Aren't the used LCD ones available really cheap these days? Probably best bang for your buck.
this post was submitted on 06 Apr 2025
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Steam Deck
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If you can't afford SD after the tarrifs, you can't afford it now. But if you want it anyway and are financially secure and not living in US, I'd say go for it.
Your groceries, rent, utilities, and all material good are about to skyrocket in price. Save your money and focus on survival.
Keep in mind that a lot of things will become a lot more expensive for you in the next few months. It really depends on your financial situation and job security but I would say unless you have a big surplus and have built a comfortable emergency fund, do not spend extra on not essential stuff.
Even separate from that, if OP does not have at least a few months of savings, even in good times, their number one priority should be saving. If they do not have savings then they are not in the position to buy
Based on what you just posted: absolutely not. Prioritize financial security at this time. There will always be another thing you can buy later—perhaps Steam Deck 2!
Or do what i did and buy a like-new, used one for $200.
If you're worried about the price of the steam deck going up then definitely don't buy it, because if the deck price goes up then tons of other prices are gonna go up and your financial situation is gonna be a lot worse then than it is now
Every day is another day of your life spent without a Steam Deck. 😞
I love my steam deck but it's not worth financial hardship
Maybe, but take a look at the refurbished/used market first. I got a really decent deal on mine that way, which helps justify it a bit 👍
I agree, especially since parts are easily available from Ifixit. If something goes wrong with a used deck out of warranty there is good change you can fix it and still come out ahead.
Considering there’s a recession coning id hold on to that extra cash
Do you need it? Do you have the extra money to spend? Only you know this answer, honestly. Is it worth it for you? If it is, then go for it. Preferably a refurbished one since they're normally $100+ cheaper and are great.
I would not buy it new, perhaps at most buy it used - like others have said.
Long term, plan on setting aside a specific number every week or paycheck (ie $25 each week). You'll eventually have the funds pain free. As a plus, the envelope money will come in handy if some other emergency comes up, but you can restart the fund building for this goal.
If you're going to, then do now. If you haven't decided yet then don't. If you feel like you need one, see if Sunshine/Moonlight and a phone/ipad/ps vita will do just as well.
I could get my Vita back from my friend. It's been years though and he moved so I'm not even sure if he still has it
I had this thought-process back in December before ordering a Retroid Pocket 5, which was evidently the right call. At this point things are so turbulent that it might be too late. I mean you probably could order right now and the price probably won't suddenly go up - but more important is that everything is so up in the air that you might need that money in the near future for other necessities.
The Retroid Pocket looks awesome. I've been eyeing a Steam Deck, but tbh I'd have my fun cut out for me with just a retro handheld that can emulate stuff up til Gamecube. Do you like it?
It's growing on me very quickly. Been playing a lot of Chrono Trigger on it right now. It's a lot more comfortable to hold than the Steam Deck too. Plus, it supports both Android and Linux. There are already versions of Rocknix and Batocera available for it. It has one of the best looking displays I've ever seen as well.
That said, Steam Deck is still my main go to, because at the end of the day it is a full fledged PC.
Thanks! I hear a lot of people complaining about the ergonomics. So it isn't uncomfortable to use for lengths of time? Apparently they haven't released their own official grip yet either, so I might wait until they do.
I got the dbrand grip for it with stick grips, it's actually really nice to hold, certainly better than my switch lite (seriously that thing gives me RSI, really needed something to grip onto.) Which also has a kickstand attachment if you want. It's overall though very comfortable, I find it better to hold up over propping it up with something, seems to keep it at a more natural angle for me.
I also switched to clicky buttons on mine, it's definitely a preference but they feel better to me vs the stock ones on my partner's.
Thanks for the review. I'm leaning towards buying one during summer if I have some cash left!
I got a set of grips for it, but I'm not going to use them unless I'm playing a game using the analog sticks. That's the only part that's uncomfortable for me. On dpad-centric games I'm finding it very comfortable on it's own. Also just want to add that it has probably one of the best dpads I've ever used. Very accurate inputs, and just the right amount of tactile feedback without being quite as loud as the Xbox controller.
If you plan on plugging in a monitor and keyboard and using it as a more general computer it's a lot easier to justify
Don't
A steam deck is a excellent console, but not that good <-- It's not worth getting in financially difficult situation for
If you also use a gaming PC it's amazing. Leave it on at home and you can stream demanding games to it from outside your house. I do it with Helldivers all the time
Couldn't you do the same thing with a phone and the steam link app, though?
Ah yeah for sure you can also just use your phone but the deck screen is bigger and it can also just play your other steam games as well. I've just been obsessed with Helldivers recently and it does not look good running natively on the deck
It's a nice extension of your PC but don't worry about it if you don't have money you can absolutely spare. Even then, as others have mentioned, look at used ones because they're a lot cheaper.
Just wait a few years and it will be heaps cheaper!
Jk
I don't think valve will change the price due to tariffs. The deck was originally sold at a major loss to reach valve's target pricing, and they can afford to lose money on it because it drives game sales.
The deck has sold a lot more than expected, which has brought manufacturing costs down. I suspect the Deck is fully profitable now, but if tariffs make it unprofitable again I'm pretty sure valve would rather eat a loss on the hardware and keep enjoying the increased software sales per steam deck owner.
It will increase, this is nonsense. Ping me when tariffs come into effect of I'm wrong to mock me.
To OP: buy deck if you can afford it very well now and/or you're going to buy it later anyway. Things are going to get expensive.