# The RAM Shortage Comes for Valve

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u08PYw3vGUc
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/u08PYw3vGUc
Generated: 2026-02-07T21:01:14.522+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Valve confirmed that the planned early 2026 launch for the Steam Machine hardware and its associated controller will be delayed due to limited availability of critical components like memory and storage, leading to speculation about the PS5's DDR5 RAM and potential price increases.

**Key Points:**
- Valve confirmed the Steam Machine hardware and controller launch, initially set for early 2026, is delayed due to limited availability of critical components.
- The delayed components specifically mentioned include memory and storage, which are essential for the Steam Machine launch.
- The discussion touched on the possibility of the PlayStation 5's DDR5 RAM being a factor in supply constraints.
- The potential final price for the Steam Machine was debated, with guesses ranging from $899.99 to $1,000.
- The hosts noted that while the price might increase, AI is expected to fix problems and make jobs easier, even if it's a 'sucker' move.
- The conversation referenced a previous prediction that the PS5 would ship with DDR4 RAM, but it actually has DDR5, impacting component availability.

![Screenshot at 00:02: Host Lucy James reads an on-screen note confirming that Valve delayed the Steam Machine hardware and controller launch past early 2026 due to component shortages.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-00-02.jpg)

**Context:** The hosts, Lucy James and Kurt Indovina, discuss recent news regarding Valve's Steam Machine project during their podcast, 'Kurt & Lucy Gotcha Covered.' The conversation centers on an official announcement from Valve confirming a delay to the early 2026 launch window for the Steam Machine hardware and its dedicated controller, citing supply chain issues related to key components.

## Detailed Analysis

Valve announced a delay for the Steam Machine hardware and controller, which was scheduled for early 2026, because of limited availability of critical components such as memory and storage. The hosts discuss this news, noting that while this is a setback, they hope AI will eventually solve problems and make tasks easier. Kurt speculates that the issue might be related to the fact that the PlayStation 5 utilizes DDR5 RAM, contrary to earlier predictions that it would use DDR4. This impacts the supply chain for similar components. They then pivot to guessing the final price, with Kurt suggesting $899.99, and the hosts agreeing that the price could hit $1,000, calling the situation a 'sucker' move overall, but acknowledging that game development/hardware is inherently expensive. They also mention a previous TV show where friends got certificates for acting in a house fire reenactment.

### Valve Delay Confirmation

- The new hardware and controller launch is pushed past early 2026
- Delay caused by limited availability of memory and storage components
- Price speculation lands between $899.99 and $1,000

### Component Discussion

- Kurt suggests the bottleneck relates to the PS5 using DDR5 RAM instead of expected DDR4
- This impacts the supply of similar components needed for the Steam Machine

### AI and Industry Commentary

- Hosts agree that while delays suck, AI is expected to fix problems and ease workloads eventually
- Gaming is noted as an expensive hobby
- A brief anecdote about friends getting acting certificates for a house fire reenactment is shared

![Screenshot at 00:08: Kurt reacts with an exaggerated slump as Lucy reads the news about the Steam Machine delay.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-00-08.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:26: Lucy reads the card mentioning the issues are caused by the 'monopolization of supply for AI data centers,' causing her to exclaim, 'This sucks!'](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-00-26.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:37: Kurt responds to the bad news, noting that the Steam Deck and its controller are what he is looking forward to, not the Steam Machine.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-00-37.jpg)
![Screenshot at 01:17: The hosts discuss the previous price point of $899.99 and whether the final price will be closer to $1,000.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-01-17.jpg)
![Screenshot at 03:15: A third person, likely a producer or guest in another booth, interjects to say that despite the delay, Valve will ship in the first half of the year, but in limited quantity.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/u08PYw3vGUc/00-03-15.jpg)