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Steam Controller $99 Launch Sells Out, Crashes Store

5/5/2026

32 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Valve Sells Out

Valve released the $99 Steam Controller in the United States on May 4, 2026, which sold out within minutes and crashed the Steam storefront.
The controller was listed as out of stock within an hour, with no restock date announced.
Scalpers are reselling confirmed pre-order units on eBay for $200-$300.
Some users reported payment errors on Steam that blocked purchases.

Summary

Valve Delays

Valve announced the Steam Controller will cost $99, a price higher than the $5 per-unit cost of the original model, indicating a shift in its hardware pricing strategy.
Valve said the Steam Frame and Steam Machine are delayed because of a RAM shortage.
Delivery estimates have moved from 3-5 to 6-10 business days as demand outpaced supply.

Summary

Valve Launches Controller

The controller delivers over 35 hours of play per charge with its 8.39 Wh battery.
It features magnetic TMR thumbsticks, four grip buttons, two haptic pads, gyro controls and four haptic motors.
Launch began at 10 AM PT May 4 in Los Angeles, reaching Tokyo at 2 AM JST May 5.
Prices are £85 UK, €99 Europe, $149 Canada and Australia.
Valve advised adding $110 to Steam Wallets beforehand to avoid payment-processor bottlenecks.

History

Historical Context

Nintendo began developing motion-sensing controllers in 2001 and launched the Wii Remote with the Wii console in November 2006; the accessory sold over 8.5 million units in the United States that year, prompting shortages. Its success spurred rivals Microsoft and Sony to release Kinect and PlayStation Move, illustrating how limited-edition peripherals can strain supply chains and reshape console strategies.

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Valve Sells Out

Valve released the $99 Steam Controller in the United States on May 4, 2026, which sold out within minutes and crashed the Steam storefront.
The controller was listed as out of stock within an hour, with no restock date announced.
Scalpers are reselling confirmed pre-order units on eBay for $200-$300.
Some users reported payment errors on Steam that blocked purchases.

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