According to a new estimate, demand for Steam Decks has fallen dramatically following Valve’s decision to raise prices for the system by 46% earlier this year. According to a recent statistical analysis, Valve’s shipments could be down by up to a massive 82% compared to 2025.
For those out of the loop, the Steam Deck, like most other consumer electronics, is having a troubled year. The handheld faced stock issues in February, brought on by component shortages stemming from the ongoing RAM crisis. The system became more widely available again in May, but it was accompanied by a massive 46% price rise in response to market conditions.
Linux gaming outlet Boiling Steam believes this increase in cost has led to a drop in Steam Deck demand of up to 82%, after analysing the Steam Global Top Weekly Sellers chart from February 2025 onwards. According to the site’s data, Valve’s shipments have fallen from 11-18k units a week to a mere 1.4-3k.
It’s important to stress that this is an estimate, as Valve doesn’t publicly disclose any sales figures for any of its hardware or software. In lieu of that data, Boiling Steam approximated revenue data based on chart position, using historical data from multiple sources, before then applying all of this to the Steam Deck’s week-by-week chart position.
I recommend visiting the site for the full methodology breakdown, which seems reasonably sound as far as educated guesses can be for this topic. However, I would stress that the site’s data only concerns the US, and there’s likely to be some regional variability at play here.
In any case, it’s not a major surprise that Steam Deck demand has likely plummeted following Valve’s price increases. The system’s aged internals made far more sense in terms of value at $549/$649 than they do at $789/$949, particularly as this cost arrives perilously close to more-powerful rivals, such as the $999 ROG Xbox Ally X.
Valve has hinted that Steam Machine prices may rise in the wake of the worsening memory crisis, and it’s reasonable to assume this component crossfire could once again catch the Steam Deck. Meanwhile, Valve’s Steam Frame remains missing in action, with no launch date nor price in sight. Here’s hoping the company’s fortunes turn more favourable leading up to the Steam Deck 2’s release.
