Global supply chain forces Valve to delay Steam Deck
Valve initially confirmed that it will start shipping the handheld PC in time for this year’s holiday season. Subsequent teases about The Witcher 3 running on the Steam Deck suggested that Valve was going to hit its target. But, this isn’t the case. The global supply chain continues to do its damage. This time around, its latest victim is Valve. Earlier this year, Intel teased that the microchip shortage could last until 2023. Nintendo also confirmed that it might not have enough units available to meet the Switch’s expected demand this holiday season. Thus, while it’s disappointing, the writing was already on the wall as far as Steam Deck’s delay is concerned. If it’s any consolation, the delay isn’t for too long. Valve confirmed that the Steam Deck will start shipping in February 2022. Unfortunately, the delay doesn’t change the reservation queue. This means that if you weren’t fast enough to pre-order the Steam Deck for a December release, you won’t be getting yours by February. Valve also added that those who were late to pre-order the Steam Deck can expect at least a two-month delay to their unit’s shipping date. Ultimately, it was wishful thinking for Valve to meet its promised December 2021 release window. The ongoing chip shortage and COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult for companies to ramp up manufacturing. Valve isn’t the only one that’s had to adjust its timeline in light of what’s happening. If anything, even the February 2022 launch window is still pretty optimistic. Hopefully, when the Steam Deck does release, Valve’s handheld console can live up to the expectations and ends up becoming a true PC alternative.
