Not just Arc G3-based handhelds, but the classic older-gen gaming handhelds are reaching a nearly $1000 price tag, resulting in reduced sales.
Steam Deck Reportedly Lost Significant Momentum After Recent Price Hike With Sales Estimated to Have Declined By 82%
Steam Deck has been Valve's most successful product in recent years, consistently ranking among Steam's best-selling products since launch. However, a new analysis by Boiling Steam suggests that the handheld's sales have been impacted significantly following its recent price hike, which has also affected almost every gaming handheld that exists in the market.
According to the report, the Steam Deck has maintained a stable position throughout 2025 and has mostly remained in the top 5 best-selling products on Steam. Steam's chart doesn't distinguish between software/games and hardware, and ranks products by sales. Unlike many gaming products that experience seasonal highs and lows, the handheld has enjoyed steady sales since its launch, but that has changed quickly following the new price hike by Valve.
Things began to change in early 2026 when supply issues disrupted the availability of the handheld. While Valve resumed shipments in late May, the handheld also came with a significant price hike. This directly affected buyer interest, resulting in lower sales, according to Boiling Steam's analysis.
Keep in mind that we aren't relying on official shipment numbers, but on Valve's publicly available weekly Steam top sellers rankings. This chart is based on revenue rather than unit sales, and therefore, the estimates can be inaccurate. That said, Boiling Steam calculates that the Steam Deck unit sales are estimated to have declined by a whopping 82%. The report also notes that the handheld moved from 5th position to 14th after it was re-introduced in the market.
Remember that these aren't the official sales figures, but the trend does indicate that the higher pricing has likely reduced the Steam Decks' appeal. Although Steam Deck was initially sold out in NA after returning to the stock at a higher price, the sudden popularity was short-lived, and the handheld is no longer witnessing the same demand.
News Source: Boiling Steam
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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