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STEAM DECK SALES PLUMMET 80% AFTER MAY PRICE HIKE

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, JUL 21, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Steam Deck sales have dropped sharply following Valve's price increase in May. Bestseller chart analysis reveals an 80 percent decline from the device's 2025 sales pace.

Valve's handheld gaming device has seen significant momentum loss since the price adjustment last month. Data from bestseller rankings indicates sales velocity has slowed to a fraction of earlier 2025 levels. The timing coincides directly with Valve's decision to raise Steam Deck pricing across its product lineup. The company cited manufacturing cost increases and exchange rate fluctuations as reasons for the adjustment. The 80 percent dip marks a notable reversal for the device, which has maintained strong market positioning since its 2022 launch. Steam Deck faced supply constraints during its first two years, but demand remained robust through early 2025. It remains unclear whether the sales decline reflects price sensitivity among potential buyers or represents a temporary adjustment period as the market absorbs the new pricing structure. Valve has not publicly commented on sales figures or demand trends.

■ SOURCES

Ars Technica

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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