Valve hikes Steam Deck, Square Enix renames Dragon Quest 12

Steam Deck price hike shocks buyers

Valve announced a $300 price increase for the Steam Deck’s higher‑end configurations. Engadget reported that the new pricing pushes the 512 GB model from $649 to $949 and the 1 TB model from $749 to $1,049. The jump erodes the console’s appeal to budget‑focused gamers who bought the device as a portable PC alternative.

The move follows a supply‑chain squeeze that has driven up component costs across the industry. Valve has not disclosed a timeline for a price rollback, leaving early adopters to shoulder the added expense. The price hike also widens the gap between the Steam Deck and competing handhelds from Nintendo and ASUS, which continue to price below $600.

Square Enix reboots Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams

Square Enix confirmed that development on its next mainline RPG has restarted under a new title, Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams. Engadget detailed that the studio shelved the original project in early 2025, then relaunched it with a revised scope and a fresh creative lead. The rebranding signals a shift away from the previous “Dragon Quest 12” placeholder that had no official subtitle.

The reboot arrives amid a crowded RPG market where sequels dominate sales charts. Square Enix hopes the new direction will recapture the series’ classic charm while integrating modern mechanics. No release window has been set, but the studio pledged quarterly updates to keep the community informed. Fans will watch for a demo at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show.

Apple TV drops new thriller “Last Seen”

Apple TV unveiled a new original series titled Last Seen, centered on a police detective‑turned‑dispatcher who receives a call from his daughter after an 11‑year disappearance. 9to5Mac highlighted the show’s premise as a blend of procedural drama and long‑term mystery, with the first episode slated for a September release.

The series marks Apple’s continued push into narrative‑driven content that competes with Netflix and HBO. Last Seen leverages Apple’s production budget to attract high‑profile talent, though the network has kept casting details under wraps. Early reviews note the show’s gritty tone and tight pacing, suggesting it could become a flagship title for the platform.

Context: Pricing volatility and franchise revivals in 2026

The Steam Deck price jump reflects a broader trend of hardware manufacturers adjusting retail prices in response to global component shortages. Last year, graphics‑card inventories shrank by 20 % due to mining demand, forcing OEMs to raise MSRP across the board. Consumers now face a market where premium performance commands premium cost, and mid‑range devices lose their price advantage.

Simultaneously, legacy game franchises are undergoing revivals to stay relevant. Square Enix’s decision to restart Dragon Quest XII mirrors Nintendo’s recent remake strategy for classic titles. By rebranding and re‑engineering core gameplay, publishers aim to attract both nostalgic fans and newcomers. The success of these revivals often hinges on transparent communication and steady development updates.

Apple’s foray into original thriller content underscores the streaming wars’ shift toward niche storytelling. While big‑budget sci‑fi spectacles dominate headlines, platforms are betting on grounded, character‑driven series to fill gaps in their libraries. Last Seen exemplifies this approach, targeting viewers who prefer procedural intrigue over high‑concept fantasy.

What to watch next

Track Valve’s quarterly earnings report for any indication of a price correction or new hardware iteration. Monitor Square Enix’s demo releases at the Tokyo Game Show for concrete gameplay signals. Keep an eye on Apple TV’s subscriber growth after Last Seen premieres, especially in markets where original drama drives retention. Each of these data points will reveal whether price hikes, franchise reboots, and niche streaming bets pay off in a volatile tech landscape.

Updates

• 2026-08-07 — The Chinese Philosopher Americans Can’t Stop Fighting About (source)
• 2026-08-06 — Quake celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new free episode (source)