Steam Deck OLED scarcity blamed on global RAM and storage crisis

Valve admits Steam Deck OLED stock issues are tied to the AI boom driving memory prices up 50-100%. Sony may delay its next console until 2029, while Nintendo considers Switch 2 price hikes as the crisis hits all gaming hardware makers.

Valve has officially confirmed that Steam Deck OLED shortages are caused by the global memory and storage crisis, acknowledging on its store page that the handheld "may be out-of-stock intermittently in some regions due to memory and storage shortages." The confirmation comes after the device sold out in the United States last week, with the crisis primarily driven by the AI industry's massive demand for these components.

AI demand drives component crisis

The memory and storage shortage affecting the Steam Deck OLED is part of a broader crisis impacting the entire gaming industry. According to SSD manufacturer Transcend, component costs have skyrocketed dramatically, with the company stating: "Just last week alone, we were notified that costs had risen by 50–100%."

The crisis stems from the AI industry's voracious appetite for memory components, leaving gaming hardware manufacturers struggling to secure adequate supplies at reasonable prices. This has created a ripple effect across the electronics industry, with many manufacturers facing potential shutdowns due to component unavailability.

Gaming giants feel the impact

Valve isn't the only major gaming company affected by the shortage. Sony is reportedly considering delaying its next-generation console until as late as 2029, whilst Nintendo is contemplating price increases for the Nintendo Switch 2. These decisions reflect the severity of the component crisis and its potential long-term impact on gaming hardware availability.

The shortage has also affected Valve's other projects, including the Steam Machine, which was expected to receive a firm release date and pricing announcement. "The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing," Valve explained in a recent statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Steam Deck OLED experiencing scarcity?

The Steam Deck OLED is intermittently out of stock in some regions due to a global shortage of memory and storage components, primarily driven by AI industry demand.

What is causing the memory and storage crisis?

The crisis is primarily caused by the AI industry's massive demand for memory and storage components, creating shortages for other electronics manufacturers.

Which other companies are affected by the component shortage?

Major gaming companies including Sony and Nintendo are affected, with Sony considering console delays until 2029 and Nintendo potentially increasing Switch 2 prices.