Uh-oh, every Steam Deck is now out of stock, and I'm hoping RAMageddon hasn't claimed Valve's handheld

Phil Hayton holding Steam Deck OLED with mascot face on screen with thrown. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

I don't mean to alarm you, but every version of the Steam Deck is out of stock right now. That includes the two remaining OLED models and the now-discontinued 256GB LCD model, and while it could be a sign that new versions are on the way, I'm nervous that RAM prices are to blame.

I check in on all the best gaming handheld options regularly, including the Steam Deck OLED. When it comes to these portables, I'm normally just checking sneaky discounts haven't snuck under my nose rather than nervously checking stock levels. Yet, a worst-case out-of-stock scenario is currently happening since there's no way to buy the powerhouse at Valve right now.

Not a single Steam Deck is available in the US, but the UK site still seems to have a healthy supply. That's hardly surprising given that handheld availability is normally stronger in the United Kingdom, but it's also seemingly MIA in Japan, too. The good news is that the latter regional page says restocks are coming in late February, which could be a sign that soaring RAM and component prices aren't to blame for the missing stock.

Valve Steam Deck page with 256GB LCD, 512GB OLED, and 1TB OLED listed as "out of stock". — Choose you Steam Deck... oh wait. (Image credit: Valve)

Okay, look, I don't want to get anyone riled about the Steam Deck's absence or whether the eventual Steam Machine price will end up higher than expected. There could be a million reasons why the handheld is out of stock right now that aren't related to the cost of LPDDR5 memory, including other logistical issues tied to specific manufacturing or shipping. That said, RAM prices are affecting things that badly, we could end up in a situation where price hikes on handhelds and other PC techs aren't even a way to keep them on shelves.

In that scenario, it won't just be the Steam Deck that either vanishes or becomes a chunk more expensive. Everything from the best gaming laptops to some of the best retro handheld options with fancier innards rely on LPDDR5 RAM, and it'll also be difficult to pick up a Deck alternative given that the ROG Xbox Ally X uses very similar parts.

If you were just about to pick up a Steam Deck to accompany you in 2026, only to be left devastated by out-of-stock signs, I do have some next-step suggestions. Ultimately, the goal ahead is to find Valve's handheld for a reasonable price, and while I'd avoid grabbing one at Amazon for that very reason, it's still worth checking in case some seller out there has hoarded an excessive pile.

Steam Deck OLED with game library on screen sitting on woodgrain desk — (Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

I'd also keep an eye on Valve's Certified Refurbished site, as the page is still functioning as a hub for refurbed units with 20% off. Failing that, you'll want to carefully watch for discounts on other SteamOS devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S, as while I've reviewed the Windows version, the third-party Steam Deck makes for a nice alternative for $599.99. It doesn't have an OLED screen, though, so keep that in mind if such display luxuries already spoil you.

I'm hoping that this whole Steam Deck stock situation is just a silly blip. With any luck, I'll be reporting back real soon, talking about how the handheld is back with an unaltered price, rather than trying to navigate you through a worsening wasteland of expensive PC tech and dire availability. I do also want to tell you about the little goblin in my head that's currently feeding me fantasies, though, as it says the stock wipeout could be a sign that a Steam Deck 2 is in the pipeline. Is that actually likely? Probably not, given that even the Machine and Steam Frame launches are dragging their heels, but it's fun to dream.

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Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

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