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Valve’s recent price increase for the Steam Deck appears to have had a much greater impact than expected. According to an analysis published by Boiling Steam, weekly sales of the popular portable gaming PC plummeted after the new prices took effect.
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The report states that Steam Deck sales may have fallen by approximately 82%, while weekly revenue also declined significantly. Although Valve has not officially confirmed these figures, the analysis suggests that higher prices have significantly slowed demand for the portable console.
Before the price increase, the Steam Deck reportedly sold between 11,000 and 18,000 units per week. After Valve adjusted its prices, weekly sales are estimated to have dropped to just 1,400–3,000 units. This marks one of the most significant shifts in the device’s sales trends since its launch. The report also notes that weekly revenue from Steam Deck sales may have fallen by approximately 72%, suggesting that the higher price tag was unable to offset the sharp decline in the number of units sold.
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Analysts also note that the Steam Deck has dropped in the official Steam Best Sellers ranking. The portable device was regularly among Steam’s most popular products, but the recent price increase appears to have dampened buyer interest. A lower ranking typically indicates weaker sales compared to other hardware, games, and digital content available on Steam.
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So far, Valve has not responded to Boiling Steam’s analysis or confirmed the cited sales estimates. Since this data is based on third-party analysis rather than official sales statistics, the exact impact of the price increase remains unknown. At the same time, the report demonstrates how quickly pricing policies can affect consumer demand, especially amid growing competition in the portable gaming device market.
The brand that revolutionized the portable gaming market with the Steam Deck now finds itself in a difficult situation. But it seems Valve isn’t too concerned about this, as the Steam store continues to generate revenue for the company. The Steam Deck has become a true phenomenon, effectively creating a new segment for portable gaming PCs and Steam OS. And it is precisely this success that may be keeping interest in the Steam Machine concept alive.
However, the current crisis in the memory market is leading to a sharp rise in prices for all Steam consoles. And although rumors suggest the arrival of the Steam Deck 2, we’ll likely have to wait for it. Valve usually waits for a more favorable pricing situation before releasing a new console into a challenging market.
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