A “trusted hardware source” that spoke to PC Gamer has apparently revealed the release window for Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller which will be used in conjunction with the upcoming Steam Machines. The controller will apparently be out by October or November this year, which indicates that the hardware could be available this Christmas.
Another rumour suggesting the console will be available after the controller indicates that. The same source also indicated that there will be roughly 500 games that natively support SteamOS by 2014 end.
Remember, this is all still rumour so take it with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, it indicates both that Valve is moving along with production and that ample preparations are being made for support. The question, with more next gen titles to be out by Autumn/Winter this year for PS4 and Xbox One, can SteamOS and the Steam Machines possibly compete? Stay tuned for more information.