Steam Controller reservations explained: How to get stock
Steam on!
After initially selling out almost immediately, Steam has introduced a reservations system for the Steam Controller.
As well as making it less stressful to get your hands on one, it also helps deter scalpers and resellers from buying them.
So, if you missed your chance the first time around, here's what you need to know about how to reserve a Steam Controller for yourself.
Steam Controller reservations explained: How to get stock
The queue for reservations begins on 8 May at 10am Pacific Time, according to a press release from Valve.
For those of us in different time zones, here's what time that is for you:
- US Mountain (MT) – 11am
- US Central (CT) – 12pm
- US Eastern (ET) – 1pm
- UK (BST) – 6pm
- Central Europe (CEST) – 7pm
- Australia East Coast (AEDT) – 3am, 9 May
- New Zealand (NZDT) – 5am, 9 May
Once that time rolls around, here are the steps you need to take in order to get a Steam Controller reserved:
First, sign into your Steam account and head to the Steam Controller store page.
When 10am PT rolls around, the reservation queue will open. Instead of purchasing the controller, you will instead select the option to reserve.
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This will put you in a queue, locking your account in based on the time you registered in the queue.
When controllers come back into stock, you will be sent an email inviting you to purchase. You will then have 72 hours to complete your payment, otherwise forfeiting your reservation.
It should be noted that there are a few criteria that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for registration.
Your Steam account must be in good standing – that means no VAC bans! You must also have made at least one purchase on Steam before 27 April 2026.
Furthermore, if you already purchased a controller during the first rollout, you will not be able to reserve a second from this batch.
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Authors
Alex Raisbeck is a Gaming Writer at Radio Times, covering everything from AAA giants to indie gems. Alex has written for VideoGamer, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, PCGamesN and more.
