Steam controller sells out within minutes, Valve says it did not expect the demand
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Valve just made a controller so epic that even they couldn’t predict its demand. Yep, you read that right. The Steam controller launched two days back for USD 99 and sold out in the blink of an eye. Many users shared checkout issues, server crashes, and even error messages while trying to purchase the controller shortly after its launch. In many areas, stock disappeared within 30 minutes to an hour after sales began. The interesting thing is that soon after the controller went out of stock, scalpers started listing units online for more than double the retail price, with some listings crossing the $200 mark. The launch frenzy has now pushed Valve to address the situation publicly and reassure players that more stock is on the way.
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What does Valve say?
Looking at the situation, Valve has now admitted that they did not expect such overwhelming demand. A tweet from Valve’s official handle says that the Steam Controller “ran out faster than anticipated”. The good news here is that the company is working on getting more units back in stock soon.
“Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon,” the tweet said.
That said, we don’t really have an exact timeline when the controller would be out. Some users who successfully placed orders also reportedly talked about facing shipping delays. And that’s not all. Several resale listings also appeared online with heavily inflated pricing, frustrating those who were unable to secure the controller during launch. Players also pointed out how scalpers managed to place multiple orders despite purchase limits.
About the Steam Controller
The Steam Controller is designed specifically for PC gaming. Unlike traditional console-focused gamepads, the device is built around seamless Steam integration and customisable controls aimed at both casual and enthusiast players.
The controller is priced at $99, putting it above most standard console controllers from companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. However, despite the premium pricing, people can’t stop talking about it. The controller is being appreciated for its ergonomics, improved design, and Steam connectivity features.
Lastly, reports of a new model have already surfaced and it is said to be heavily focused on comfort, responsiveness, and flexibility for different game genres. Alongside the controller, Valve had earlier announced products like the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. However, the company is yet to reveal pricing or release details for those devices.
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