1. The Steam Controller sold out quickly and scalpers were charging inflated prices.
2. Valve is reopening reservations with a new process that limits each account to one purchase.
3. Only US and Canada-based users with a qualifying account can reserve initially, with plans to expand to other regions later.
High Demand for Steam Controller
Without much surprise, the Steam Controller was quickly sold out within just thirty minutes after it was put on sale. Scalpers were asking as much as $250 for one, which is quite ridiculous considering the controller’s retail price is only $99. Many folks who missed out during the initial availability can try their luck again very soon, tomorrow on May 8, starting at 10:00 PST or 07:00 CET. Valve is making a second attempt at letting fans purchase the controllers, but this time, they’re changing things up a bit.
Reservation Process Changes
The new process involves reserving a spot in a queue for the chance to buy the controller. Once you register, an email will be sent to the email address linked to your Steam account. You will then have 72 hours to finish the purchase once you receive that email. One interesting change is that each account is limited to buying only one controller this time. If you managed to buy one previously, you are automatically disqualified from trying again. Previously, there was a limit of three units, but that’s no longer applicable.
Eligibility and Regional Availability
The requirement for a Steam account to be eligible is that it must be in good status and a purchase needs to have been made at least once before April 27, 2026. Also, initially, reservations will only be available to users located in the US and Canada. Valve has promised that the availability will be extended to other regions like Europe and Australia in the upcoming weeks, so more users will get a chance soon.
Future Availability and Expectations
Overall, it seems that Valve has a decent stock of Steam Controllers, so even if you missed out on the first few rounds, buying one shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s just a matter of time before the controllers will be sold more widely, possibly from the Valve store itself, similar to how the Steam Deck is sold.
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