In the latest video game news apocalypse, the Steam Deck OLED has finally been restocked – but with a massive price hike that likely heralds even steeper prices for PC, PlayStationXbox, Nintendo and all true gamers in the future. And quite frankly, it's just unsustainable and not an economy that can handle the release of the PlayStation 6 or Xbox Helix (both rumored for Holiday 20207). The 512GB OLED model jumped $240, from $549 to $789, and the 1TB model jumped a whopping $300, from $649 to $949. Unfortunately, this is a result of increased economic stress in the United States and abroad, as well as ongoing RAMageddon supply issues due to AI data centers.
Of course, everything from PlayStation to Xbox has seen price hikes over the past year, so this OLED price hike on the Steam Deck isn't new or even all that unexpected (although the price is sickeningly 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 their hands on the new Steam Deck will have to pay a higher price than before as Valve unveils new prices for their popular handheld device.
Prices are still going up way before the PS6 and Xbox Helix are even introduced
At some point in the near future, Valve will want to ship and sell their Steam Machine. The new PC/console hybrid is undoubtedly a big moment for the console, and while they've always had to be careful about price, the recent economic situation has turned a moment of celebration into something more akin to walking on glass. With the increase in price for these Steam Decks, there's practically no way a Steam Machine isn't $1000+.
Place the consoles in the correct order.
Start
Place the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
In addition, recent price hikes have brought the PS5 Slim with disc tray to $649.99 and the PS5 Pro to $899.99, while the Xbox Series X is also priced at a steep $649.99. Hardware should get cheaper as it ages, not more expensive than it was on launch day. And it will probably grow again by the end of the year. Windows Central's Jez Corden recently said he expects “PlayStation and Xbox to raise prices again before this is all over.” And I totally agree. The fact is that everything about AI data centers and RAMageddon contributing to the ongoing economic woes is still prevalent and seemingly no action is being taken to dial it back or protect consumers around the world.
And when that happens, they can flirt with $1,000. So if the PS5 and Xbox Series X reach that price point, no one can afford it for this generation console. The Steam Deck is there and the Steam Machine puts it down. No matter how advanced the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix are, one thing remains simple: no one could afford them in this ever-growing economy. If this generation reaches these incredibly bleak heights, the next generation can expect the same. Talks about the price of the PS6, for example, are already gloomy.
What kind of weapon is that?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Start
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 the 2027 holidays, and maybe the next generation of consoles will at least be launched at reasonable prices that have de-escalated from those disgusting highs by then. Perhaps the next generation of consoles will forget all the woes that befell the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S from their launch until now. But if the next generation can't do it, then Sony better keep the PS6 close to their chest and Xbox needs to stop talking about the Xbox Helix. The 2027 holidays are unaffordable for these consoles as long as these lingering issues persist, and both Sony and Xbox should shelve them in favor of sales to themselves (and primarily gamers).
