The earliest customers to pre-order the Steam Deck were set to recieve their units in the matter of a single month, as Valve's take on a portable gaming PC was planned for release this December. However, that is no longer the case, as they've sent out an email to affected customers saying that the Steam Deck's launch is being pushed back by two months. This is supposedly due to material shortages, with Valve claiming that they were unable to get the parts to manufacture units and get them sent out by next month. The Steam Deck is now due to ship out in February 2022.

The launch of Steam Deck will be delayed by two months. We're sorry about this—we did our best to work around the global supply chain issues, but due to material shortages, components aren’t reaching our manufacturing facilities in time for us to meet our initial launch dates.

Based on our updated build estimates, Steam Deck will start shipping February 2022. This will be the new start date of the reservation queue—you will keep your place in line but dates will shift back accordingly. Reservation date estimates will be updated shortly after this announcement.

Again, we're sorry we won’t be able to make our original ship date. We'll continue working to improve reservation dates based on the new timeline, and will keep you updated as we go.

Source

 

[tech3475]

I don't mind a delay, although having just 'After Q2' is a bit annoying, I just hope they give ample time after saying when you can buy since I plan on using gift cards (I can get these slightly discounted every now and then).

I just want a comfortable purchasing experience, no faffing about like with the PS5 and Series X.

 

[velvetmxo]

It isn't even available to preorder/reservations not available here in Japan yet..............
is there a decent alternative to the deck that can run windows and steam?

 

[SG854]

.

Well, that's dumb, but it works for me.. Gives me more time to decide if I want one or not.

I don't see the correlation.

Error! You're human words does not Compute. Malfunctioning

 

[City]

Of course it was delayed lol

 

[tech3475]

It isn't even available to preorder/reservations not available here in Japan yet..............
is there a decent alternative to the deck that can run windows and steam?

The two I often seen mentioned is GDP and the Aya Neo.

Found this:
https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-steam-deck-alternative/

 

[Xzi]

It isn't even available to preorder/reservations not available here in Japan yet..............
is there a decent alternative to the deck that can run windows and steam?

GPD Win or Aya Neo, as mentioned above. Although either of those will be less powerful and more than twice the price.

 

[Goku1992A]

Don't complain and be happy.

Remember Cyberpunk77

 

[ChibiMofo]

It isn't even available to preorder/reservations not available here in Japan yet..............
is there a decent alternative to the deck that can run windows and steam?

A laptop. Best part is that they are also a laptop.

 

[Xzi]

A laptop. Best part is that they are also a laptop.

Not an alternative when it's at least three times the size and at least twice the price, with no built-in controller.

 

[RAHelllord]

I don't mind a delay, although having just 'After Q2' is a bit annoying, I just hope they give ample time after saying when you can buy since I plan on using gift cards (I can get these slightly discounted every now and then).

I just want a comfortable purchasing experience, no faffing about like with the PS5 and Series X.

If I recall correctly you have 4 weeks to cough up the money after they notify you that it's time to cough up the money.

 

[White_Raven_X]

Here we go! ....*facepalm*

 

[Kwyjor]

I suppose much of this doesn't technically apply, since the device does provide access to so much of the Steam library. But nonetheless:

 

[shadow1w2]

My reservation was for Q1 and now it's bumped to Q2, darn.
Was kinda hoping I'd just get lumped in with the delayed first batch but I guess that makes sense.
Honestly December felt too soon anyway.
They need to get that dock sorted out and if we can get the Steam client updates before hand It'll give some added confidence in their system.

I hope they could make some changes while their at it.
A second bottom usb C or a snap on usb hub to make docking easier and other devices.
They cant add to the design hut they could do some work arounds in that time frame.

I'd rather have delays and things go smoothly than be rushed so it's a good thing really.
Heck I think they shoulda delayed it in the first place but maybe logistics looked good at the time.

Oh well, just hope it doesn't delay anymore or shortages get a little better in the mean time generally.

 

[the_randomizer]

To the shock of absolutely no one.

 

[lordelan]

 

[p1ngpong]

If valve used weak and out of date hardware like Nintendo did when the Switch launched all you cry babies would get your steam decks on time.

 

[anhminh]

"Sorry kids, Santa got into a horrible sky traffic accident so he will be out of coma on February next year."

 

[Xzi]

If valve used weak and out of date hardware like Nintendo did when the Switch launched all you cry babies would get your steam decks on time.

Not necessarily, even Switch has shipped fewer units than projected this year due to the component shortages.

 

[subcon959]

The shortage is real even Apple is only able to make 80 million iphones this quarter... or maybe that's why there's nothing left for anyone else.

 

[TheZander]

If I were in charge at steam i would have sent them out with the missing part. I watched the breakdown there's millions of parts a couple missing here and there is not ground shaking