Handheld gaming PC prices have climbed, with models such as the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ listed at $1,799 and the Lenovo Legion Go 2 at $1,999, raising concerns that increasing RAM costs may limit market growth. The segment, which includes devices like the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally, has expanded rapidly since the introduction of the Steam Deck in 2022, offering portable alternatives to traditional gaming laptops. MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ uses Intel's Panther Lake-based Arc G3 Extreme chip and saw its price rise from about $899 for the previous model. Lenovo's Legion Go 2, equipped with an OLED display, saw its price increase to $1,999 on Best Buy, while a non‑extreme version remains available for $1,334. Valve raised the Steam Deck's minimum price to $789 in 2025, up from $599 for the base Xbox Ally. Asus's Xbox handhelds, priced around $600 and $1,000, have also seen regional price adjustments. Industry analysts attribute the price increases to higher costs of 32 GB RAM modules, which have risen from roughly $150 to more than $400, outpacing the cost growth of the underlying processors. Memory manufacturers have indicated that production capacity will be fully allocated through 2027, suggesting sustained price pressure. Consumer response has been mixed; some users consider the performance gains justified while others question the value relative to desktop alternatives, especially as handhelds approach $1,000 price points. If RAM prices remain elevated, manufacturers may reassess the viability of new handheld releases, potentially shifting focus to lower‑cost models or alternative form factors.