Handheld Gaming PCs Are Getting Too Expensive—And Gamers Aren’t Happy

Handheld Gaming PCs Are Getting Too Expensive—And Gamers Aren’t Happy

Are Handheld Gaming PCs Becoming Too Expensive for Gamers? Handheld gaming PCs once gained widespread popularity thanks to Valve’s affordable Steam Deck. With a starting price of $399, the Steam Deck delivered a solid PC gaming experience in a compact format—without breaking the bank. But today, handheld PC makers like MSI, Asus, and Lenovo seem to be moving away from that affordability, pricing their new devices well above $800. For many gamers, especially those on a tight budget, this trend is raising serious concerns. If you're searching for whether handheld gaming PCs are still worth the price, or wondering if Steam Deck alternatives are still budget-friendly, you’re not alone. Let's break down what’s happening and what it means for the future of handheld gaming. Image credit: MSI Why the Steam Deck Set the Gold Standard for Handheld Gaming PCs Valve's Steam Deck succeeded not just because of its hardware, but because it hit the sweet spot between performance and price. …