Steam Machine reservations are live, but the pricing may surprise you

After months of rumors and speculation, Valve has finally revealed pricing for its upcoming Steam Machine, and registrations are now open for both available models. With the review embargo also lifting today, plenty of hands-on impressions and performance analyses are expected to surface over the coming hours.

Rather than opening direct sales, Valve is using a reservation-based system designed to prevent bots and scalpers from dominating launch stock. Anyone interested in purchasing a Steam Machine must first join a registration list. Once registration closes, Valve will randomly select participants and invite them to complete their purchase.

The Steam Machine launches in two storage configurations. The base 512GB model is priced at $1,049 / 1,039€ / £879, while the higher-end 2TB version costs $1,349 / 1,359€ / £1,149. Valve is also offering bundles that include the new Steam Controller for those looking for the complete experience.

Pricing breaks down as follows:

• Steam Machine 512GB: $1,049 USD /  1,509 CAD /  1,039 EUR /  879 GBP / 1,609 AUD /  4,389 PLN  
• Steam Machine 512GB + Steam Controller: $1,128 USD / 1,628 CAD / 1,108 EUR / 938 GBP / 1,728 AUD / 4,698 PLN
• Steam Machine 2TB: $1,349 USD / 1,919 CAD /  1,359 EUR /  1,149 GBP /  2,109 AUD /  5,739 PLN
• Steam Machine 2TB + Steam Controller: $1,428 USD / 2,038 CAD / 1,428 EUR / 1,208 GBP / 2,228 AUD / 6,048 PLN

For now, there is no option to purchase the system outright. Players must register their interest on Steam before June 25 at 10 AM PT. After registrations close, Valve will randomize the list and begin sending purchase invitations. The first round of emails is scheduled to go out on June 29. According to Valve, the system is intended to give all interested buyers an equal opportunity to secure a console, avoiding the usual rush of competing against automated purchasing bots and online scalpers during launch day.

While excitement surrounding the hardware is high, the pricing has already sparked debate. At over $1,000 for the entry-level model, the Steam Machine sits well above traditional consoles and even some gaming PCs with comparable hardware. Valve points to ongoing component shortages and the continued rise in memory prices as key factors behind the cost.

The compact design and console-like form factor may help justify some of the premium, but the lack of upgradeability will likely be a sticking point for PC enthusiasts. Whether gamers consider the price worthwhile will ultimately depend on how well the Steam Machine delivers on its promise of combining the simplicity of a console with the flexibility of PC gaming.

As always, for the latest news on Steam hardware, Valve announcements, gaming handhelds, and developments across the PC gaming industry, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.