The Steam Deck, once a lauded budget handheld gaming PC, is now difficult to recommend due to recent price increases, according to IGN Hardware and Buying Guides Editor Jackie Thomas.
Launched in 2022, the Steam Deck was praised for its affordability and capability to run a wide range of games on the go. However, the current pricing for new models from Valve has shifted this perception. A new 512GB OLED Steam Deck now costs $789, with a 1TB version priced at $949. While refurbished LCD models are available starting at $279, they are frequently out of stock in many regions.
Even the resale market shows higher prices, with used Steam Decks typically selling for $450 to $500 on platforms like eBay, offering no guarantee of proper functionality.
These price increases are attributed to a broader trend affecting computer hardware, including a surge in demand for components for AI data centers. This has impacted various devices, from the PlayStation 5 to other PC hardware.
In contrast, Asus has maintained stable pricing for its ROG Ally handhelds. The base model remains at $599, while the more powerful ROG Ally X is priced at $999. The latter offers performance exceeding the Steam Deck. The base ROG Ally, when reviewed, demonstrated comparable performance to the Steam Deck in benchmarks like Time Spy, achieving 1834 points to the Steam Deck's 1715.
Given that the Asus ROG Ally offers similar performance for approximately $200 less than a comparable Steam Deck, it presents a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The ROG Ally is now considered the best value handheld, particularly for those unwilling to navigate the used market.
Thomas advises that while the ROG Ally is the current recommendation, there is no certainty that its pricing will remain stable, given the current market conditions. The article notes that the original Xbox Ally was reviewed, and subsequently, the ROG Ally X was also evaluated.