The Steam Deck launched at $399 (64GB model) in February 2022, making it the most affordable entry point. The ASUS ROG Ally debuted at $699 (Z1 Extreme) in June 2023, while the Lenovo Legion Go matched that price at launch in October 2023. However, the Steam Deck’s entry-level pricing landscape has changed significantly, with the current base model now starting at $549 for the OLED version after the LCD models were discontinued in late 2025.
The handheld gaming PC market exploded in popularity following Valve’s groundbreaking Steam Deck launch in 2022. This revolutionary device proved that powerful PC gaming experiences could fit in your hands, sparking fierce competition from major manufacturers. Understanding the original pricing strategies of these devices reveals not just their value propositions but also how the handheld market has evolved over the past few years.
Handheld Gaming PC Launch Prices
- Steam Deck disrupted the market with a $399 entry price in February 2022, offering three storage tiers ($399/$529/$649) with identical performance specifications across all models.
- ASUS ROG Ally positioned as the premium alternative at $699.99 (Z1 Extreme) when it launched in June 2023, featuring Windows 11, a 1080p 120Hz display, and significantly more powerful AMD Zen 4 architecture.
- Lenovo Legion Go matched ROG Ally pricing at $699.99 in October 2023 but differentiated itself with the largest display (8.8-inch at 1600p/144Hz) and innovative detachable controllers.
- The $300 price gap between Steam Deck and its competitors reflected fundamental differences: refined software optimization versus raw hardware power, and gaming-focused design versus Windows versatility.
- Current market dynamics have shifted with the Steam Deck LCD discontinuation, raising the entry price to $549 for the OLED model while competitors maintain $699-$899 pricing tiers.
Steam Deck Original Price: The Market Disruptor
How much did the Steam Deck cost at launch?
The Steam Deck launched with three configurations: $399 (64GB eMMC), $529 (256GB NVMe SSD), and $649 (512GB NVMe SSD). All models featured identical AMD APU performance with 16GB RAM and a 7-inch 800p display at 60Hz. The only differences were storage capacity and type, plus minor premium accessories for higher tiers.
When Valve released the Steam Deck on February 25, 2022, the company made a deliberate choice to compete on price as much as performance. The three-tier launch structure provided options for different budgets while maintaining identical core specifications across all models. This approach democratized PC gaming in ways comparable to how Steam Machines attempted but failed to achieve in the previous decade.
Steam Deck Launch Pricing Structure
| Model | Original Price | Storage Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64GB eMMC | $399 | eMMC Storage | Carrying case |
| 256GB NVMe | $529 | NVMe SSD | Carrying case, exclusive virtual keyboard theme |
| 512GB NVMe | $649 | NVMe SSD | Anti-glare etched glass, premium carrying case, exclusive virtual keyboard theme, exclusive community profile bundle |
The $399 starting price represented a significant achievement in bringing PC gaming performance to a handheld form factor. All three models featured identical processing power: a custom AMD APU with Zen 2 architecture, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 7-inch LCD touchscreen running at 1280×800 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. This approach contrasted sharply with Nintendo Switch pricing, which offered different performance tiers through its Switch Lite and OLED variants.
Market Impact: The Steam Deck’s aggressive pricing forced competitors to reconsider their strategies. Unlike previous handheld PC attempts that often exceeded $1,000, Valve proved that a sub-$400 device could deliver legitimate gaming performance without compromises.
Evolution to Steam Deck OLED
In November 2023, Valve introduced the Steam Deck OLED, replacing the top two LCD models with improved specifications. The new pricing structure maintained competitive positioning while offering substantial upgrades, including a larger 7.4-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, improved battery life, and enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E support. The OLED models launched at $549 for 512GB and $649 for 1TB variants.
By late 2025, Valve discontinued all LCD production, making the OLED version the only option for new purchases. This shift increased the effective entry price from $399 to $549, representing a significant change in the handheld gaming market landscape that echoes broader industry trends seen across console pricing over the years.
ROG Ally MSRP: Premium Performance at a Premium Price
What is the MSRP of the ASUS ROG Ally?
The ASUS ROG Ally launched at $699.99 for the Z1 Extreme model and $599.99 for the Z1 Standard model. Both versions featured a 7-inch Full HD display at 120Hz and Windows 11 Home, with the primary difference being processor power: the Z1 Extreme delivered 8.6 TFLOPS graphics performance versus 2.56 TFLOPS for the standard model.
ASUS entered the handheld gaming market on June 13, 2023, with the ROG Ally, positioning itself as a performance-focused alternative to the Steam Deck. The company’s gaming pedigree through its Republic of Gamers brand suggested a different approach centered on raw specifications rather than price leadership.
ROG Ally Launch Specifications and Pricing
- ROG Ally Z1 Extreme: $699.99 (launched June 13, 2023) – Featured AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with 8 cores/16 threads, 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, and the full 8.6 TFLOPS graphics capability
- ROG Ally Z1 Standard: $599.99 (released Q3 2023) – Equipped with AMD Ryzen Z1 processor with 6 cores/12 threads, offering a more budget-conscious option with slightly reduced performance at 2.56 TFLOPS
The ROG Ally distinguished itself through several premium features that justified its higher price point. The 7-inch Full HD IPS display offered 1920×1080 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing sharper visuals and smoother motion compared to the Steam Deck’s 800p panel. Running Windows 11 Home natively gave users immediate access to multiple game stores including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and EA App without requiring workarounds or compatibility layers.
ASUS’s decision to price the Z1 Extreme model at $699 placed it directly against the Steam Deck’s top-tier configuration while offering superior raw performance. The newer AMD Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture in the Z1 Extreme processor delivered approximately 5.4 times the graphical power of the Steam Deck’s RDNA 2 GPU, though real-world gaming performance differences varied significantly based on Windows overhead and optimization.
Lenovo Legion Go Launch Price: The Largest Contender
Lenovo entered the competitive handheld space in October 2023 with the Legion Go, taking a different approach by offering the largest display and unique detachable controllers inspired by Nintendo’s Switch design philosophy.
Legion Go Pricing Strategy
| Configuration | Launch Price | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $699.99 | 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) at 144Hz |
| High Capacity | $749.99 | 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) at 144Hz |
The Legion Go matched the ROG Ally’s base price of $699 but offered compelling differentiators. The massive 8.8-inch display with 2560×1600 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate provided the most immersive screen experience among all three competitors. Like the ROG Ally, it utilized the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, ensuring comparable gaming performance.
What set the Legion Go apart was its innovative design featuring fully detachable controllers with hall effect joysticks to prevent drift, and a unique FPS mode that transformed the right controller into a vertical mouse for precision aiming. The device also included faster LPDDR5X-7500 memory compared to the ROG Ally’s LPDDR5-6400, though real-world performance gains from this difference were minimal in most gaming scenarios.
Release Price vs. Current Price Comparison
How have handheld gaming PC prices changed since launch?
The Steam Deck’s entry price increased from $399 to $549 (38% increase) due to LCD discontinuation and OLED-only availability. The original ROG Ally models are discontinued and replaced by the Xbox Ally at $599 (same as original Z1). The Legion Go original model remains available at discounted prices around $599-$649, while the new Legion Go 2 starts at $1,099-$1,199, representing a 57-71% price increase over the original.
| Device | Release Price | Current Price (Feb 2026) | Price Change | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck LCD 64GB | $399 | Discontinued | N/A | 7″ 800p 60Hz LCD, 64GB eMMC, 16GB RAM |
| Steam Deck LCD 256GB | $529 | Discontinued | N/A | 7″ 800p 60Hz LCD, 256GB NVMe, 16GB RAM |
| Steam Deck LCD 512GB | $649 | Discontinued | N/A | 7″ 800p 60Hz LCD, 512GB NVMe, anti-glare glass |
| Steam Deck OLED 512GB | $549 (Nov 2023) | $549 | No change | 7.4″ OLED 90Hz, 512GB NVMe, 50Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Steam Deck OLED 1TB | $649 (Nov 2023) | $649 | No change | 7.4″ OLED 90Hz, 1TB NVMe, 50Wh battery, premium case |
| ROG Ally Z1 | $599 (Q3 2023) | Discontinued | N/A | 7″ 1080p 120Hz, AMD Z1 (2.56 TFLOPS), 512GB, Windows 11 |
| ROG Ally Z1 Extreme | $699 (June 2023) | Discontinued | N/A | 7″ 1080p 120Hz, AMD Z1 Extreme (8.6 TFLOPS), 512GB, Windows 11 |
| ROG Ally X | $799 (2024) | $799 | No change | 7″ 1080p 120Hz, Z1 Extreme, 1TB, 24GB RAM, 80Wh battery |
| ROG Xbox Ally (Z2 A) | $599 (2025) | $499-$599 (on sale) | $0 to -$100 | 7″ 1080p 120Hz, AMD Z2 A, 512GB, 60Wh battery, Xbox integration |
| ROG Xbox Ally X | $999 (2025) | $999 | No change | 7″ 1080p 120Hz, Z2 Extreme, 1TB, 24GB RAM, 80Wh, impulse triggers |
| Legion Go 512GB | $699 (Oct 2023) | $599-$649 (discounted) | -$50 to -$100 | 8.8″ 1600p 144Hz, Z1 Extreme, 512GB, detachable controllers |
| Legion Go 1TB | $749 (Oct 2023) | $699-$749 | -$50 to $0 | 8.8″ 1600p 144Hz, Z1 Extreme, 1TB, detachable controllers |
| Legion Go S (Windows Z2 Go) | $649 (2025) | $649 | No change | 8″ 1200p 120Hz, AMD Z2 Go, 512GB, 55.5Wh battery, Windows 11 |
| Legion Go S (SteamOS Z1 Extreme) | $899 (2025) | $713-$899 (on sale) | -$186 to $0 | 8″ 1200p 120Hz, Z1 Extreme, 1TB, 32GB RAM, SteamOS native |
| Legion Go 2 (Windows) | $1,099 (Sept 2025) | $1,099 | No change | 8.8″ OLED 1200p 144Hz, Z2 Extreme, 1TB, 32GB, 74Wh battery |
| Legion Go 2 (SteamOS) | $1,199 (June 2026) | $1,199 (preorder) | N/A (not yet released) | 8.8″ OLED 1200p 144Hz, Z2 Extreme, 1TB, 32GB, native SteamOS |
Price Trend Analysis
The handheld gaming PC market reveals distinct pricing trajectories across manufacturers. Valve has increased its effective entry price by 38% from $399 to $549, but this reflects a generational upgrade rather than price inflation on identical hardware. The OLED models maintain their original November 2023 pricing, demonstrating Valve’s commitment to stable pricing once a model launches.
ASUS follows a different strategy with more frequent model iterations and competitive discounting. The original ROG Ally lineup has been discontinued and replaced by Xbox-branded versions featuring newer AMD Z2 processors. The ROG Xbox Ally (Z2 A) launched at $599, matching the original Z1 model’s price point, though frequent sales bring it down to $499-$500. The premium ROG Ally X and Xbox Ally X maintain steady pricing at $799-$999 without significant discounting.
Lenovo exhibits the widest pricing range, from the budget-friendly Legion Go S at $649 to the premium Legion Go 2 at $1,099-$1,199. The original Legion Go models have seen healthy price reductions of $50-$100 from launch, making them compelling value propositions at $599-$649. However, the massive price jump to the Legion Go 2 generation, a 57% increase over the original, raises questions about market positioning and consumer acceptance at these premium tiers.
Comparative Value Analysis
Head-to-Head Original Price Comparison
| Feature | Steam Deck (Base) | ROG Ally Z1 Extreme | Legion Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | $399 | $699.99 | $699.99 |
| Launch Date | February 25, 2022 | June 13, 2023 | October 31, 2023 |
| Display Size | 7 inches | 7 inches | 8.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1280×800 (16:10) | 1920×1080 (16:9) | 2560×1600 (16:10) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Processor | AMD Custom APU (Zen 2) | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4) | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4) |
| Graphics Power | 1.6 TFLOPS (RDNA 2) | 8.6 TFLOPS (RDNA 3) | 8.6 TFLOPS (RDNA 3) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Base Storage | 64GB eMMC | 512GB NVMe SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Operating System | SteamOS (Linux) | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Battery Life (Gaming) | 2-4 hours | 1.5-2.5 hours | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Weight | 669g (1.47 lbs) | 608g (1.34 lbs) | 854g (1.88 lbs) |
Examining these three devices at their original launch prices reveals distinct positioning strategies within the handheld gaming PC market. The Steam Deck prioritized accessibility and ecosystem integration through its custom SteamOS, making PC gaming approachable for console gamers. The aggressive $399 entry point demolished the perception that handheld PC gaming required significant financial investment, similar to how Nintendo historically approached console pricing.
Both the ROG Ally and Legion Go targeted performance enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for cutting-edge specifications. At $699, these devices positioned themselves as portable alternatives to gaming laptops rather than direct Steam Deck competitors. The Windows 11 operating system on both devices added versatility but also introduced compatibility and user interface challenges that the Steam Deck’s purpose-built SteamOS avoided.
Price-to-Performance Considerations
The $300 price gap between the entry-level Steam Deck ($399) and its competitors ($699) represented more than just hardware differences. Steam Deck buyers accepted lower resolution and refresh rates in exchange for a more refined software experience and significantly lower cost. The device proved that 800p gaming at 60Hz provided entirely satisfactory experiences for most titles, especially on a 7-inch screen where pixel density remained high.
The ROG Ally and Legion Go justified their premium pricing through superior displays, more powerful processors, and Windows compatibility. However, the Windows operating system introduced overhead that offset some raw performance advantages. Battery life also suffered compared to the Steam Deck, with most users reporting 1.5 to 2.5 hours of demanding gameplay versus the Steam Deck’s 2 to 4 hours depending on settings.
Regional Pricing Variations and Market Availability
Original pricing varied significantly across different markets, reflecting import duties, regional taxes, and manufacturer distribution strategies. Understanding these variations provides important context for international consumers and highlights how global pricing structures affect handheld gaming accessibility.
North American Market Pricing
The United States received the most competitive pricing across all three devices. Valve’s Steam Deck launched at the advertised $399/$529/$649 tiers with no regional markups. ASUS and Lenovo similarly maintained consistent MSRP across the US and Canada, with Canadian prices reflecting standard currency conversion plus a slight premium for market differences. For example, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is listed at approximately CAD $899-$949 compared to USD $699.
European and UK Markets
European pricing included Value Added Tax (VAT), resulting in substantially higher effective prices. The base Steam Deck launched at €419 in Europe and £349 in the UK, representing significant premiums over the $399 US price when accounting for tax differences. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme commanded €799-€849 across European markets, while the Legion Go launched at a similar €799 pricing. These regional differences meant European consumers paid 15-25% more than their North American counterparts for identical hardware.
Asia-Pacific Availability and Pricing
Market availability proved challenging in Asia-Pacific regions initially. The Steam Deck faced restricted launches, with Valve only officially supporting Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in late 2022, months after the North American debut. Japanese pricing started at ¥59,800 (approximately $450-$500 depending on exchange rates), reflecting import costs and smaller market considerations.
The ROG Ally enjoyed broader APAC availability given ASUS’s established regional distribution networks. Pricing in markets like Australia started around AUD $1,199 for the Z1 Extreme, while Japanese consumers paid ¥109,800-¥119,800. The Legion Go similarly launched across more APAC markets than the Steam Deck, leveraging Lenovo’s strong regional presence.
Availability Challenges and Gray Market Considerations
Limited regional availability spawned gray market purchasing, particularly for the Steam Deck in regions where Valve didn’t offer official sales. Consumers in Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Eastern Europe often paid 30-50% premiums through import resellers, with prices sometimes reaching $600-$700 for the base model that officially cost $399. These market dynamics mirrored historical patterns seen with Nintendo Switch availability during its early years.
The ROG Ally and Legion Go’s Windows-based ecosystem and broader manufacturer distribution networks resulted in better global availability, though premium pricing persisted in emerging markets due to import taxes and limited local competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cheapest Steam Deck model at launch?
The Steam Deck’s most affordable configuration launched at $399 for the 64GB eMMC model in February 2022. This entry-level price point made PC handheld gaming accessible to mainstream consumers for the first time, though this specific model has since been discontinued with the shift to OLED production in late 2025.
How much did the ROG Ally cost when it first released?
The ASUS ROG Ally debuted at $699.99 for the Z1 Extreme model on June 13, 2023. A more affordable Z1 Standard version was released later at $599.99, offering a budget-friendly alternative with slightly reduced processing power but maintaining the same premium 1080p 120Hz display.
Is the Legion Go more expensive than the Steam Deck?
Yes, the Lenovo Legion Go launched at $699.99 for the standard 512GB configuration, making it $300 more expensive than the original Steam Deck’s entry price. However, the Legion Go offered significant upgrades including an 8.8-inch display with 2560×1600 resolution, detachable controllers, and the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
Which handheld gaming PC offers the best value for money?
Value depends on priorities. The Steam Deck OLED at $549 provides the best balance of price, performance, and software optimization for most users. The device’s custom SteamOS ensures excellent game compatibility and battery efficiency. For users requiring Windows compatibility and maximum performance who can afford the premium, the ROG Ally X and Legion Go deliver superior specifications but at significantly higher costs ranging from $699 to $899.
Why did Steam Deck prices increase from the original $399?
Valve discontinued the LCD Steam Deck models in late 2025, making the OLED version the only available option. The OLED model starts at $549, reflecting upgraded components including a larger 7.4-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, improved battery capacity, faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and enhanced thermal management. The price increase also accounts for rising component costs and manufacturing expenses that affected the entire consumer electronics industry.
Can you upgrade storage on these handheld gaming PCs?
All three devices feature user-accessible NVMe SSD slots that allow storage upgrades, though the process varies in difficulty. The Steam Deck requires removing the back panel and has the most straightforward upgrade process. The ROG Ally and Legion Go also support storage expansion, but warranty considerations apply. Additionally, all three devices support microSD card expansion for additional game storage, providing a non-invasive upgrade path.
Do handheld gaming PCs go on sale frequently?
Pricing patterns vary by manufacturer. Steam Deck rarely sees direct discounts from Valve, though refurbished units occasionally appear at reduced prices. The ROG Ally and Legion Go experience more frequent sales through retailers, particularly during major shopping events like Black Friday, with discounts sometimes reaching $100 to $150 off MSRP. Checking multiple retailers and timing purchases around seasonal sales events can yield significant savings.
How does handheld gaming PC pricing compare to traditional consoles?
Handheld gaming PCs occupy a price range between budget consoles and premium gaming laptops. The Steam Deck’s current $549 starting price sits slightly above the Nintendo Switch OLED at $349 but below the PlayStation 5 at $499-$549 depending on configuration. Premium handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go at $699-$899 compete more directly with gaming laptop entry points while offering superior portability.
Are replacement parts expensive for handheld gaming PCs?
Replacement part costs reflect each device’s market positioning. Valve offers official Steam Deck replacement components including thumbsticks, batteries, and screens at reasonable prices through iFixit, supporting right-to-repair principles. ASUS and Lenovo provide warranty service for the ROG Ally and Legion Go respectively, though out-of-warranty repairs can be costly. Third-party components and accessories have become increasingly available as the market matures, providing budget-friendly alternatives for common replacements like protective cases and screen protectors.
What hidden costs should buyers consider beyond the purchase price?
Beyond the initial investment, handheld gaming PC owners should budget for accessories and potential upgrades. Essential purchases often include a protective carrying case ($20-$50), screen protector ($10-$20), and potentially a larger microSD card ($50-$150) for expanded storage. Power users might invest in a USB-C hub for desktop ($40-$100) or an upgraded NVMe SSD ($80-$200). Game purchases represent ongoing costs, though PC gaming’s frequent sales and existing Steam libraries provide advantages over traditional console ecosystems, where games typically maintain higher prices longer, similar to patterns seen across Xbox console generations.