This doesn’t bode well for the price of the Steam Machine.
Valve has increased prices for the Steam Deck “due to increasing memory and storage costs.” The numbers aren’t pretty at all. The 512GB OLED model went from $549 to $789. That’s an increase of $240, as noted by Wario64.
If you’re looking to buy a 1TB OLED, I hope you bought one recently, because this model will now cost you a whopping $949. This version of the device previously cost $649, which is an increase of US$300 (nearly 50%).
“Steam Deck itself has not changed; these new prices reflect the current state of component costs and other global logistical challenges across the industry,” Valve said in a statement. “We will let you know if anything changes.”
These are shocking price increases. Much of the blame can be placed on AI companies that are driving up component prices as they race to build data centers as quickly as possible. Sony and Nintendo also recently announced price increases for the PS5 and Switch 2. Lenovo also increased the prices of its handheld devices.
The RAM crisis impacted the Steam Deck in other ways, as it contributed to the laptop shortage. However, the system is back in stock.
If you’re looking to pick up a Steam Deck anytime soon, your best bet might be a refurbished model from Valve. Prices for discontinued models with LCD screens haven’t changed: You can buy a refurbished one with 512GB of storage for $359, a relative bargain. (There is a way to upgrade the LCD panel to an OLED display.)
However, the prices of refurbished OLED units have also increased. It’s now $629 for a 512GB unit and $759 for a 1TB model. Current Steam Deck owners sincerely hope their system doesn’t crash anytime soon.
Additionally, this news seems worrying for the price of Valve’s Steam Frame and Steam Machine. Although it recently managed to ship the Steam Controller, the company has delayed its other new hardware due to memory and storage shortages. The company said in March that it still hoped to ship the Steam Frame and Steam machine this year, but it didn’t seem too confident about it. However, when they arrive, they may well be more expensive than most people anticipated.
