Leaked data suggests that Valve could soon enter the market of selling refurbished Steam Decks. The information briefly appeared on the Steam Database before being swiftly removed from the storefront.

The listings included the three existing models of the Steam Deck (64GB, 256GB, and 512GB), all labeled as “Certified Refurbished.” Steam DB creator Pavel Djundik even managed to uncover the potential pricing for each model:

• Steam Deck 64 GB – Certified Refurbished: $319
• Steam Deck 256 GB – Certified Refurbished: $419
• Steam Deck 512 GB – Certified Refurbished: $519

Although these listings were available as of August 7, 2023, they were taken down by August 8. As reported by PC Gamer, the store names were swiftly changed to “Unknown App,” the descriptions were removed, and the store pages were redirected to the storefront.

It is worth noting that the refurbished prices discovered by Djundik are identical to the prices during the Steam Deck’s inaugural sale. This suggests that while Valve may not have confirmed the refurbished route, it remains a viable option for the company in the future.

The Steam Deck has been a resounding success for Valve, prompting considerations for a future Steam Deck 2 (although it is still far off in the horizon). However, the price point of this portable gaming device may deter budget-conscious consumers. Therefore, offering used or refurbished versions of the Steam Deck would be a smart move, in line with what the gaming industry has done for years.

Valve has the ability to efficiently repair Steam Decks, as it has already partnered with iFixit, resulting in the availability of most replacement parts. This partnership likely makes repairs more cost-effective, potentially turning a first-party refurbishment market into a profitable endeavor for Valve.

Concerns may arise about warranty coverage for refurbished units. However, it is common for third-party sellers to offer warranties for used consoles, so Valve would likely provide its own warranty as well.

Regardless, Valve needs to seriously consider this option. Failing to take advantage of the refurbished market now could lead to third-party sellers usurping the opportunity and Valve missing out on substantial profits.