Valve May Implement Reservation System for Steam Machine Launch to Combat Scalpers

Valve is reportedly preparing a reservation system for the upcoming launch of its Steam Machine and Steam Frame hardware, aiming to prevent scalping issues similar to those experienced with the Steam Controller. Code analysis by users on Wccftech revealed references to four Steam Machine variants and two Steam Frame versions within Steam's tracking system. This strategy mirrors the successful anti-scalper measures introduced for the Steam Controller, which required active accounts with prior purchase history and limited orders to one per user. The identified Steam Machine models likely include the confirmed 512GB and 2TB storage options, with the remaining two potentially being 1TB variants or accessory bundles. This approach addresses consumer complaints about inflated resale prices, where controllers originally priced at $99 were listed for over $300. While official pricing and release dates remain unannounced, recent shipment reports suggest the hardware launch is imminent. The implementation of this queue-based system from the start would significantly improve accessibility for genuine gamers, ensuring fairer distribution amidst ongoing global memory supply constraints.