Valve confirms ongoing Steam Deck shortages

Valve has recently issued a statement about the ongoing shortages of the Steam Deck, which are making it harder for gamers to get their hands on new units. The company points to a global shortage of computer memory (RAM), especially DDR5, as a major factor worsening the situation. These shortages are being driven largely by demand from emerging AI data centers, which require huge amounts of advanced memory.

Impact of the RAM crisis

The RAM crisis is affecting not only Steam Deck availability, but also other consumer hardware. Chipmakers are increasingly shifting production toward AI development, creating shortages for everyday user hardware. This is pushing RAM prices higher, adding another challenge for gamers trying to buy new devices.

Steam Deck updates

Despite the challenges, Valve released a new Steam Deck update in April 2026, adding several useful new features to the handheld. Valve developer Pierre-Loup Graiffais has also spoken about the future Steam Deck 2 and the new Steam Controller, which is set to launch on May 4.

Future hardware: Steam Machine and Steam Frame

The upcoming launch of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, both scheduled for 2026, could further worsen Steam Deck stock issues. While exact release dates for these new devices have not yet been set, they are intended to meet the growing demand for advanced gaming hardware.

Technical specifications and requirements

The upcoming devices share similar memory requirements: both the Steam Deck and Steam Machine require 16GB of RAM, while the Steam Frame is even more advanced with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. With demand for these memory types currently being overshadowed by production for AI applications, the outlook for availability remains uncertain for gamers.

Gamers remain hopeful for improvements in availability and pricing, while Valve continues working on innovative solutions and updates for its products.