AI’s Hardware Boom Begins to Hit Gaming

The rapid expansion of the AI industry is beginning to have tangible consequences for PC gaming hardware, and Valve is now among the companies feeling the pressure. As AI firms aggressively scale up data centres that consume enormous amounts of RAM and storage, global component supply has tightened, pushing prices sharply upward.

For years, PC gamers largely expected these pressures to remain isolated to enterprise and server markets. Instead, the knock-on effects are now impacting consumer hardware plans, including Valve’s long-anticipated return to dedicated gaming hardware with the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame.

Valve Acknowledges Pricing Disruption for Steam Machine

In a recent blog post, Valve confirmed that the surge in RAM and storage costs is directly affecting its hardware roadmap. The company had originally planned to share full details on Steam Machine pricing and availability in early 2026, addressing two of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the device.

Those plans have now been adjusted. Valve stated that the current volatility in component pricing has forced the company to reconsider how and when it finalises pricing, particularly as it works to balance affordability with performance expectations.

Launch Window Still Set for 2026

Despite the uncertainty around costs, Valve emphasised that its broader timeline has not changed. Both the Steam Machine and the Frame are still planned for release in the first half of 2026, even if final prices remain unresolved for now.

This suggests Valve is prioritising readiness and flexibility rather than rushing to lock in figures that could quickly become outdated. It also reflects a wider industry trend, with hardware manufacturers increasingly cautious about committing to fixed pricing amid unpredictable supply conditions.

User Upgrades and Open Design Remain Central

Alongside the pricing update, Valve reaffirmed its commitment to openness and customisation. The Steam Machine will feature user-accessible NVMe SSD slots and upgradable memory, allowing owners to extend the system’s lifespan rather than treating it as a sealed console.

Valve also confirmed plans to release CAD files for the faceplate. This move opens the door for community-made designs, third-party custom shells, and experimental form factors, reinforcing Valve’s long-standing philosophy of encouraging user-driven hardware modification.

A Sign of Broader Industry Pressure

Valve’s admission highlights how deeply AI-driven demand is reshaping the hardware landscape. What began as a server-side issue is now affecting consumer gaming products, with pricing uncertainty likely to persist well into the next generation of PC and console hardware.

For now, Valve appears committed to delivering the Steam Machine on its own terms, even if that means waiting for market conditions to stabilise before revealing the final cost.