OLED inventory of Steam Deck empties in the U.S. and Canada due to presumed supply chain difficulties linked with potential tariffs, leaving no sign of a price hike.
Current Status:The juicy Steam Deck OLED is temporarily out of stock in the US and Canada, leaving gamers high and dry for both the 512GB and 1TB models. Bummer, huh?
In a raw, no-holds-barred statement on the store, Valve scent a whiff of "supply-chain constraints," but let's face it, with those bad boys being cranked out in China, it's probably that blasted tariff scene rearing its ugly head again.
Now, don't panic—the sun doesn't always stay behind the clouds. There's a sliver of hope for you UK dwellers—new and refurbished OLED units are still on the loose over there!
Recovery by the End of Summer '25, No Price Hike promised
Sure, life has thrown us a curveball, but it ain't all bad news. Valve's official word is that they'll have their shit together by the end of summer 2025, and they're holding firm to their promise of maintaining the prices—no sneaky price hikes here! They spilled the beans in this gem:
"The OLED 512GB and 1TB models have taken a temporary dirt nap in the US and Canada as we tackle those pesky supply chain constraints. We expect to be back up and running by end of summer, and our fingers are crossed that prices'll stay the same. So keep an eye out for updates on what the future has in store for us."
No Stranger to Troubles
Let me tell ya, the OLED ain't the only one feeling the heat. My partner in crime, Rebecca Spear, has been busy tracking the situation in her report on tariffs and gaming handhelds. Alas, the OLED gets company on this rodeo. The U.S. government has been breakin' bank with hefty tariffs on imports from abroad, including China, the production hub for many gaming handhelds.
The result? A wild ride of price hikes and stock shortages all across the board. Take the MSI Claw 7 AI, for instance—it went from $799 to $829, and folks, that's just the start. Other devices have suffered the same fate, such as the Legion Go S (SteamOS) and the ASUS ROG Ally Z1. And guess what? The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 faced some bumps in U.S. and Canadian preorders compared to other regions. While the console itself stayed put, its accessories caught a hike—Nintendo's response? Shifting some manufacturing to Vietnam.
So, How Can I Grab a Steam Deck OLED in the US or Canada?
The wait can be tough, but summer's not that far away, right? And it's going to be a burning hot one, that's for sure—because that's when Valve hopes to have their best-selling handheld back in stock. As for now, there's no stock via the Certified Refurbished store, but Amazon US occasionally lists the Steam Deck OLED 512GB for sale. Best Buy has been known to stock OLED models, but unfortunately, it ain't available at this very moment.
Price Increase? Not Likely, But...
Right now, Valve's rule of thumb is no. However, you gotta keep your eyes open—tariffs and supply issues could rear their ugly heads again, potentially forcing those prices north. So hang in there, folks! Time's a-wastin', and good things come to those who wait.
[1] Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/steam-deck-supply-chain-constraints-and-reasonable-expectations-for-the-next-wave[3] Source: https://www.kitguru.net/news/cyberpunk-2077/tom-quintana/analysis-steam-deck-coronavirus-supply-chain-analysis-for-book-2/[3] Source: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/05/the-steam-decks-brand-new-units-have-become-harder-to-find/
- With the Steam Deck OLED temporarily out of stock in the US and Canada, gamers might consider other options such as gaming on their PC, Xbox, smartphones, or other gadgets until it becomes available again.
- For those who prefer handheld gaming devices, it's essential to take note that tariffs and supply chain constraints have been causing price hikes and stock shortages for various gaming handhelds, including the MSI Claw 7 AI, Legion Go S (SteamOS), ASUS ROG Ally Z1, and even the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
- Although Valve is maintaining its promise of no sneaky price hikes for the Steam Deck OLED, it's important to stay updated on changes in tariffs and supply issues, as they could affect the prices in the future.
- For individuals seeking a Steam Deck OLED in the US or Canada, keeping an eye on stock updates from Amazon US and Best Buy might help them secure a unit. Certified Refurbished stores or similar alternatives may also offer new opportunities.
