“We’re Working on Getting More in Stock”: Valve’s Steam Controller Sold Out in Minutes but More Units Are Coming
Valve’s newly released Steam Controller sold out within 30 minutes to 1 hour of launch on May 4, 2026, leaving the company surprised by the overwhelming demand. The $99 PC gaming peripheral, which had been positively reviewed by major outlets for its advanced mouse emulation, customization options, and integration with the Steam ecosystem, depleted stock across all major markets including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe within hours.
The rapid sellout caught Valve off-guard, as evidenced by an official statement posted to social media: “Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it.” The company committed to restocking but provided no specific timeline, stating they would share an update “soon.”
The shortage has created an opportunity for scalpers, who immediately began listing the controllers on eBay at dramatically inflated prices ranging from $200 to $399—up to four times the original $99 retail price. Despite some mixed reviews regarding the $99 price point and its versatility primarily within the Steam ecosystem, the controller’s advanced features and strong critical reception have contributed to its unexpected popularity. Valve has promised additional shipments are in the works, though prospective buyers currently face either waiting for restocks or paying premium prices on secondary markets.
Sources
- “We’re Working on Getting More in Stock”: Valve’s Steam Controller Sold Out in Minutes but More Units Are Coming
- Valve’s £85 Steam Controller sells out almost immediately, before popping up on resale sites like eBay for well over £100
- Valve to restock Steam Controller after it sells out in a day
- Valve Says Steam Controller Sold Out ‘Faster Than We Anticipated’ as Scalpers Cash In
- Steam Controller Being Listed On Ebay For Double And Triple The Price
- Valve says Steam Controller sold out ‘faster than we anticipated’ but previously told us it has knobs it can turn to get more
- Valve responds to Steam Controller stock shortages, promises more
- “Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated” Valve say, surprising no one, promising to get more stock in
- Steam Controller review: Somehow both the most and least versatile PC controller
- Steam Controller sells out within 30 minutes in some regions as scalpers start listing them for up to three times the price
- “We hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it”: Valve laments that the Steam Controller went out of stock instantly, says it’s working on a restock
- “I’m tired of everything being scalped”: Steam Controllers are selling for $399 as PC gamers discuss the effects of consumerism and FOMO