In the latest apocalypse related to video game news, the Steam Deck OLED has finally been restocked—but with massive price increases that are likely to herald even steeper prices for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and any really gamer in the future. And quite frankly, it’s just unsustainable, and it’s not an economy that can handle the release of the PlayStation 6 or Xbox Helix (both rumored for Holiday 20207). The 512 GB OLED Model jumped $240, from $549 to $789, and the 1TB Model jumped a whopping $300, from $649 to $949. Unfortunately, it’s the result of increased economic strain within the United States and abroad, as well as the ongoing RAMageddon supply issues due to AI data centers.
Of course, everything from the PlayStation to the Xbox has seen price hikes over the past year, so this Steam Deck OLED Price Hike isn’t new or even that unexpected (even if the cost is eye-wateringly disgusting). However, it’s also almost certainly not the last, and that’s the problem.
It’s Official: The Steam Deck Just Got More Expensive
Gamers looking to get a new Steam Deck will have to pay a steeper price than before, as Valve reveals new prices for its popular handheld device.
Prices Just Keep Going Up Well Before the PS6 and Xbox Helix Are Even Showcased Yet
At some point in the near future, Valve will want to ship and sell its Steam Machine. The new PC/console hybrid is no doubt a big moment for the console, and while they were always going to have to be price aware, the recent economy situation turns a moment of celebration into something more akin to walking on glass. With the price increase seen with these Steam Decks, there’s practically no way the Steam Machine is not $1000+.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
On top of that, recent price hikes raised PS5 Slim consoles with a Disc Tray to $649.99 and a PS5 Pro to $899.99, while the Xbox Series X sits at the steep, steep price of $649.99 too. Hardware should get cheaper as it ages, not more expensive than the day of launch. And it’s likely to go up again by year’s end. Windows Central’s Jez Corden recently said that he expects “PlayStation and Xbox to increase prices again before this is all over.” And I am in full agreement. The fact is, everything about AI data centers and the RAMageddon that contributes to the ongoing economic woes are still prevalent, with seemingly no steps taken to dial it back or protect consumers around the world.
And when that happens, they may flirt with $1000. So if the PS5 and Xbox Series X hit that price point, no one can afford that for a console this generation. The Steam Deck is there, and the Steam Machine is going to put it over. No matter how advanced the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix consoles are, the simple matter of fact remains: no one could afford them in this ever-escalating economy. If this gen hits these incredibly bleak highs, the same can be expected of next generation. Price talks about the PS6 are already bleak, for example.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
Maybe there will be a major turnaround before Holiday 2027, and maybe the next generation of consoles will at least launch at reasonable prices that have, by that point, de-escalated from these disgusting highs. Maybe the next generation of consoles can forget all the woes that havbe impacted the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S since launch until now. But if the next generation can’t, then Sony better keep the PS6 close to its chest and Xbox needs to stop talking about the Xbox Helix at all. Holiday 2027 can’t afford for these consoles as long as these ongoing issues remain, and both Sony and Xbox should delay it for the benefit of sales to themselves (and players more importantly).
