While I knew that with RAM and Storage prices hardware would be getting less and less affordable, it's only when I heard Steam Deck's price hike that it felt real to me. AND IT FELT REAL!!!
After being out of stock for a while, Steam Deck is back in the stock, but with price changes. The 512GB variant used to cost $550 and now costs $790. While the 1TB version used to cost $650 and now costs $950. This is not a good look for PC gaming, especially when food is also more expensive and monthly income doesn't increase...
"People will just find cheaper hobbies." -- Comment on Youtube
The worst part? I trust Valve enough to think that this is the best move they could've made, though this is depending on their plans for the future... I don't think it's in Valve's best interest to keep the price this high unless they're forced to.
There are many factors that lead me to think they were forced to increase it by this much: RAM have more than tripled in price this past year alone... The 16GB one increased $150+ since the data center crisis started. Storage prices have increased too.
USD value and by extension all FIAT currencies have decreased in value too.
I assume this pricing for Steam Deck includes a calculated wiggle room... If RAM price kept increasing, Valve can hold on to this baseline price they have right now, at least until stock runs out. If the RAM prices went down, we could see steep discounts on Steam Sales.
I don't think Valve is in rush to sell more Steam Decks now they have Steam Machine in the pipeline... This timing is good to soften the blow of whatever the price of Steam Machine would be. ...Even if they're salty about this price increase.
This price hike can also be preparation for the next Steam Deck... People will be more accepting of Steam Deck 2 starting at $800+ or even $1000 now...
The most depressing thing about this is that the reason Valve increased prices is the same reason everyone else increases prices. Any competitor who hasn't increased their prices yet will eventually do it. The relative value won't be hurt as much as people think.
What do you guys think?
