Excitement is mounting for the long-awaited Steam Machine as Valve has quietly integrated a “Welcome Tour” into the Steam backend. This move, spotted by industry insiders, suggests that the device’s launch is in its final stages, potentially mirroring the rollout strategy previously used for the Steam Controller.
Key Takeaways
- A “Welcome Tour” for the Steam Machine has been added to Steam’s backend.
- This indicates that Valve is preparing the initial setup experience for the device.
- The addition follows a pattern seen with the Steam Controller, which preceded its pricing and release date announcement.
- Multiple configurations for the Steam Machine have been hinted at in previous leaks.
The “Welcome Tour” Clue
Industry insider Brad Lynch revealed that Valve has added the Steam Machine’s “Welcome Tour” and associated setup assets to the Steam backend. This inclusion is significant because such tours are typically part of the first-run experience for new hardware, suggesting these are not placeholder files but rather finalized elements for the device’s public debut.
A Familiar Rollout Pattern
Valve’s approach to the Steam Machine appears to echo their strategy for the Steam Controller. Assets for the controller’s welcome tour were added to the backend just weeks before its official pricing and release date were unveiled. If Valve adheres to this same timeline, consumers could see an announcement for the Steam Machine in the near future, potentially by early July.
Potential Launch Configurations
Previous leaks from Steam’s database files have hinted at the possibility of multiple Steam Machine launch configurations. These are believed to include a standard 512GB model, a larger 2TB version, and two bundle options that come packaged with a Steam Controller. However, official pricing and exact release dates remain unconfirmed.
Anticipation and Speculation
The addition of the welcome tour has fueled speculation about an imminent launch, with some suggesting an announcement could coincide with upcoming gaming events. While Valve has faced delays due to industry-wide memory shortages, this latest backend update signals a strong push towards making the Steam Machine available to consumers.
Via Brad Lynch on X