Study shows popular games on Steam saw a 20% drop in median price between 2023 and 2025
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Olhar Digital
olhardigital.com.br

Study shows popular games on Steam saw a 20% drop in median price between 2023 and 2025

A survey conducted by GameDiscoverCo, released in November 2025, indicates that popular games available on the Steam platform experienced a reduction of about 20% in their median price. This trend contrasts with major video game releases, whose costs are increasing and frequently exceeding the R$ 300 mark.

The price decrease is mainly attributed to the increased supply of lower-cost games, including independent productions, and the higher occurrence of promotions on older titles. The study covered the period from February 2023 to October 2025, excluding games classified as free-to-play.

According to GameDiscoverCo, the median price jumped from US$ 19.50 in 2023 to US$ 15.64 in 2025, representing a drop close to 20%. Conversely, the average price of the 50 most popular games registered a smaller decrease, of approximately 2%, falling from US$ 21.80 to US$ 21.41.

This disparity between indicators suggests that despite the emergence of high-value releases, more accessible games are gaining relevance among the platform's top titles. The analysis also signals that price has a direct impact on the success chances of smaller productions.

Independent games priced between US$ 10 and US$ 15 manage to attract an audience on Steam, while those priced near US$ 25 may face greater challenges, especially if developed by unknown studios. However, this does not imply that expensive games have stopped selling; major productions still achieve good results even when costing US$ 60 or US$ 70.

Promotions constitute another relevant factor, as discounts reaching 50% or even 90% on older games help reduce the amount spent by consumers. The findings demonstrate that the PC market operates with two parallel dynamics: while major releases are becoming more expensive, affordable independent games and promotional offers are expanding choices for those looking to save money.

It is important to note that the survey uses prices in dollars and does not necessarily reflect a direct equivalence in values practiced in Brazil. The original article on this topic was initially published by Olhar Digital.

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Nintendo Switch Lite reaches reduced price on Mercado Livre with discount coupon
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Nintendo Switch Lite reaches reduced price on Mercado Livre with discount coupon

The Nintendo Switch Lite is available for R$ 1,213 using Pix payment and the VALETECH coupon on the Mercado Livre platform. This fully portable Nintendo console features a 5.5-inch LCD screen and maintains compatibility with most of the original model's game library, reaching its lowest price since July 2026, with a 36% discount off the original price of R$ 1,899.

The Switch Lite represents a more compact version of the Nintendo console, which has become one of the best-selling of all time. It was designed to provide an experience focused exclusively on portable gaming, making it particularly attractive to users who frequently play on mobile devices, as evidenced in tests.

This device is slightly smaller and lighter than the standard Switch, facilitating transport in bags or backpacks. Its battery, with a capacity of 3,570 mAh, guarantees autonomy between 3 and 7 hours of use, allowing it to be used during bus or plane trips, depending on the journey's duration.

Internally, the device is equipped with an Nvidia custom Tegra processor and has 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using memory cards up to 2 TB. The 5.5-inch HD LCD touch panel is smaller than the 6.2 inches of the original Switch, resulting in a higher pixels per inch (ppi) density.

In terms of connectivity, the Switch Lite supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1, enabling the pairing of wireless headsets or headphones, and is compatible with the Switch Pro Controller. However, not all accessories from the original Switch and some games that depend on them are supported in this version.

Despite the limitations, the portable console can run most Switch titles, including exclusive franchises such as Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid, and Pokémon, which cannot be legally played on competing consoles or on mobile phones and tablets.

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch Lite (available for R$ 1,213 via Pix with the VALETECH coupon) is compatible with Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, a service that offers exclusive benefits and allows online play with friends.

New portable Xbox and Project Helix may have delayed launch and high price, according to report
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tecnoblog.net

New portable Xbox and Project Helix may have delayed launch and high price, according to report

Microsoft is reportedly planning to introduce a new portable device in the Xbox line by the end of 2027, while the next-generation console, named Project Helix, would only be released at the end of 2028. This information was obtained through an article published by Fortune magazine regarding the current plans of the company's gaming division leadership, although the timeline has not yet been officially confirmed by Microsoft.

Despite the lack of official confirmation, the suggested timeline partially aligns with previously disclosed data. The company had already announced Project Helix and informed that preliminary versions of the hardware would be delivered to developers in 2027, but did not specify the public consumer sales date.

According to Fortune, Microsoft anticipates the commercial launch of the console for the end of 2028. Furthermore, the company revealed that the hardware will feature a new custom AMD chip as part of a larger strategy to unify Xbox and PC into a true 'device family.' The goal of this unification is to reduce disparities between the two platforms and facilitate the game development process.

Prior to the main console launch, the company plans to make a next-generation portable device available at the end of 2027. It is not defined whether this portable device will be produced directly by Microsoft or if there will be a partnership for its development. It is worth noting that the company has already collaborated with Asus on the creation of the ROG Xbox Ally line, which integrates PC hardware with a Windows interface optimized for gaming.

The report also addresses the projected price of the console. Internally, Project Helix is estimated to be valued between US$ 1,200 and US$ 1,800, which is approximately R$ 6,000 and R$ 9,000 in direct conversion. This estimate takes into account a scenario where Microsoft does not offer subsidies, suggesting that the final price could be lower.

This perspective is not entirely surprising, given that company executives had already signaled, even before the formal announcement, that the next Xbox would have a more sophisticated positioning. This is due to the significant advances expected in technologies such as ray tracing and upscaling, in addition to the ability to run PC games and maintain compatibility with titles from previous generations.

Additionally, Fortune points out that Microsoft is analyzing a possible restructuring of Game Pass, seeking a more flexible architecture. The service could incorporate tiered plans, in addition to offering paid add-ons specific to the console game catalog, cloud gaming services, and multiplayer. This idea is still in the development phase.

All this strategic movement occurs while Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, works to expand the brand's reach, reorganize internal studios, and concentrate investments on the company's most important franchises.

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