Tag: Steam Store

  • Steam Deck OLEDs Sell Out Hours After Price Hike

    Steam Deck OLEDs Sell Out Hours After Price Hike

    Key Takeaway

    – Steam Deck OLEDs are sold out again, despite recent restocks for the 512GB and 1TB models.
    – Valve significantly increased prices: 512GB from $549 to $789; 1TB from $649? to $949 (noting the $300 jump).
    – Valve says hardware hasn’t changed; price hikes are due to memory/NAND shortages and global logistics affecting component costs.

    Steam Deck OLED stock evaporates as prices soar

    If you were hoping to snag the Steam Deck OLED, you’re outta luck again. After Valve finally restocked the hotly anticipated handheld, the 512GB and 1TB variants have all vanished from shelves in record time, leaving buyers with little choice but to wait or seek alternatives. The situation underscores the tug-of-war between demand and supply for this gadgety favorite, and how fast two popular SKUs can disappear from mainstream channels.

    Pricing shift explains by Valve

    This news comes hot on the heels of Valve’s sweeping price update for the consoles. The 512GB model jumped from $549 to $789, a steep rise that will leave many shoppers re-evaluating their budget. The 1TB version fared even worse, seeing a $300 increase to $949. Valve’s brief note asserted that the hardware specs had not changed, just the price point due to external pressures. The company’s explanation aims to calm fears of firmware or performance downgrades while acknowledging market realities that impact retail pricing.

    Why the costs spiked, according to Valve

    Valve pointed at the heavy costs of components as the primary culprit for the price surge. Memory chips and NAND flash shortages, alongside a broad spectrum of global supply-chain disturbances, have pushed production expenses upward. The tech sector, in general, has struggled with supplier lead times and logistics bottlenecks, which ripple through to consumer prices for high-end portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED.

    What this means for buyers and stock posting

    For shoppers in the immediate term, the combination of sold-out status and inflated retail prices creates a tricky buying environment. Those hoping for restocks soon may need to brace for delayed availability as manufacturers navigate constrained inventories. Meanwhile, price-conscious consumers might weigh alternatives or older models to balance feature needs with a tighter budget, since the OLED variant remains a premium option in Valve’s lineup.

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  • Steam Homepage Beta: Preview the New User Interface

    Steam Homepage Beta: Preview the New User Interface

    Key Takeaway

    1. Valve is redesigning the Steam Store homepage to improve game discovery and display more relevant information.
    2. The new layout includes a wider design, higher-resolution artwork, personalized sections, and customizable marketing elements.
    3. An “infinite scroll” feature replaces pagination for a more continuous browsing experience.
    4. Users can test the update via the Steam Client Beta, with a full rollout未yet announced.

    Valve is giving the Steam Store homepage a major design update

    Users can already take a look at and try out the new interface via the beta client. According to Valve, the main goal is to make new games easier to discover and to show more relevant information directly on the homepage. This is what the new design looks like:

    New layout features and customization options

    The new homepage features a wider layout for large displays, higher-resolution artwork, more detailed recommendations and new personalized sections such as discounted wishlist titles and discounted DLC for games in your own library. The display of microtrailers and animated marketing elements can also be disabled. According to Valve, this feature is aimed at users with motion sensitivity, but it should also help reduce bandwidth usage.

    Infinite scroll and user experience improvements

    Another new feature is “infinite scroll,” which automatically loads more content as users scroll down and replaces traditional pagination. This should make the homepage feel more like a continuous feed of recommendations, discounts and new content. Anyone who wants to try the new layout can do so by joining the Steam Client Beta. To do that, the beta must be activated in the settings, after which the client needs to be restarted. There is still no date for the regular rollout.

    Community reactions and expectations

    Reactions on Reddit have been mostly positive. Many users find the new homepage tidier and more modern. The main criticism is aimed at the sometimes very large thumbnails. Some users also point out that a better presentation alone will not automatically make the recommendation system more accurate.

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  • Steam Ends Support for Older Versions of Windows – Only 10 Days Left

    Steam Ends Support for Older Versions of Windows – Only 10 Days Left

    Game Over for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 on Steam, Time to Upgrade!

    Steam, the world's largest online game store, has announced that it will no longer support Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 starting from January 1, 2024. Users are now required to switch to a computer operating on Windows 10, Windows 11, or the upcoming Windows 12.

    Less Than 15 Days Left

    The announcement, made in March 2023, may not have been taken too seriously initially due to the nine-month deadline. However, time has quickly passed, and now there are less than 15 days remaining before the deadline. According to Steam's Hardware and Software Survey in November 2023, only 1% of Steam users are still using older versions of Windows.

    A Significant Number

    While 1% may seem insignificant at first glance, it's important to note that the estimated total number of Steam users as of December 2023 is 1.2 billion. This means that approximately 12 million people are still using older versions like Windows 7. If you're one of them and you love playing games, it's crucial to upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible.

    No More Delays

    Upgrading to the latest version of Windows is especially important if you want to continue enjoying your favorite games without any disruptions. Games like PUBG: Battlegrounds have already announced that they won't be playable on older Windows versions. This serves as a clear indication that there won't be any delays from Steam's end.

    It's time to say goodbye to Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 on Steam. Make sure to upgrade to a supported version to avoid any inconvenience and continue gaming seamlessly.

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  • Starfield Now on Sale on the Steam Store

    Starfield Now on Sale on the Steam Store

    Snag Bethesda's Starfield at a Discount during Fanatical's Winter Sale

    Gamers, get ready for an out-of-this-world gaming experience with Bethesda's highly anticipated game release, Starfield. And now, thanks to Fanatical's Winter Sale, you can get your hands on this space exploration game at a discounted price.

    Exciting Discounts on Starfield

    For a limited time, you can purchase the standard edition of Starfield for just $58, a significant drop from its usual price of $70. But the deals don't stop there. By using the promo code FANATICAL17 at checkout, you can also grab the Premium Edition for $83, down from its original price of $100.

    Premium Edition Perks

    The Premium Edition of Starfield offers more than just the game itself. It includes a digital art book, a captivating soundtrack, and the highly anticipated Shattered Space expansion story. Additionally, you'll receive the Constellation Skin Pack, which adds a fresh new look to your in-game equipment, such as the Equinox laser rifle and spacesuit.

    Multiple Purchase Options

    While this special offer is exclusively available for the Steam version of Starfield, PC players have other options as well. You can also purchase the game from the Microsoft Store. As Starfield is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, you can enjoy it on both Xbox Series X|S and PC.

    Extra Goodies for Game Pass Subscribers

    If you're a Game Pass subscriber, there's even more in store for you. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are offering the Premium Upgrade Edition, which includes a steelbook case and a Constellation patch. Moreover, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members who purchase a three-month subscription from Best Buy will receive a surprise Starfield mystery gift.

    The FANATICAL17 Promo Code

    Don't forget, the FANATICAL17 promo code isn't limited to Starfield alone. It can be used on any full-priced PC game at Fanatical. With their Winter Sale boasting a wide selection of hundreds of games, now is the perfect time to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank.

    Whether you're a dedicated Starfield fan or simply love a good game, Fanatical's Winter Sale is your ticket to epic gaming adventures. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on a galactic journey with Starfield at a discounted price.

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