Earlier this month, Valve shared that the release of its new Steam Machine desktop and Steam Frame VR headset is postponed due to ongoing memory and storage shortages in the PC industry. This issue is affecting even the products that are already available.
On its Steam Deck page, Valve mentioned that the gaming device might be “out-of-stock intermittently in some regions.” Currently, none of the three Steam Deck versions are available for purchase, including the certified refurbished models.
Though Valve hasn’t raised the prices yet, the basic 256GB LCD model is now discontinued. This means the starting price for the Deck jumps from $399 to $549 since the cheapest option is no longer available. Last December, Valve confirmed that production of the LCD version would end once stock ran out.
The Steam Deck’s hardware is now four years old. In that time, newer devices with faster chips and sharper displays have hit the market. However, many of these alternatives often come with a significantly higher price tag. The Steam Deck still provides solid performance for its cost, especially when it’s available.
Interestingly, gaming trends indicate that many gamers prefer handheld devices like the Steam Deck, as pointed out by recent surveys. A report from the NPD Group revealed that handheld gaming sales increased by 20% last year, showing a clear shift in player preferences.
For those still waiting for their chance to buy a Steam Deck, it remains a competitive option in a rapidly changing market. Gaming enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on Valve’s moves, especially on platforms like Twitter, where discussions about console shortages are trending.
If you want to learn more about gaming trends or product availability, check out sources like IGN for the latest updates.
