The Steam Deck managed to cram PC gaming into a handheld form factor in a way that hadn’t quite been done before, largely thanks to Valve’s work on a custom Linux-based software experience and the Proton compatibility layer. However, the starting price of $399 is too high for some people. If you’ve missed the various deals and sales so far, and you don’t mind slightly used devices, you now have the option of picking up a refurbishd unit.
Refurbished devices are a great way to save money on hardware, especially if they’re being sold by the manufacturer. They are, basically, devices that got returned because of a flaw or another issue — the issue is repaired, and the device is sold again at a much lower price. It’s basically like a used device, except it got repaired by a third party and is fully checked to be in working order before it’s sold again. If this is not a problem for you, Valve has just began selling refurbished Steam Deck handhelds at a decent savings compared to prices for new units.
The 64GB model of the Steam Deck, which is usually $399, can be had for $319 if you’re willing to give a refurb a shot. The 256GB and 512GB models, respectively, are usually $529 and $649, but they can be purchased for $419 and $519. These are very considerable discounts — bigger ones than the last big sale Valve did, if we’re precise. And assuming Valve’s quality control on refurbished models is any good (usually first-party refurbs are preferred to third-party ones), it’s a great deal for what’s basically the same thing as a new device.
Valve says that it tests refurbished models to the same standards as the new, retail models, so if this is any true, it’s very good news. The only thing you can expect is occasionally minor blemishes, but other than this, it should be as good as a new Steam Deck. The company says that these devices will be in and out of stock frequently, so if you want to get one, you should definitely place your order right away if you see them in stock.
Source: The Verge
