Steam Deck: sales tank after May price hike

Yes, it absolutely seems so. Steam Deck sales have taken a serious beating. Since May 2025, the purchase rate plummeted by an impressive 80% compared to previous months. So much for initial enthusiasm.

This data comes from an analysis of bestseller charts. It's basically a market thermometer, and Valve's is showing arctic temperatures. People seem to have put the brakes on buying the handheld gaming PC.

The May 2025 price hike is the prime suspect, no doubt. But it's not the only factor. The handheld console market has become a Wild West, with many new contenders offering alternatives.

Perhaps Valve miscalculated, or rather, ignored the fierce competition. When prices rise and alternatives abound, people think twice before swiping their credit cards. A classic consumer dilemma, isn't it?

Or maybe the novelty factor has worn off. After all, it's not the "shiny new thing" it once was. Gamers are always chasing the next big release, and the Steam Deck might have lost some initial appeal.

Valve will likely need to rethink its strategy, unless they're fine with their console gathering dust. An 80% drop isn't exactly a success to brag about in corporate meetings.

Could discounts be coming? Maybe a cheaper version? Or perhaps a hardware refresh that justifies the higher price tag. We'll see if Valve has any aces up its sleeve to reignite interest.