve is introducing a reservation system aimed at helping real customers secure the controller ahead of future restocks.

Beginning May 8 at 10 AM PT, players will be able to reserve a place in a purchase queue for the Steam Controller. Valve says order invitations will then be sent out in the same order that reservations are received.

There are a few restrictions in place to reduce scalping and bot activity. To qualify, users must have a Steam account that made at least one purchase before April 27, 2026, and the account must also be in good standing. In addition, reservations are limited to one controller per customer. Once Valve sends an order email, buyers will have 72 hours to complete the purchase. Users who already secured a Steam Controller during the original launch wave are currently not eligible to reserve another unit.

Valve also confirmed that fresh inventory is on the way. Restocks for the US and Canada are expected next week, while the UK, EU, and Australia will receive stock in the following weeks through the new reservation system.

Given the overwhelming interest in Valve’s new hardware lineup, it would not be surprising if similar reservation systems are introduced for the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame releases as well. The reservation approach should help Valve better manage demand while making it harder for scalpers to dominate future restocks. However, considering how quickly the first batch disappeared, it may still take some time before supply fully catches up with demand.

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