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Valve's Steam Machine has been delayed, and the RAM crisis will impact pricing

submitted by lxst+(OP) on 2026-02-05 08:34:47 | 70 points 13 comments
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replies(6): >>Fire-D+ua >>StopDi+wa >>wolvol+Pe >>wolvol+Tg >>pu_pe+Mh >>Pwntas+a91
1. Fire-D+ua[view] [source] 2026-02-05 09:55:33
>>lxst+(OP)
Damn i was really hoping to get one :(
replies(1): >>wolvol+Vh
2. StopDi+wa[view] [source] 2026-02-05 09:55:36
>>lxst+(OP)
What's interesting to me is here is that we basically are in terra incognita with this RAM market.

We are at a point where the market is so concentrated that nobody wants to invest in production capacity anymore as everyone wants margins to stay high. So when companies pivot to new niche like data centers, you see penuries on the consumer markets with nothing happening to solve the issue. The boom and bust cycle seems over at least as long as demands stay stable. Baring a crash of the IA economy, I don't see any short term change coming from the key manufacturers.

Yet, what I find fascinating is that the whole oligopoly has pivoted so hard, they couldn't quickly pivot back to protect these markets if challenged. There is a unique opportunity for new comers if they can get the manufacturing capacities. Some Chinese manufacturers who used to make low grade chips could be tempted. They might be impaired by the new geopolitical situation however and the tarifs.

3. wolvol+Pe[view] [source] 2026-02-05 10:34:02
>>lxst+(OP)
I'm more worried about the Frame. I assume the same will apply there. I was really looking forward to it but I don't think I'll be able to afford it now
replies(1): >>yurish+6f
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4. yurish+6f[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 10:36:12
>>wolvol+Pe
It says everything is delayed in the article.
replies(1): >>wolvol+1g
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5. wolvol+1g[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 10:43:38
>>yurish+6f
Thanks, I couldn't read it due to paywall. I've added a link to archive now.
6. wolvol+Tg[view] [source] 2026-02-05 10:50:00
>>lxst+(OP)
https://archive.is/8mB6A
replies(1): >>lxst+rh
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7. lxst+rh[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 10:54:58
>>wolvol+Tg
I didn't see any paywall. Sorry for this.

Here is valves original blog post "Steam Hardware: Launch timing and other FAQs": https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/45479024/view/6255...

replies(2): >>wolvol+8i >>mhitza+Ki
8. pu_pe+Mh[view] [source] 2026-02-05 10:56:39
>>lxst+(OP)
Seems like this price volatility might ultimately impact all kinds of consumer electronics. Even hardware that is already released like the Nintendo Switch 2 is probably getting its costs inflated by the RAM shortages.
replies(1): >>wolvol+ni
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9. wolvol+Vh[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 10:58:07
>>Fire-D+ua
And me the frame. But yeah. It was to be expected. :(
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10. wolvol+8i[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 10:59:30
>>lxst+rh
Don't be sorry, on HN it's always practice to post the real link in the main post anyway :) The Verge probably show the first articles for free.
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11. wolvol+ni[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 11:01:41
>>pu_pe+Mh
Yes but less so because these parties have the clout to make large and long duration deals.

Valve while a big company will not move 1/10th of the hardware nintendo does so they will feel it more.

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12. mhitza+Ki[view] [source] [discussion] 2026-02-05 11:04:28
>>lxst+rh
I'm only interested in the steam controller, which is going to be delayed in bulk with the other hardware.

Can anyone help me understand the following.

> Can I play non steam games with the Steam Controller? The controller can work with any game compatible with the Steam Overlay.

So the controller will only work with games (including non steam) launched from the steam overlay?

13. Pwntas+a91[view] [source] 2026-02-05 16:48:27
>>lxst+(OP)
thanks ai, thanks sam altman. feels like we can't have anything nice anymore
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