After the first batch sold out within a day, Valve announced plans to handle the next wave of Steam controller sales. Rather than playing free for all, the gaming company adopts a reservation system. This should ensure that more actual customers get their hands on the new gamepad rather than letting the hardware go to bots or resellers.
For anyone looking to get started on getting a Steam controller, the reservation queue will open on May 8 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Only one controller will be sold per user, and people who have already purchased one will not be able to purchase a second game controller at this time. Prospective customers will be contacted in order from the queue and will have 72 hours to complete the purchase.
The Steam Controller’s sales process is likely a hint at what’s to come when the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR become available. Hopefully, Valve puts this type of system in place before the buying frenzy begins for these highly anticipated gaming hardware projects.