Steam Controller more popular than Valve expected - they're working on stock issues

By Liam Dawe - 5 May 2026 at 4:23 pm UTC

Last updated: 5 May 2026 at 6:01 pm UTC

It seems the popularity of the new Steam Controller really did catch Valve off guard, with it selling out a lot faster than expected. I thought it would be popular, but not to the point where it was able to crash the Steam checkout process and have scalpers jump in.

Until you manage to get one - be sure to check out my initial GamingOnLinux overview of how well it works.

We at least have an update direct from Valve on the situation now. As posted on Bluesky, the official Valve account said: "Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon."

We'll let you know as soon as we know if there's any more info on when they come back in stock properly.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.

Tags: Hardware, Misc, Steam, Steam Controller, Valve

3 Likes

About the author - Liam Dawe

I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly checked on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. You can follow me personally on Mastodon [External Link].
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7 comments

dorron 1 hour ago

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Now give me Steam Frame and Steam Machine prices and release dates!

3 Likes

Aryetis 1 hour ago

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"update on expected timeline soon" ™
"Steam frame release early 2026" ™
"chocolate won"t make you fat" ™

Lies after lies after lies....

0 Likes

dpanter 1 hour ago

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Mega Supporter

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Mitigate the scalpers this time for Gabes sake!

1 Likes

ElectricPrism 1 hour ago

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I saw someone claim on X that Valve has 20,000 Steam Machines, considering they sold Millions of Steam Decks, that's going to sell out so fast, it'll be the Steam Controller all over again.

1 Likes

Mountain Man 58 minutes ago

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People on Reddit lamenting that there's not even the option to give Valve your money upfront, and then they ship as units become available, which would be the sensible way to do it. Instead, it looks like Valve is going to put batches up for sale, and then it's going to be another mad scramble between customers and scalpers until they sell out again.

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ElectricPrism 50 minutes ago

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Valve focusing on scalpers would be a mistake, their goal should be to ramp up supply to meet the demand, not to waste energy going after a small percentage of purchasers doing what they want with their private property.

No matter what measures could be put in place, criminals always find ways around the rules, there's no point in punishing customers who want to eventually own 4+ controllers because someone __COULD__ lawfully resell their private property after they purchase it.

The RF dongle can support 4 controllers, and controllers have always been designed for Living Room TVs with the idea of having 2-4+ players. Limiting purchasing to 1 makes no sense, let the market dicate how many sales they want.

I know it's frustrating, but we also should know that by selling out, Valves hardware is now even more prestegious which will drive sales more, because psychologically people always want what they CAN'T have.

Memory is fuzzy, but this feels like the Steam Deck launch all over again.

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adolson 14 minutes ago

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I thought 13 tons was a lot, but doing the math I guess it's not, really... Still a good sign, but they won't have an issue selling anything they make, I feel.

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