If you look at the 3 console manufacturers, you’ll notice a pattern. Switch OLED was announced 3 months before release. Ps4 pro was announced 2 months before its release. Xbox one x was announced 5 months before release.

The steam deck OLED? 7 days

The reason that manufacturers give consumers at least a couple months before a release of a new device is so they can feel they made an informed decision on their purchase, and not feel burned when the next iteration is released. No, the device they currently have doesn’t lose inherent value to them. However, knowing that the next thing is coming out in just a couple weeks could make informed consumers hold off for the sale of the now outdated model.

Also inb4 people say “but it’s not a console…”, PC manufacturers have pretty consistent hardware release schedules as well, so the comparison stands.

The fact is this is an established norm for other manufacturers and that valve went against just comes across as anti consumer. And I think that just surprised a lot of people since Gabe’s whole “piracy is almost always a service problem…” Take and the return policy on games make the company appear as super consumer centric, however this release feels out of character.

  • No-Jello3256@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Valve may put themselves in a precarious state if they announce too early. People won’t buy a 512gb deck if they know they can get a better one down the line for cheaper.

    I agree that Valve needs to be more clear about their target refresh and upgrade windows so that customers can or should expect a new revision every 3-5 years and a refresh every 2-3 years. Similar to the console space. We get new consoles every 6-10 years, and new refreshes every 3-5 years.

    But all that being said, it’s very easy to end up like SEGA announcing new products too early or even having too many refreshes and releases in short windows.

    Valve is probably watching this sub or waiting for feedback from consumers and will hopefully improve in the future. But I 100% believe they announced this last minute because it would have put a strain on sales and potentially cannibalized Q3 sales goals. Keep in mind OEMs aren’t going to provide components to a hardware provider if they notice a significant decline in sales.