- The Steam Machine is already being scalped, with some listings going up over $3000 on sites like eBay.
- Some 512 GB units without controllers are being sold for a whopping $1700 on the platform.
- Even the PC’s official pricing is considered outrageous by many, but its scarcity could make even these units sell.
The Steam Machine was Valve’s attempt to commercialize small form PCs, but the memory crisis complicated the attempt entirely. The PC launched at exorbitant $1000+ pricing at specs that fail to surpass the base PS5. Yet, it’s still been sold like hotcakes around the globe.
And as you’d expect, hardware scalpers are back at it again. Multiple listings have already gone live on sites like eBay that are reselling the Steam Machine for over $3000. This is a heart-squeezing 160% price increase over the retail price.
Why it matters: These inflated prices by scalpers highlight Steam Machine’s supply shortage and the intense demand for the PC despite its less-than-impressive specifications. Regardless, some gamers desperate enough for a piece will still purchase these resold units.
One listing for a 512GB unit and a controller asks for $3200, likely attempting to capitalize on Valve’s scarce controllers at the same time. Another listing demands a $1700 price tag without a controller, which is a distressing 61% price increase over the MSRP price.
Likewise, multiple other listings cross the $2000 threshold. These resellers have already secured reservations for Steam Machine units and plan to resell them at higher costs to make profits.
It doesn’t need to be told that even a single-digit price increase over the base MSRP would be poor value for any gamer. Yet, these listings are still gathering wishlists from gamers, which shows there’s some interest involved despite the pricing.
And at least one unit has been sold for $2800, as pointed out by a Steam Machine tracker @HardwareSteam on Twitter. Some gamers clearly don’t care about exorbitant costs and want to secure a Steam Machine unit as early as possible.
The PC’s insane demand will likely drive more sales, but Valve’s new reservation system should squash most of the scalping.
Do you think the Steam Machine will be scalped less due to the new reservation system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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