Valve opened a new reservation system for its long‑awaited Steam Controller after the device sold out within hours of launch. Starting May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific, shoppers can claim a spot on the regular store page, securing a place in the fulfillment queue once stock returns. The change responds to complaints about ambiguous availability and the frenzy that drove prices up on secondary markets.

To curb scalping, reservations are limited to one unit per account and only accounts in good standing with a purchase dated before April 27 2026 may qualify. Users who already own a controller are barred from reserving another until further notice, and each successful reservation gives a 72‑hour window to complete payment after the order email arrives. Flagged accounts will be denied, reinforcing Valve’s anti‑bot policy.

Valve confirmed that restocks will hit the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and Australia on May 11, giving those regions a chance to finally get the $99 peripheral. By automating order placement and tightening eligibility, the company hopes to smooth the buying experience and keep the controller out of resale pipelines and ensure genuine fans receive them first.