Valve's powerful new Steam Machine and versatile Steam Frame are set to ship this summer, promising enhanced gaming experiences. The Steam Machine, six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, is designed for seamless living room gaming, while the Steam Frame offers VR capabilities with both streaming and local play options. With pricing concerns looming, especially after the recent Steam Deck price hike, the success of these devices hinges on their affordability.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve for raising Steam Deck prices by hundreds of dollars, citing economic disruptions, while drawing attention to Gabe Newell's $500 million luxury yacht, the Leviathan. The move sparked criticism towards both companies, highlighting the juxtaposition of price increases with luxury spending and Epic's recent layoffs. The controversy underscores the challenges faced by gaming hardware manufacturers amidst component shortages.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly criticized Valve's recent Steam Deck price increase, attributing it to "severe disruptions in the component parts supply chain for megayachts." The unexpected jab highlights industry tensions. The Steam Deck's new pricing affects upcoming orders.
The Steam Deck has sold out again in North America, despite a nearly 50% price increase for the 1TB model to $949. This unexpected demand has left the device out of stock, with intermittent availability issues cited due to memory and storage shortages. The phenomenon raises questions about Valve's pricing strategy amid component shortages.
The Steam Deck has sold out once more, mere hours after restocking, despite a significant $300 price increase to $949 for the 1TB OLED model. This surge in demand mirrors the broader gaming industry's challenges, including the recent PlayStation 5 price hike. The ongoing RAM crisis fuels these increases, yet the Steam Deck's popularity endures.
Nintendo's 'Choose Your Game' Switch 2 Bundle offers a console plus one of three exclusive titles (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia) for $499.99, saving up to $30. With a price increase to $499.99 set for September 1, this bundle is highly recommended for those considering a purchase. The Switch 2 boasts a vibrant 7.9-inch LCD display, enhanced performance, and compatibility with first-party titles and select third-party games without downgrades.
In a move set to impact gamers' wallets, PlayStation has announced a price hike for PS Plus, directly increasing the cost of online multiplayer access. This change affects all tiers of the subscription service, altering the gaming landscape for PlayStation owners. The new prices reflect a broader shift in the gaming industry's monetization strategies.
Nintendo's new "Choose Your Game" Switch 2 bundle, launching in early June for $499.99, includes the console and one of three blockbuster games (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia), saving buyers $20 to $30. This deal beats the upcoming September 1 price rise to $499.99 and provides a discounted game. It's an opportune time to buy, especially with the Ocarina of Time remake rumored for later this year.
Nintendo has confirmed a global price hike for the Switch 2, increasing costs by $50 in the US, $50 in Canada, and €30 in Europe. Despite this, the company assures a higher adoption rate than its predecessor and promises multiple unannounced Switch 2 games for later this year. The move follows an 8% drop in Nintendo's share price since the announcement.
PlayStation 5 sales have dropped sharply, down nearly 50% in Q4 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, following two price hikes by Sony. This significant decline, from 2.8 million to 1.5 million units, suggests the price increases may not have been well-received by consumers. The drop could impact Sony's future sales forecasts, already threatened by AI memory shortages.
