TECH NEWS – Valve’s handheld hardware customers should keep an eye on their email to find out when they can get their hands on the machine.

Finally! A few hours ago, Valve confirmed that there’s no longer a wait for the Steam Deck: the US company’s portable hardware will arrive at customers from 28 February this year. Three days earlier, on 25 February, the first emails will be sent out to those who pre-ordered months ago.

Valve expects to be able to distribute Steam Deck shipments weekly

“Customers will have three days (72 hours) to purchase from the moment they receive the email to place their order. After that, the stock will be given to the next person in line. The first units will begin shipping to customers on the 28th, and we plan to continue sending out order-initiation emails weekly,” according to a statement from Half-Life and DOTA 2’s parent company.

In addition, the Gabe Newell-led company has also pledged to send units to the media for a whole test drive. From 25 February, users will be able to find out what the press thinks of Valve’s new hardware. “In the meantime, we’re tying up the last loose ends and putting the finishing touches on the device,” reads the press release.

For the curious, Valve has shared more details:

• Invitations will be sent out shortly after 19:00 (CET) on 25 February.
• Invitations will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Only Steam Deck models booked at that time will be available for order.
• The deposit will be credited towards the final price of the Steam Deck and will include shipping costs.

No further details are available at this time as to when the new shipments will go on sale for those who did not pre-order portable hardware at the time.

Valve is still working on getting everything ready for release. That includes a new save system that will allow games to continue on PC without leaving Steam Deck and a verification label in the store so all users can be sure a game is running correctly on Deck.

Source: Steam