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Steam Controller reservations updated with more streamlined approach

Steamy.

A close-up shot of the analogue stick and buttons on a Steam Controller.

Valve

Published: Friday, 19 June 2026 at 10:54 am

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It's going to be easier to see when you can get your hands on a Steam Controller thanks to a new update to the way reservations work.

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Rather infamously, the Steam Controller was sold out immediately upon launch, with demand for the controller significantly exceeding Valve's expectations.

That led to a new system whereby prospective buyers who fulfil certain criteria could sign up for reservations and would eventually be given a purchase window.

Unfortunately, as demand for the controllers is still well above the supply, Valve has had to step in again, and introduce three estimated order windows, to indicate when you could get your chance to buy.

These windows are by September 2026, by December 2026 and in 2027.

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This is quite the blow if you were hoping to get a Steam Controller ASAP, as you may now have to wait another three months for it, or until the new year if you're particularly unlucky.

Considering Valve has specifically phrased these windows as 'by' rather than 'in', it's possible that stock may be available sooner than September.

If you have a reservation already, you'll now be able to log in to your Steam account, head to the Steam Controller page and see when your expected order window is.

Conversely, if you don't have a reservation yet, you can still get your name on the list, though be warned, as any reservations made today are not expected to ship until 2027 at the earliest, with further details to come.

Whether you have a reservation or are looking to make one, keep an eye on your emails, as Valve will be sending out options to purchase the Steam Controller once your place in the queue arrives, at which point you will have 72 hours to buy, or else be removed from the list.

With the Steam Machine and Steam Frame releases reportedly coming up soon, fans will be hoping not to see a repeat of these stock issues, but considering the state of the industry right now, those hopes may well be optimistic at best.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Alex Raisbeck, smiling against a lime green background.

Alex RaisbeckGaming writer

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.

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