The Steam Deck has seen a drastic price increase, with the 512GB OLED model jumping from $549 to $789 and the 1TB model rising by $300 to $949. This hike, attributed to a global RAM crisis fueled by AI data center demands, affects not just new buyers but also existing owners facing potential future upgrade challenges. The move exacerbates the gaming industry's accessibility crisis, amidst a year of widespread console price increases.
Valve has announced a substantial price hike for the Steam Deck's OLED models, citing component costs and logistical challenges. The 512GB OLED Steam Deck jumps from $549 to $789, while the 1TB model increases from $649 to $949. This move positions the Steam Deck closer to the price range of other high-end handhelds like the Xbox Rog Ally X.
Dive into the in-depth review of the Steam Deck OLED, a gaming handheld that surpasses expectations with its vibrant display, improved performance, and remarkable battery life