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RAM Crisis Fuels Steam Deck Price Hike in Asia
28 Feb
Summary
- Steam Deck prices are increasing in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
- Distributor cites logistics costs and exchange rates for the price jump.
- RAM shortages are impacting other consoles and are expected to continue.
The global RAM crisis, which has already led to intermittent availability of Steam Deck consoles, is now causing price increases for the handheld device in several Asian markets. As of March 6, buyers in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan will face a roughly $100 price hike for both the 512GB and 1TB OLED models. This adjustment is implemented by Komodo, the official distributor for these regions.
Komodo attributes the price increase to persistent logistics costs and shifting exchange rate conditions. While not directly blaming AI, which has influenced prices for other electronics, these factors have necessitated the price adjustment. For instance, in Japan, the 512GB Steam Deck OLED will now cost ¥99,800, and the 1TB model will be ¥114,800.
The RAM shortage continues to affect the gaming industry broadly. The Steam Deck has experienced intermittent availability in the US due to memory constraints. Furthermore, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is also anticipated to see a price increase, and the memory shortage may have contributed to potential delays for the PlayStation 6. The impact is widespread, affecting all PC manufacturers forced to alter production or raise prices.
This scarcity is projected to persist, with no significant improvement expected before 2027. Consumers can anticipate further price hikes or continued device shortages for gaming hardware in the upcoming year. The situation underscores the fragility of global supply chains and their direct impact on consumer electronics.
