How to Buy a Steam Deck in Australia: Price, Stockists, and Ordering Guide

Buying a Steam Deck in Australia: Price, Stockists, and How to Order

Are you an avid gamer in Australia eagerly waiting to get your hands on Valve's handheld games console, the Steam Deck? You may already know that it's not currently possible to buy it directly from Valve. But fear not! There are still ways for you to purchase this highly sought-after device. In this article, we will explore the various options available to you and guide you through the process of ordering a Steam Deck in Australia.

What is the Steam Deck?

For those who may not be familiar, the Steam Deck is a portable gaming console released by Valve in the US on February 25, 2022. It has received rave reviews from critics and gamers alike. However, it was initially only available in the US, UK, Canada, and the European Union. Unfortunately, no official launch date for Australia was announced.

Over a year has passed since its release, and Valve still hasn't made the Steam Deck available in Australia directly. This has left many eager gamers Down Under feeling disappointed. But don't lose hope just yet!

Where to Buy the Steam Deck in Australia

The easiest and safest way to purchase a Steam Deck in Australia is through reputable local retailers like Kogan, Dick Smith, or Amazon. These retailers have imported stock, ensuring that you receive a genuine console. Both Kogan and Dick Smith ship the Steam Deck directly from their warehouses and offer warranties. They also provide the option to extend the warranty for an additional cost.

Customer reviews indicate positive experiences, with some users receiving their Steam Deck within a week of ordering. The ordering and delivery process through these retailers can be trusted.

If you prefer to try your luck on eBay, be cautious and ensure that you purchase from reputable Australian sellers. This way, you will be protected by Australian Consumer Law.

Pricing and Availability in Australia

As there is no official pricing for the Steam Deck in Australia, resellers have the freedom to charge whatever they want. Kogan and Dick Smith offer multiple listings for the Steam Deck, some of which are from third-party resellers. Direct listings from these retailers will mention First Member pricing and state that it's a direct import in the product description. You can also check the shipping information to see which retailer is selling the product.

Both Kogan and Dick Smith charge slightly more than the direct conversion from US pricing, but the additional cost is reasonable considering the legitimacy and warranty they provide.

In the US, the Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 64GB model and goes up to $649 for the 512GB model. If we convert these prices directly to Australian dollars, you can expect to pay approximately:

• 64GB: Around AU$589


• 256GB: Around AU$781


• 512GB: Around AU$958

Due to the complexities of purchasing the Steam Deck in Australia, you should be prepared to pay more than the listed figures above. However, paying the direct conversion would require using a VPN to access the US Steam Deck order page, using a pre-paid virtual credit card, and utilizing a US freight-forwarding service for shipping.

Steam Deck Specifications and Configurations in Australia

The Steam Deck is available in three different storage configurations, each with its own specifications. While the majority of the specs are the same across all models, there are some key differences to note. The entry-level 64GB model has slightly lesser specs compared to the 256GB and 512GB models.

The 64GB model uses eMMC storage, while the 256GB and 512GB models use faster NVMe SSD storage. However, the use of eMMC storage is justified for smaller storage amounts, as it performs better in those cases. If you require additional storage, you can expand it using a microSD card.

All three models are powered by an AMD Zen 2 CPU with an RDNA 2 APU for integrated graphics. They feature a 7-inch LCD display, with the 512GB model having the added benefit of an anti-glare etched glass. The Steam Deck also includes 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, a 40-watt hour battery, and various connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

In Conclusion

While it may not be possible to buy the Steam Deck directly from Valve in Australia, there are still ways to get your hands on this popular handheld gaming console. Local retailers like Kogan, Dick Smith, and Amazon have imported stock available for purchase, ensuring you receive a genuine product with warranty coverage.

Keep in mind that the pricing in Australia may be slightly higher than the direct conversion from US dollars, but it is still reasonable considering the circumstances. If you decide to purchase from eBay, make sure to choose reputable Australian sellers to protect yourself under Australian Consumer Law.

Now that you know where to buy the Steam Deck in Australia, go ahead and fulfill your gaming dreams with this highly praised console. Happy gaming!