Sales of the Steam Deck have reportedly dropped by approximately 80% following significant price hikes earlier this year, according to estimates from Boiling Steam. The handheld gaming device, once favored for its affordability, has struggled to maintain its appeal as a value option after the price increases, which saw the cost rise nearly 50%.
Boiling Steam derived its estimates by analyzing the Steam Top Sellers list and tracking the Steam Deck’s ranking. The analysis indicated a decline from a position within the top five to between tenth and fifteenth, suggesting a drop in weekly sales of around 80-82%.
The site noted that this decline corresponds to a gross revenue reduction of roughly 72%, describing the situation as a “complete collapse in total sales.” Prior estimates suggested that the Steam Deck sold between 11,000 and 18,000 units per week before the price increase, translating to a current weekly sales figure of approximately 1,400 to 3,000 units.
Boiling Steam stated, “The effect could not be clearer. A 72% revenue contraction combined with a 54% price increase has completely shut down the demand for the Steam Deck.” This significant drop indicates a sharp shift in consumer interest following the price adjustments.
Despite the price hikes, initial reports indicated that replenished stock of the Steam Deck sold out quickly in North America, suggesting that some consumers were willing to purchase the device at a higher price point. However, regional supply shortages may have influenced its ranking on the Top Sellers list, potentially skewing the sales data.
The analysis included assumptions regarding the average price of the Steam Deck for 2025 and estimated weekly revenues based on the rankings of surrounding top-selling games. The authors acknowledged that these figures should be treated with caution.
Overall, 2026 has been a challenging year for handheld gaming, despite advancements in hardware technology. Developments such as Intel’s new Arc G3 and G3 Extreme chips have generated interest, but the Steam Deck’s sales decline illustrates a significant hurdle for the device’s continued success.
