Valve seeks help sourcing RAM as shortage affects 2026 Steam Machine production

Valve says it is looking for RAM supplies ahead of the 2026 Steam Machine launch amid shortages

Valve has indicated that a global shortage of RAM could affect the production of its planned Steam Machine release in 2026, with the company saying it is actively seeking additional supplies of the component.

The demand for RAM has increased significantly in recent years, particularly as artificial intelligence systems and large data centres require higher volumes of memory.

The situation has created manufacturing bottlenecks across several sectors, including the gaming industry.

As a result, some companies have faced higher component costs, while others have warned that hardware launches could be delayed or become more expensive.

Valve addressed the issue during a presentation at the Game Developers Conference, where the company discussed its upcoming Steam Machine hardware.

According to reporting from Hayden Dingman, Valve acknowledged the difficulty of sourcing RAM and suggested it was actively searching for suppliers.

“If you have a line on a bunch of RAM, we are in the market and would like to buy it,” the company said during the event.

The comment was delivered partly in jest, but it reflected wider challenges in the technology sector as manufacturers compete for available components.

RAM is a key part of modern gaming systems and handheld devices, allowing consoles and PCs to run games and applications efficiently. Shortages can therefore have a direct impact on manufacturing schedules and overall production costs.

Consumers have also reported rising prices for RAM modules, with some retailers listing significantly higher prices than in previous years.

Valve said during the same presentation that the Steam Machine is still expected to release in 2026. However, the company indicated that the ongoing component shortage could affect the device's final price.

The planned system is part of Valve’s continued expansion in gaming hardware, following previous efforts to develop devices designed to run games through the Steam platform.