The golden age of handheld gaming devices is already over... Why have they become a luxury item instead of a value-for-money buy?

Portable gaming devices are getting much more expensive, weakening their image as affordable alternatives.

Higher memory and storage costs, tariffs, and fuel prices are being blamed for the jump.

New models such as the Steam Deck, Switch 2, and high-end handheld PCs are now priced closer to premium PCs than consoles.

Analysts say the market is shifting from mass-market expansion to a more selective, high-end hobby segment.