My frugalness has bitten me on the steam machine

Throughout my Steam history, I’ve only ever played Dota 2 for almost 10 years on and off. And I never made a single purchase. No cosmetics or arcanas, nothing.

I actually quit a few years ago because it’s way too toxic. Now my wife and I play cozy games on the Switch and it’s great. This weekend, I thought why not try and grab a steam machine to expand our game selection. To my surprise, we’re unable to jump on the waitlist because I have never purchased anything on Steam and there’s a requirement that I should have done so pre 4/27/26.

I understand that it’s due to scalpers and I get it, but now we’re shit out of luck for the foreseeable future. I hope supply catches up and the restriction is lifted next year I guess.