In the latest apocalypse related to video game news, the Steam Deck OLED has finally been restocked – but with massive price hikes that are likely to herald even steeper prices for PC, PlayStationXbox, Nintendo and all real gamers in the future. And frankly, that's just unsustainable, and it's not an economy that can handle the launch 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, that's the result of increased economic pressures in the US and abroad, as well as the ongoing supply issues with RAMageddon due to AI data centers.
Of course, everything from PlayStation to Xbox has seen price hikes over the past year, so this Steam Deck OLED Price Hike isn't new or even that unexpected (although the cost is eye-popping). But it's almost certainly not the last, and that's the problem.
It's official: the Steam deck just got more expensive
Gamers looking to pick up a new Steam Deck will have to pay a steeper price than before, as Valve unveils new prices for its popular handheld.
Prices just keep going up long before the PS6 and Xbox Helix even show up yet
At some point in the near future, Valve will want to ship and sell its Steam Machine. The new PC/console hybrid is undoubtedly a big moment for the console, and while they always had to be price conscious, the recent economic 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 isn't $1000+.
Place the brackets in the correct order.
Start
Place the brackets in the correct order.
Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
On top of that, recent price hikes have bumped PS5 Slim single-disc consoles to $649.99 and a PS5 Pro to $899.99, while the Xbox Series X has the steep, steep price of $649.99 as well. Hardware should get cheaper as it ages, not more expensive than launch day. And it is likely to rise 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 over.” And I totally agree. In fact, everything about AI data centers and RAMageddon contributing to the ongoing financial woes is still rampant, with seemingly no action taken to dial back or protect consumers around the world.
And when that happens, they can flirt with $1000. So if the PS5 and Xbox Series X reach that price point, no one can afford it for a console this generation. The Steam Deck is there, and the Steam Machine will overlay it. No matter how advanced the PS6 and Xbox Project Helix consoles are, the simple fact remains: no one could afford them in this ever-escalating economy. If this gene reaches these incredibly dismal heights, the same can be expected of the next generation. PS6 price talk is already bleak, for example.
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 big turnaround before Holiday 2027, and maybe the next generation of consoles will at least launch at reasonable prices that by then have escalated from those obnoxious peaks. Perhaps the next generation of consoles can forget all the problems that have affected the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S since their launch until now. But if the next gen can't, then Sony better keep the PS6 close to its chest and Xbox needs to stop talking about the Xbox Helix altogether. Holiday 2027 can't afford these consoles as long as these ongoing issues persist, and both Sony and Xbox should postpone it in favor of sales to themselves (and gamers more importantly).
