Steam Deck Prototype Sold for $2,000 on Auction Site
[summaraize]
A prototype of the Steam Deck has been sold on eBay for 2,000 dollars. The device, labeled as Engineering Sample 34, was made during the development of Valve’s handheld device. It looks like an incomplete product that is still being finished.
There are several missing elements when compared to the final version, based on the photos (thanks, Gary_the_mememachine) . For example, the right analog stick is not present, and there is no operating system installed. It’s unclear if it’s possible to install one, or how to do it.
Prototype’s Value Primarily for Collectors, Not Gamers
It’s hard to say if this unit is actually usable for gaming. Its value is more for collectors, and the seller was hoping to make more than the 2,000 dollars they eventually received. The starting price was 3,000 dollars.
It’s not clear how this person got their hands on Engineering Sample 34, but comparing it with the official press kit images of the Steam Deck shows that it is indeed a real prototype. This prototype tells the story of an important part of the product’s development at Valve.
The Steam Deck has grown a lot in 2024, partly because of a price change after the release of the OLED model. There’s also the option to buy refurbished models directly from the manufacturer.
In other news, starting this April, SteamOS will be available for third-party handhelds, with Lenovo’s Legion Go S becoming the first device to officially support Valve’s SteamOS.
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