Steam has just opened pre-orders for its Steam Machine, and they’re using a somewhat unusual approach this time around. Valve seems to have learned a lesson from the Steam Controller launch.
Instead of a first-come, first-served system where bot-running scalpers crash the servers and buy up all the stock within minutes, users can select whichever model(s) they’re interested in and enter what is essentially a lottery. You can sign up for all four models. The queue order will then be randomized. If you’re selected for one model, you’re removed from consideration for the others. If you somehow qualify for more than one model, you’ll be assigned the most expensive one. If you’re not selected for any model, you’ll be placed in the queue for the model where your position is highest and removed from the other queues.
The prices?
Steam Machine 512GB:
$1,049 USD / 1,509 CAD / 1,039 EUR / 879 GBP / 1,609 AUD / 4,389 PLNBundle: Steam Machine 512GB + Steam Controller:
$1,128 USD / 1,628 CAD / 1,108 EUR / 938 GBP / 1,728 AUD / 4,698 PLNSteam Machine 2TB:
$1,349 USD / 1,919 CAD / 1,359 EUR / 1,149 GBP / 2,109 AUD / 5,739 PLNBundle: Steam Machine 2TB + Steam Controller:
$1,428 USD / 2,038 CAD / 1,428 EUR / 1,208 GBP / 2,228 AUD / 6,048 PLN
Steeper than many people expected, but I’ve suspected all along that anyone who thought they’d get the 2TB model for under a thousand dollars was being a bit optimistic. Considering current RAM and SSD prices, it could have been even worse.
If you’re interested, you can register your interest until June 25. Personally I went for the 2TB model, either with or without a controller. I love my Steam Deck so I believe this will complement it beautifully.
So, what do you think — are you planning to buy a Steam Machine?
1 comments - join the discussion!
Getting one for sure! Went for the 2TB as well.