Valve has significantly increased Steam Deck prices due to rising memory and storage costs. The 512GB OLED model jumped from $549 to $789, while the 1TB OLED version surged to $949 from $649. These increases reflect global component shortages driven by AI companies rushing to build data centers.

Consumers face tough decisions as new prices skyrocket. Refurbished LCD models remain affordable at $359 for 512GB, though refurbished OLED units now cost $629 for 512GB and $759 for 1TB. Current owners hope their devices don't break soon, as repairs would be expensive.

The price hikes affect more than just Steam Decks. Sony and Nintendo raised PS5 and Switch 2 prices too, while Lenovo increased handheld device costs. Valve delayed its Steam Frame and Steam Machine due to memory shortages, suggesting future products may carry even steeper price tags. The industry-wide component crisis shows no signs of abating soon.