In the latest apocalypse related to video game news, the Steam Deck OLED has finally been restocked – but with a big price hike that's likely to herald even higher prices for the PC. PlayStationXbox, Nintendo, and any real gamer in the future. And frankly, it's just unsustainable, and it's not an economy that can handle the release of the PlayStation 6 or the Xbox Helix (both rumored for Holiday 20207). The 512 GB OLED model jumped $240, from $549 to $789, and the 1TB model jumped a total of $300, from $649 to $949. Unfortunately, this is the result of increased economic stress both within the United States and abroad, as well as the ongoing RAMageddon supply problems caused by AI data centers.
Of course, everything from PlayStation to Xbox has seen price hikes in 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: Steam decks just got more expensive
Players looking to get their hands on a new Steam deck will have to pay a steeper price than ever before, as Valve reveals new prices for its popular handheld device.
Prices continue to rise well before the PS6 and Xbox Helix are still showcased
At some point in the near future, Valve intends to ship and sell its Steam Machine. The new PC/console hybrid is undoubtedly a big moment for consoles, and while they were always going to be price conscious, the state of the recent economy turns a moment of celebration into something akin to walking on glass. With these steam decks seeing price increases, there's practically no way a steam machine isn't $1000+.
Place the consoles in the correct order.
get started
Place the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
On top of that, recent price hikes bumped the PS5 Slim console with disc tray to $649.99 and the PS5 Pro to $899.99, while the Xbox Series X also sits at a steep, steep price of $649.99. Hardware should be cheap as it ages, not more expensive than the launch day. And it is likely to increase again at the end of the year. Jez Corden of Windows Central recently said that he “expects PlayStation and Xbox to raise prices again before this is all over.” And I totally agree. The fact is, while everything about RAMageddon contributing to AI data centers and ongoing economic woes is still prevalent, no steps have been taken to dial it back or protect consumers around the world.
And when that happens, they can flirt with $1000. So if the PS5 and Xbox Series X hit that price point, no one will buy for this generation of consoles. The steam deck is there, and the steam machine is going to hold it. No matter how advanced the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix consoles are, a simple fact remains: no one can afford them in this ever-growing economy. If this generation reached these incredibly dark heights, the same can be expected from the next generation. Price talks about the PS6 are already murky, for example.
What is that weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
get started
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5 seconds) Medium (5.0 seconds) Hard (2.5 seconds) Permadeath (2.5 seconds)
Maybe there will be a major shift before Holiday 2027, and maybe the next generation of consoles will launch at least reasonable prices that, by that point, have de-escalated from these abominable highs. Maybe the next generation of consoles can forget all the problems that have plagued the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S since their launch. But if the next generation can't, Sony better keep the PS6 close to its chest and stop talking about Xbox Helix. Holiday 2027 can't afford these consoles as long as these ongoing issues persist, and both Sony and Xbox should delay it to benefit themselves (and players more importantly) sales.
