You don’t always stumble upon the phoenix of devices – a gadget that’s both transformative and surprisingly affordable. Enter the refurbished Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming PC.
Valve, the heralded lords of the desktop platform, has waved its magic wand, offering “certified refurbished” units to all eager gamers. Carved out meticulously by Valve, these devices come with a price tag lighter by nearly 20 percent if you compare it to their untouched counterparts. This isn’t just a casual summer sale; this is a savvy opportunity to get hands-on with one of gaming’s current giants at a bargain.
The revamped price list gleams with affordability: $319 for the 64GB model, $419 for the 256GB version, and the 512GB variation sits proudly at $519. For context, these powerhouses originally parade around with tags of $399, $529, and $649, respectively.
Introducing Valve Certified Refurbished Steam Decks! These are fully tested at Valve facilities and come with the same 1-year warranty as a new Deck. Supplies are limited and expect these to come in and out of stock as available.
Learn more here: https://t.co/oVedF5MDU8 pic.twitter.com/xBWWN2gbgH— Steam Deck (@OnDeck) August 8, 2023
A refurbished device raises doubts. Yet, Valve addresses this skepticism head-on. Valve assures each Steam Deck, before certifying them for resale, undergoes rigorous checking in-house. The process is no cursory glance; every unit endures a full-blown factory reset, software updates, and scrutiny made up of over a hundred tests. Although these revived Steam Decks might occasionally sport “minor cosmetic blemishes,” Valve vouches for a gaming experience that mirrors a brand-new unit.
First to offer the refurbished handheld is GameStop, the controversial titan in gaming retail. Select stores now sell these refurbished Steam Decks exclusive to Pro members. Membership has its perks, after all. Those who wave the GameStop Pro banner not only gain access to the device but also benefit from the company’s membership program. A modest annual commitment of $25 brings $5 of in-store credit each month, and that’s not the end of it. Additional perks sprinkle the deal, like discounts on pre-owned games and GameStop’s protection plans.
The availability of the Steam Deck in physical stores like GameStop is, in many ways, groundbreaking. Until now, Steam Decks remained an elusive online entity. But no more. Potential buyers, from the dedicated enthusiasts to the casual gamers, can head straight into selected GameStop outlets and come out with a Stem Deck, sans the long waits that’s associated with online purchases and the possibility of falling victim to FedEx’s incompetence. This tangibility not only augments the device’s accessibility but could also serenade a newer audience to its allure.
However, it’s crucial to highlight the warranty nuances. Every Steam Deck refurbished by Valve comes with a one-year warranty, similar to their brand-new counterparts. In contrast, the GameStop-refreshed devices come swaddled in their unique protection.
Ultimately, Valve’s move to offer refurbished devices is both eco-conscious and consumer-friendly. It heralds the start of an era where gaming gadgets, even after their prime, can be reborn, ready to enthral anew. Valve may even encourage Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft to start offering similar services. Better yet, ASUS and Lenovo should pay close attention to this move to see if the ROG Ally and the Legion Go will benefit from a similar offering as well.
As for gaming aficionados, the horizon has never looked more enticing. The Steam Deck’s rebirth in refurbishment isn’t a mere ode to sustainable gaming but also a testament to Valve’s commitment to its community.
Coincidentally, this offering comes just as Baldur’s Gate 3 is making waves. As one of Steam’s best-selling games at the moment and all time, a refurbished Steam Deck is the best way to experience this sure-to-be all-time classic on the go and for a lower price.
