Valve has announced a substantial price increase for its Steam Deck handheld gaming device, with the cost rising as much as 46% in the United States. The 512GB OLED model will now retail for $789, up from $549, marking a nearly 44% increase. The 1TB OLED model sees an even steeper rise, going from $649 to $949, which is notably higher than the $899 price tag of the PlayStation 5 Pro. This price adjustment comes amid ongoing challenges in the memory market, but many are questioning the justification for such a hike on a device that is now four years old and equipped with six-year-old hardware. Critics have labeled the pricing as excessive, particularly for a handheld that primarily excels at running casual games. Additionally, Valve's previously announced Steam Machine, intended as a home console, has yet to be released, with the company facing significant hurdles related to pricing. The current situation raises doubts about the viability of the Steam Machine, especially in light of the Steam Deck's new pricing structure.