Valve’s Steam Deck handheld has returned to store shelves after months of scarcity, but the joy is short-lived. The device now commands premium prices, with the 512GB version selling for £789, a hefty hike from its original £549 price. The 1TB model, complete with an anti-glare screen and exclusive features, has reached a stratospheric £949 after previously retailing at £649.

The base model with 256GB of storage was discontinued altogether, marking the end of an era for budget-conscious gamers. This price increase is particularly jarring given that the Deck is a nearly three-year-old revision of an over four-year-old handheld PC. The good news? Competitors like Asus and Lenovo are also charging similar prices.

The scarcity driving these high costs can be attributed to global shortages in RAM and storage, which have plagued consumer tech since late 2025. For gamers who have been waiting months for a chance to finally get their hands on the Steam Deck, this news is both bittersweet and frustrating. It’s a stark reminder of how technological advancements come at a cost.

Valve faces a tough challenge in maintaining its customer base as prices continue to rise. With so many competitors pushing into the same price range, the decision to increase prices could be seen as a calculated move to solidify their position in the market.