Steam Controller: Reservations open May 8th
How to reserve yours, and what we're doing to mitigate the challenges from earlier in the week
store.steampowered.comHere’s the latest on Steam Controller reservations.
- Valve has announced a reservation system to improve fairness and curb scalpers, with reservations opening May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. This means you can join a queue to buy when stock is replenished [sources indicate May 8 start and regional rollout planned].[4][6]
- Qualifying requirements include: your Steam account must have made at least one purchase before April 27, 2026, the account must be in good standing, and you can reserve only one controller. If you’ve already purchased a Steam Controller in the initial launch, you’re not eligible to reserve another.[2][4]
- Fulfillment will begin with the US and Canada first, then move to UK, Europe, and Australia in the following weeks, with restock emails sent in the order reservations were received. Valve notes that inventory replenishment timing will vary by region.[3][6][4]
- Coverage from tech outlets suggests the move aims to reduce bot activity and ensure real customers can purchase, addressing the “incredibly frustrating” launch experience many faced.[7][3]
Tip: If you plan to participate, ensure your Steam account meets the purchase-history requirement and is in good standing, and keep an eye on the reservation page today around 10 AM PT for any regional updates.[6][4]
Illustration
- Reservation opens: May 8, 2026, 10:00 PT
- One per account rule; 72-hour purchase window once invited
- Restock rollout: US/Canada first, then UK/EU/Australia later
If you’d like, I can monitor (in real time) official Valve announcements and summarize regional restock timelines as they’re published. Sources: Valve’s reservation announcement and related coverage from Tom’s Hardware, Eurogamer, and Tom's Guide.[2][3][4][7]