The gaming industry eagerly awaits the launch of Valve's newest devices, the Steam Machine desktop PC and the Steam Frame VR headset. However, their release has been put on hold due to a significant shortage of RAM, which has caused prices to soar.

Background on Valve's Announcement

Back in mid-November last year, Valve introduced its innovative Steam Machine and Steam Frame without specifying release dates or pricing. At the time, the market was already experiencing a rise in memory and storage costs, largely driven by the AI sector's high demand for these components.

The Growing Impact of RAM Shortages

Since the announcement, the cost and scarcity of memory have only intensified, affecting not just RAM but also GPUs and other memory-reliant devices. This situation complicates Valve's ability to set a firm timeline and price for the launch of its new hardware.

Valve's Update on Device Availability

Valve recently informed the public that it’s not yet in a position to confirm when these devices will hit the shelves or what they'll cost. The company still targets a first-half-of-the-year launch but acknowledges the fluidity of the current market conditions.

Challenges in Finalizing Launch Plans

Valve's recent blog post expresses that their initial plan was to provide concrete pricing and launch details by now. However, the worsening memory shortages have forced them to reassess their schedules and pricing strategies, especially regarding the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

It remains a challenging task to securely plan amidst such volatile supply chain dynamics, and Valve is closely monitoring the situation to adapt as needed. As consumers wait, the anticipation around Valve's new offerings continues to build.

Source:arstechnica