We still don’t know when Valve will launch the Steam Machine, but we won’t have to wait too long. According to import records, Valve imported approximately 50 tons of “game consoles” into the United States in a two-day period between May 1 and April 30. The Verge.
This is on top of the “tons” of shipments that Valve watcher Brad Lynch mentioned late last week – and there’s reason to believe that inside these containers is the new Steam Machines or Steam Frame, and not just an extra batch of Steam Deck handhelds. (The Steam Deck was also designated a “game console” for import purposes.)
While Valve’s logistics partners had a shortage of shipments after Christmas 2025, they are ramping back up, with nearly 100 tons of product being moved to the US over the past two months. During that time, cargo ships with names like Ever Logic and Ever Shine have brought ten 40-foot containers from China to Los Angeles, CA and Tacoma, WA, weighing a total of 127,228 kg (140 US tons).
Each of those 40-foot containers can weigh more than 3,700 kilograms when empty, so less than 140 tons of actual product is being made in the US. But even taking into account the containers, Valve’s new shipments weigh slightly different than previous ones – suggesting there may be a new product inside them.
Import records show that for some years now, each 40-foot container of valves for sea crossing has held 42 packages, for a total weight of about 14,500 kilograms (32,000 lb). This was true as recently as April 18, around which time EverSigma deposited a 14,322-kilogram, 42-package shipment with Valve’s partner Ingram Micro in Tacoma, Washington. Maybe it still had steam decks inside instead of steam machines?
But a few days later, Ever Shine again brought a remarkably light 12,608 kg (27,800 lb) container to Tacoma with 42 packages. Import records show that Valve’s partners did not make the change to the lighter type of container; It is still the standard 40-foot model which weighs around 3,700 kg when empty.
Valve has had at least seven shipments since April 23, with an average weight of 12,600 kg. Subtract the weight of the containers, and you’ll have about 53,124 kilograms of product, packaging, pallets and padding, or about 50 tons of “game consoles” for the trip.
Just remember that 50 tons isn’t really a lot! Valve says Steam Machines weigh 2.6 kilograms (about 5.73 pounds) per console, so the recent surge in shipments could add fewer than 20,000 Steam Machines, especially if any of them come pre-bundled with a controller or other items that increase the weight of each package. (Valve told us bundles will be available.)
It appears that the Steam Controller has already sold out on launch day. Unless Valve plans to create a massive repository, the Steam Machine may go even faster. I’m less convinced about the Steam Frame, even though I’m personally excited for the competition in the gaming headset market.
it is still possible All The steam decks inside these containers are handheld, and the weight variation is accounted for by something else. Either way, Valve is finally reintroducing the hardware. Valve designer Pierre-Loup Griffis recently told us that the company is “working hard to figure out” the supply of its handheld so you can even buy it again.
<a href