Valve announced on May 27, 2026, a significant price increase for its Steam Deck OLED models. Prices are reportedly increasing by up to $300 USD, representing a 46% rise for some configurations. Boiling Steam reported on this development, stating that "Valve’s leadership apparently smoked a little too much and the company officially announced a massive price hike". The company attributed the adjustment to "the semiconductor shortage" driven by surging demand for AI datacenter memory components. However, Boiling Steam questioned this explanation, noting that competitors like the ROG Ally X have maintained their pricing since release, suggesting the possibility of Valve taking the opportunity for increased profits. This change directly impacts the accessibility and cost of Valve's Linux-based handheld gaming device for consumers.