In a developer blog post published today, Valve confirmed a summer 2026 launch window for its upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware. While the timeline is now official, the company has yet to disclose pricing for either product.
The announcement was included in an update about Valve’s Verified program. Originally designed for the Steam Deck, the compatibility system is being extended to the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, giving buyers a better idea of how games will perform. Valve says the Steam Machine follows verification standards that are “nearly identical” to those of the Steam Deck.
Valve says the Steam Frame Standalone Verified program is designed to measure the quality of the default user experience. Certification requires strong performance with default graphics settings, legible text, and interface elements on the integrated display, and proper support for the Steam Frame controllers. The company notes that the same testing framework is used for both VR and conventional titles.
With a summer 2026 release now on the calendar, Valve has finally put a timeframe on hardware it first revealed back in November 2025. The announcement originally arrived alongside the Steam Controller, a $99 gamepad that launched on May 4. While its quirky touchpad-focused design isn’t for everyone, many users have praised its solid construction and unique haptic feedback.
The biggest unanswered question is how much the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will cost. That matters because gaming hardware has gotten a lot more expensive this year, thanks to an ongoing memory shortage. Valve, Sony, and Xbox have all raised prices on current products, and Nintendo has hinted that the Switch 2 could see an increase, too. If those market pressures continue, Valve’s new hardware may end up costing more than many gamers expect.
Valve also rolled out a redesigned Steam storefront today. The updated homepage features larger, higher-resolution artwork aimed at reducing visual clutter and making sections such as wishlists and DLC easier to find. Other additions include a Personal Calendar that highlights promotions based on a user’s gaming habits, an overlay version of the Discovery Queue, and support for infinite scrolling on the homepage.
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