Valve Unveils Plan to Block Scalper Bots From Steam Machines
▼ Summary
– Valve plans a reservation system for the Steam Machine, similar to the Steam Controller’s system, requiring an active Steam account with a purchase before April 27.
– SteamTracking code on Steam’s website suggests four Steam Machine versions, likely combining 512GB and 2TB SSD options with or without a Steam Controller.
– Two Steam Frame VR headset models are also referenced in the code, likely corresponding to 256GB and 1TB storage options, both supporting microSD expansion.
– Scalpers drove up Steam Controller prices to $200–$300+ after it sold out within an hour due to heavy traffic on Valve’s marketplace.
– Valve has not announced a price or launch date for the Steam Machine, but expects it to cost as much as an equivalent PC due to a memory shortage.
Valve appears to have finally remembered that scalper bots exist, and the company is now taking steps to prevent them from ruining the launch of its upcoming Steam Machine. After many gamers missed out on the Steam Controller due to resellers, Valve is implementing a new system to ensure actual fans get a fair shot at the hardware.
Eagle-eyed Redditors discovered code on Steam’s website that suggests there may be four distinct versions of the Steam Machine. These configurations likely correspond to the two storage options already listed on Steam: a 512GB SSD and a 2TB SSD. Buyers may also have the choice to purchase the console with or without a Steam Controller, bringing the total to four possible bundles.
The same code scraping revealed two models for the Steam Frame VR headset, which probably refers to 256GB and 1TB storage options. Both headsets support expandable storage via microSD cards, so users who later realize a smaller SSD isn’t enough for modern gaming can still upgrade.
The original Reddit thread also pointed out that the code likely relates to a reservation system for the controller, similar to the one recently introduced for the Steam Controller. To get in line for Valve’s new hardware, you’ll need an active Steam account. And you can’t just create a throwaway account to bypass the system. You must have made a purchase on Steam before April 27.
Currently, securing a Steam Controller requires setting up an order and responding to a confirmation email within 72 hours. Valve limits purchases to one per customer, and if you already ordered a controller, you cannot order another later. The company will likely enforce similarly strict rules for the Steam Machine.
Scalpers operate like predatory opportunists, waiting for any hyped hardware release to snatch up inventory and resell it for 200% or more above retail. When Valve launched the buy page for the Steam Controller, the site was overwhelmed by traffic, and many buyers couldn’t complete their orders. Within an hour, the controller was listed as out of stock, and resellers immediately began offering “verified preorder” units for $200, $300, or more.
If you were fortunate enough to secure a Steam Controller, you should know that up to four controllers can connect to a single console. They can also connect to one of the included 2.4GHz wired pucks, which double as a charging station.
Valve has not yet announced the price or launch date for the Steam Machine. But it seems the company is close to revealing full details about its latest hardware. Given the ongoing memory shortage and Valve’s statement that the device will cost the same as an equivalent PC, expect to pay a premium for this console.
(Source: Gizmodo.com)
