Steam Controller: sales and scalper activity after launch

The launch of the Steam Controller, released on 4 May 2026, sparked huge demand, with the product selling out completely within 30 minutes of release. Developed by Valve and designed to work within the Steam ecosystem, the controller has proven highly appealing to gamers.

Sales details

The Steam Controller originally launched at £85 in the UK and $99 in the US. However, the rapid sellout has already pushed the product onto auction sites such as eBay, where price comparisons have climbed to more than £150 and, in some cases, even $300. This has raised significant concern among gamers, who are now wondering whether they will still be able to get the product at its original price.

Sellout and scalper activity

Not only did the Steam Controller sell out quickly, but a wave of scalper listings has also appeared on eBay. Some of these listings are even labelled with “confirmed purchase” in the title, carrying asking prices of around $330. This shows how some sellers are taking advantage of the heated demand by offering the controller for more than three times its original price, even though most buyers have not yet received their units, as shipping can take several days.

Community reaction

The launch has triggered strong reactions on social media, with thousands of users expressing frustration over being unable to access the Steam store. Reports from the tracking site Downdetector show a clear spike in issues around the time the controller went live. Many users said completing a purchase was a frustrating process, requiring them to refresh the payment page multiple times. These circumstances have led to comparisons between Valve and Nintendo, especially in light of the measures Nintendo took during the Switch 2 launch to limit scalping.

The situation has highlighted the need for Valve to consider similar measures to Nintendo, such as requiring proof of purchase or limiting reservations to verified accounts. That could help curb scalper activity and ensure more players have a chance to buy the Steam Controller at the original price.

Despite the challenges surrounding the launch, Valve has previously shown that it can restore supply for its popular products. Hopefully that will also be the case for the Steam Controller, as well as for the anticipated launches of other gaming products such as the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, which may have been delayed somewhat due to a RAM shortage.