A developer at Valve recently addressed the continuing problem with Steam Deck availability. Many players are unable to purchase a new one due to ongoing supply shortages. These shortages might get even worse with the planned release of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, compounded by a current shortage of RAM.
Many gamers are aware of a worldwide shortage of computer memory (RAM), particularly the newer DDR5 type. This is largely due to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, which requires enormous amounts of fast memory for its data centers. Chip manufacturers are focusing on supplying these AI centers, leaving less RAM available for consumers and driving up prices. It’s unclear when this RAM shortage will be resolved, but it’s definitely affecting gaming – and not just on devices like the Steam Deck.
Valve’s Comments on the RAM Crisis/Steam Deck Shortage
So, I was reading an interview with Pierre-Loup Graiffais from Valve, and they talked a bit about the Steam Deck 2 and the new Steam Controller, which is cool. But the big thing is the ongoing stock issues with the current Deck. Basically, they didn’t give any firm dates or details, just said they’re working really hard to fix it. He actually compared it to the chip shortages we saw during COVID, explaining they had to get creative and use different microcontrollers to keep things going back then, and they’re trying to do the same now.
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Griffais believes they’ll approach memory management similarly, and also noted current shipping challenges are a major concern. In general, Griffais explained,
We’ve always focused on having a wide range of choices, and that’s been a real advantage in the current situation. It allows us to collaborate with both major companies and smaller ones. However, the availability of memory is a global issue right now, which limits what we can achieve.
Steam Hardware RAM Requirements (For Additional Context)
- Steam Deck: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM,
- Steam Frame: 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Steam Machine: 16GB DDR5 RAM and 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
Currently, Valve hasn’t announced a specific release date for the Steam Machine, but they’re aiming for sometime in 2026, likely in the first six months. With time running short, Valve seems to be prioritizing getting the hardware distributed, even with ongoing supply chain issues. The Steam Controller launching on May 4th is a good indication that they’re making progress.
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The Steam Frame is facing similar challenges to the Steam Machine, as its VR headset is expected to launch around 2026, though a specific date hasn’t been announced. It will replace the Valve Index and can play both VR and regular PC games using SteamOS. A key upgrade is that the Steam Frame won’t require a connection to a computer or external sensors, unlike the Index. However, because this new hardware needs a lot of memory, fans can anticipate potential supply issues similar to those currently affecting the Steam Deck.
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2026-04-30 19:38