New evidence suggests Valve could be getting closer to opening Steam Machine pre-orders, as references to a reservation queue system have reportedly been discovered inside Steam’s backend files. The leak was first highlighted after dataminers found multiple Steam Machine package IDs hidden within code related to Valve’s reservation infrastructure.
According to the leak, the files include references to four different Steam Machine packages alongside entries for the upcoming Steam Frame and recently launched Steam Controller. Many fans believe this points toward Valve preparing a launch system similar to the Steam Deck reservation queue used in 2022.
The timing of the discovery is particularly interesting because Valve has already started using a new reservation-based system to combat Steam Controller scalping. Buyers are required to have a Steam account in good standing and must have made a purchase before April 27, 2026, in order to reserve hardware.
Some community members believe the same anti-scalping system could soon be extended to the Steam Machine launch. However, not everyone is convinced the leak confirms anything substantial. Several users on Reddit and SteamDB communities argue the code may simply reference older internal systems or reused backend infrastructure rather than an imminent pre-order rollout.
Valve has not officially announced a Steam Machine pre-order date yet, but recent reports suggest the company is continuing to prepare for launch despite ongoing hardware supply challenges and memory shortages affecting production.
The new Steam Machine is expected to be Valve’s second attempt at bringing PC gaming into the living room through a console-style experience powered by SteamOS. Unlike the original 2015 version, the new hardware is being designed directly by Valve and is rumored to feature AMD Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture.
While this latest leak should still be treated as speculation, it does add to the growing list of signs that Valve may be getting ready to reveal more information very soon.