A rare Steam Deck model was bought for $2,000, but you can't play games on it

Some value more than just “standard” versions of devices. Someone wanted to get their hands on a peculiar Steam Deck model.

The Steam Deck is not just a handheld device with versatile customization options; for some, it is also a collector’s item. News recently emerged about the sale of a rare model of the device.

Someone bought an “Early Valve Engineering 34 Prototype Steam Deck 256 GB” (an early prototype). It was originally listed for $2,999, but was ultimately sold for $2,000 — about 166,000 rubles as of April 9, 2025. The back of the device states that it is an engineering sample “not for resale”.

It lacks built-in SteamOS and a right stick, meaning you cannot play games without additional tweaking.

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Cover and photo author: Valve. Image source: reddit.com