When unique gaming consoles or accessories hit online markets, especially engineering samples, they can attract some hefty prices. Recently, a prototype of the Steam Deck made this point quite clear when it appeared on eBay, courtesy of a keen-eyed visitor from the r/SteamDeck community.
This prototype, which echoes certain images previously shared by Valve, initially hit the market with a $3,000 price tag. Interestingly, it ended up being sold for $2,000—still quite a sum for curious enthusiasts. The device is said to contain an AMD APU featuring Picasso silicon from 2019, distinguishing it as a piece of gaming history more than cutting-edge tech.
Dubbed “Engineering Sample 34,” this version of the Steam Deck stands apart with its eye-catching blue highlights, a more pronounced curve design, and circular trackpads. There’s even an intriguing sensor-looking feature on the right joystick which adds to its novelty.
Despite a label declaring it “Not for resale,” the prototype still found its way to a buyer. These kinds of early models are typical in the tech world, where companies like Valve experiment before finalizing what actually hits store shelves. Given its older APU, this particular piece likely dates back to 2019 or 2020, when Valve was still ironing out the device’s mechanics.
The prototype doesn’t run on SteamOS, the platform’s usual operating system. Snapshots of the BIOS have shown us that it uses an older, unnamed AMD Picasso (Ryzen 3000 mobile) chip. This features up to four Zen+ cores and a graphics setup based on GCN 5.0 (Vega 3/8/11). These components differ significantly from what powers today’s commercially available Steam Decks.
It also sports 8GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive, notably less robust than the 16GB and 512GB options offered now—unless you opt for the 64GB eMMC variant. Comparing this to modern AMD Aerith and Sephiroth APUs is like watching a footrace between a sports car and a minivan.
We’re left wondering who finally snagged this alluring prototype. If it’s someone in the tech or gaming analysis field, they might dive deep into its specs, revealing fascinating details about the custom Picasso chip and the evolution of the Steam Deck. On the other hand, it might end up as a secretive showpiece in a private collection.
Valve recently noted that eager fans should hold off on expecting a new version of the Steam Deck until more advanced processors make their debut, leaving gamers to ponder what future iterations could bring.
