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Valve's RAM-Free Controller Arrives May 4
28 Apr
Summary
- Steam Controller launches May 4, 2026, for $99.
- Controller bypasses RAM shortage impacting other hardware.
- Valve engineer cited controller's lack of RAM for early release.
Valve has announced the Steam Controller will launch on May 4, 2026, for $99, bypassing delays affecting other hardware due to a significant RAM shortage. Initially, the Steam Machine and Frame were also slated for release in early 2026, but component scarcity led to a postponement.
Valve hardware engineer Steve Cardinali explained that the controller's simpler design, notably its absence of RAM, allows for an earlier production and release. This strategic move ensures the controller can be manufactured in sufficient quantities to meet anticipated demand.
Cardinali also clarified that a simultaneous release of the Steam Machine and Controller was never a strict requirement. While designed to complement each other, their independent development meant their launch dates could be staggered without issue. The primary goal was to have the controller available before the Steam Machine.
