Valve confirmed reservation emails for its Steam Machine on June 26, but the same day scalpers posted listings on eBay. The 512 GB model without a Steam Controller fetched $1,700, a 61% markup over the $1,049.99 launch price. A version bundled with the controller listed for $3,200, a 160% premium, exploiting the controller’s scarcity.

The hybrid console targets mid‑range PC performance, yet Valve already admitted the $1,049.99 price was higher than ideal. Limited supply and a lottery‑style reservation system have created a scarcity loop that mirrors the earlier Steam Deck resale frenzy. Japan sold out within 48 hours, underscoring demand outpacing availability.

Consumers face inflated costs that far exceed the machine’s hardware value, and no clear timeline exists for the second production batch beyond an estimated June 29 ship date. The episode highlights how Valve’s distribution model unintentionally fuels resale markets, leaving genuine buyers to shoulder excessive premiums.