Valve is fighting Steam Controller scalpers with a new reservations system

Valve's new Steam Controller sold out in a matter of hours when it went on sale on Monday, with some sellers on eBay already listing the controllers for over 300 percent of Valve's $99 asking price, the company is now fighting back against scalpers with a new reservations system. The reservations queue is set to open on Friday at 1PM ET for anyone who missed the initial run, and will allow customers to reserve a controller and receive an email when it is available to purchase. This move is likely an attempt by Valve to combat the scalpers who have been taking advantage of the high demand for the controller. Over 1000 listings for the Steam Controller have already appeared on eBay, with some sellers asking for as much as $400 for the device. The new reservations system is a welcome move for gamers who were unable to get their hands on the controller during the initial sale. Many potential buyers experienced difficulties checking out before the controller went out of stock, and some were left frustrated and empty-handed. For example, some users reported that the Steam store was not responding or was slow to load, making it difficult to complete a purchase. Background on the Steam Controller The Steam Controller is a highly anticipated device that has been in development for several years. It features a unique design with dual trackpads and a touchscreen, and is designed to work seamlessly with Steam's Big Picture mode. The controller has been praised by critics for its innovative design and functionality, and has been highly anticipated by gamers. Valve has stated that the controller is designed to provide a more immersive gaming experience, and to allow players to access the full range of Steam's features from their living room. What to Expect from the Reservations Queue The reservations queue is set to open on Friday at 1PM ET, and will allow customers to reserve a controller and receive an email when it is available to purchase. The queue will be first-come, first-served, and customers will be able to reserve one controller per account. Valve has stated that the reservations queue is designed to ensure that the controllers are available to as many customers as possible, and to prevent scalpers from buying up large quantities of the devices. For instance, the company has implemented a limit of one controller per customer, which will help to prevent scalpers from purchasing multiple devices. The Future of the Steam Controller The Steam Controller is an important part of Valve's plans to expand the reach of the Steam platform, and to provide a more immersive gaming experience for players. The company has stated that the controller is just one part of a larger effort to bring Steam to the living room, and to provide a more seamless gaming experience for players. With the new reservations system in place, Valve is taking a strong stance against scalpers and ensuring that the controllers are available to as many customers as possible. One clear takeaway from this situation is that Valve is committed to putting its customers first and preventing price gouging by scalpers, which is a significant step forward for the gaming industry.