Valve’s latest import data suggests the company is one step closer to rolling out its next wave of hardware. Trade reports indicate that Valve’s logistics partner, Ceva, brought roughly 32 metric tons of cargo labeled “Virtual Reality Devices” from Shanghai into Los Angeles on June 10. Another 141 tons of cargo labeled “Game Consoles” have also been imported since late April.
After subtracting the estimated weight of the containers, reporters calculate that about 13 tons of the VR shipment are headsets and related hardware, believed to be Valve’s standalone Steam Frame headset. The heftier shipment has led to speculation that Valve is preparing launch inventory for its Steam Machine. Valve has previously said the Steam Machine weighs around 2.6 kilograms per unit, so analysts say the total weight could mean tens of thousands of consoles, as reported by The Verge.
Valve has used the vague “Game Consoles” label for previous hardware shipments tied to Steam Machine reports, and the new “Virtual Reality Devices” label clearly separates the VR hardware from console stock. Brad Lynch, the Valve watcher who revealed this information, says the timing and scale of these imports mean both Steam Frame and Steam Machine are probably nearing launch, even though Valve has not publicly confirmed shipping or retail dates.
