Valve has been importing significant amounts of hardware into the US, leading to speculation about a potential launch of the Steam Machine. The Verge reported that over recent days, Valve shipped more than 45 tons of unspecified “Game Consoles.” This shipment follows previous orders totaling around 90 tons received since February.
These large-scale shipments indicate that Valve appears to be stockpiling hardware. While the Steam Machine has faced several delays, reportedly due to global memory shortages, the volume of goods suggests preparation for a major release.
Brad Lynch, a long-time observer of Valve, has posted updates regarding Valve’s shipments and warehousing over recent weeks. Lynch noted that Valve received over 90 tons of “Game Console” units from China. The Verge further reported the arrival of an additional 45 tons between April 30 and May 1.
Analyzing the latest 45-ton delivery against Valve’s stated weight for the Steam Machine—approximately 5.7 pounds—the volume suggests fewer than 20,000 units. This calculation even factors in packaging and potential accessories, such as controllers and power cables, that also shipped from China.
However, the source notes that these shipments might represent Steam Decks, intended merely to stabilize Valve’s current supply. It is also suggested that Valve might require even more units for a general release, particularly within the US market. These findings suggest the timeline for the Steam Machine may not be immediately clear.