Steam Deck stock shortages have fans worried about price hikes

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• All Steam Deck models are currently listed as out of stock on Steam’s storefront in the US.
• Fans are concerned that the stock shortages could portend price hikes.
• Valve is expected to release new hardware, including the Steam Machine pre‑built gaming PC, later this year.

Valve’s Upcoming Hardware

Valve announced that it is working on new hardware—a console‑like pre‑built gaming PC, a new VR headset, and an updated controller—in November. Pricing for the upcoming devices has not been disclosed, and rising memory costs could affect the affordability of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

Current Steam Deck Stock Situation

NotebookCheck reports that, in the US, the Steam storefront shows every Steam Deck model as sold out. The LCD model has been officially discontinued, while both OLED variants are listed as unavailable with no further details.

Possible Causes of the Shortage

• Memory crunch: Commenters on a Steam Deck subreddit thread speculate that the shortage is linked to the broader RAM shortage affecting consumer electronics. While Valve has not commented on inventory levels, the theory aligns with industry trends where demand for RAM exceeds manufacturers’ production capacity, leading to price hikes and product delays (see Android Authority’s coverage of the Ayaneo Pocket Fit Elite).
• Resource allocation: It is possible Valve is diverting components to its upcoming hardware. The Steam Machine is rumored to ship with 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB of VRAM, and either 512 GB or 2 TB of storage, though Valve has not confirmed these specifications.

Broader Memory Supply Constraints

Rapid investment in AI infrastructure has pushed RAM factories to operate at full capacity to meet AI industry demand. This strain on memory supply could indirectly impact the production of Steam Deck units.

Outlook

Valve has not announced release dates for the Steam Machine or Steam Frame, but both are expected to become available later this year. The current out‑of‑stock status of the Steam Deck, combined with memory market pressures, has sparked concerns among fans about potential price increases for the handheld.