(Credit: Valve)
The Steam Controller is a hit, but buying one has been difficult, with many gamers complaining that scalpers bought much of the first wave of stock. It’s enough of a problem for Valve to have introduced a new reservation system, and a rumor suggests it plans to do similar for its upcoming Steam Frame and Steam Machine hardware.
As spotted by Wccftech, users breaking down Steam's code have spotted references to both pieces of hardware, heavily suggesting plans to use a similar reservation system. As seen in the Steam Tracker system, the hidden code refers to four Steam Machine variants and two versions of the Frame VR headset.
To buy the Steam Controller, you need to have an active Steam account and to have bought something through the service before April 27. That’s been put in place to prevent people from creating multiple new accounts to buy controllers.
It’s limited to one order per user, and you must respond to an email within three days to secure your purchase.
This system, if used from the start, would make it easier for gamers to pick up gadgets and avoid scalpers reselling them for much more than their initial value. The Steam Controller costs $99, but some on eBay are listed for over $300.
We know Valve plans to offer 512GB and 2TB versions of the Steam Machine, so those extra two versions may be other storage variants, or perhaps bundles with accessories, such as one with a Steam Controller included.
Given the ongoing global memory crisis, Valve may have chosen to split the difference and offer a more affordable option with 1TB of space for gamers who want lots of room but don’t want to spring for the 2TB version.
Valve has yet to announce pricing for the Steam Machine or the Steam Frame. A shipment report from earlier this month may have hinted that the Machine is coming sooner rather than later, though.