Valve has up to date its web site to acknowledge that clients in some areas are struggling to purchase a Steam Deck “as a consequence of reminiscence and storage shortages.”
Reminiscence is in excessive demand as a result of firms like Nvidia and Google require a lot of it for his or her AI chips, with a latest CNBC report stating that these firms “are the primary ones in line for the parts.” This has already pushed up RAM costs for client electronics, and has had a knock-on influence on each console retail costs and availability.
Now, acknowledging a components scarcity that’s delaying the construct and cargo of its Steam Deck handhelds, Valve has confirmed earlier rumors of a provide subject, admitting the hand held could also be “intermittently” out of inventory in some international locations.
“Steam Deck OLED could also be out-of-stock intermittently in some areas as a consequence of reminiscence and storage shortages,” the corporate has now added to its Steam Deck retailer web page. “Steam Deck LCD 256GB is not in manufacturing, and as soon as offered out will not be obtainable.”
The identical subject has additionally scuppered Valve’s plan to launch its Steam Machine in early 2026. When the Steam Machine was first introduced again in November 2025, Valve prompt that the console-like PC would launch within the first quarter of this 12 months, however the firm now says that as AI shortages which can be inflicting PC {hardware} to spike in value, it wants extra time to nail down the value and launch date for the Steam Machine and Steam Body. You’ll be able to learn our first impressions of Valve’s new console-like gaming PC proper right here.
This follows information yesterday that the AI-fueled chip disaster has reportedly upended Sony and Nintendo’s console plans, too, and might trigger a delay to the discharge of the PlayStation 6 and a value rise for the Change 2.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and advisor with 15+ years expertise working with a few of the world’s greatest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.