Gamers are facing another price hike, this time with the recent restock of the Steam Deck OLED. Both the 512GB model (now $789, up from $549) and the 1TB model ($949, up from $649) have seen significant price increases. This trend is worrying because it suggests that future gaming consoles – like the PlayStation 6 and the rumored Xbox Helix – may become even more expensive. These price jumps are likely due to economic pressures in the US and globally, combined with ongoing supply issues with RAM, which are being worsened by the high demand from AI data centers. It’s a situation that doesn’t seem sustainable in the long run.
Prices for gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox have gone up in the last year, so the recent price increase for the Steam Deck OLED isn’t a surprise – though it’s definitely a significant jump. The bigger concern is that this likely won’t be the only price increase we see.
Prices Just Keep Going Up Well Before the PS6 and Xbox Helix Are Even Showcased Yet
I’m really excited about the Steam Machine, and I’ve been following its development for a while now. It feels like a huge step for Valve, blending the power of a PC with the simplicity of a console. But honestly, with everything going on with the economy, I’m starting to worry about the price. Seeing how much the Steam Deck increased, I’m pretty sure the Steam Machine is going to be expensive – probably over $1000, and that’s a little disappointing. It’s turning what should be a fun release into a bit of a stressful wait, hoping it doesn’t break the bank!
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Order the selected consoles from lowest to highest.
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Adding to the issue, the price of the PlayStation 5 Slim with a disc drive has recently increased to $649.99, and the upcoming PS5 Pro is expected to cost $899.99. The Xbox Series X is also quite expensive at $649.99. Typically, hardware becomes more affordable over time, but these consoles are actually getting more expensive. Experts predict prices will likely increase again before the end of the year. Jez Corden from Windows Central believes PlayStation and Xbox will continue to raise prices, and I agree. The underlying problems – the high demand for AI data centers and the resulting RAM shortage, which are contributing to economic difficulties – haven’t been addressed, and there’s little indication that consumers will be protected from further price hikes.
If the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X reach a price of $1000, they’ll become unaffordable for most people, especially considering they’re still current-generation consoles. Devices like the Steam Deck are offering alternatives, and the upcoming Steam Machine could further disrupt the market. Even if the next generation of consoles – like the PlayStation 6 and the Xbox Project Helix – are incredibly advanced, the rising cost of living will likely make them inaccessible. Early discussions about the PS6’s price suggest it will be very expensive, and if prices continue to climb this generation, we can expect the same for the next.
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There’s hope that things will improve significantly by the 2027 holiday season, and that the next generation of consoles will be released at more affordable prices after current high costs come down. Ideally, the next consoles will avoid the problems that have plagued the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S since they launched. However, if that doesn’t happen, Sony should be cautious with the PS6 and Xbox should stop discussing the Xbox Helix project. The 2027 holiday season won’t be successful with consoles still facing these issues, so both companies should consider delaying their releases – it would benefit both their sales and, more importantly, players.
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2026-05-28 02:04