DS asked for something I just can't get, last minute.

[Christmash]

I know the general answer will be 'just explain to him' but he has spent the last few months in a deep, deep depression and he hasn't said a single thing he wants for Christmas. Not a single thing.

I've asked and asked.

Yesterday he had been on a family members SteamDeck and said he would like one of those.

The expense is a factor (only because I have bought him general teen stuff because he had no interest in anything and gave me nothing on a wish list!) but I could swing itnif I could get hold of one.

But its more the fact that I can't get hold of one. Official website will take a few weeks to arrive.
No where in UK sells and I've messaged FIVE 2nd hand sellers locally and all have been scammers :(

I know he should have said earlier and its not something he can want that bad if hes only just thought of it but its just that awful christmas time parental guilt!!

I will have to just tell him its not possible and he will have to wait till his birthday but it feels shitty :(

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VALVE-Steam-Deck-OLED-512GB/dp/B0CP2YVFD4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?adgrpid=139019758062&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eLuIkJRJhUQxPyNzzZ4ReCNWPcyui88Fae2k8QPghGo.IC9EUrELQ696_Ugd54O86_gOOxkdng-kK_pnuTK5A3k&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=772342956633&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9190578&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=12354405187186974798--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12354405187186974798&hvtargid=kwd-1707621235637&hydadcr=2561_2461074&keywords=steam+deck+amazon&mcid=2ac65fd26aba365fb631f4f49a66048d&qid=1766177687&refinements=p_85%3A20930949031%2Cp_36%3A40000-&rnid=389048011&rps=1&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.a56bf500-33e2-4a49-b21f-ee6fbd593a4c

If you have other stuff for him to open on Christmas Day why can’t you order it now and make up a gift certificate of sorts that says it’s been ordered so at least he knows it’s coming and can look forward to it.

It’s expensive but arrives before Christmas or so they say. I have no knowledge of these things though so im not sure if that’s what he wants

I would print out a picture of it and tell him it’s on route

Where are you in the UK? CEX might have some? CEX

or failing that, Amazon have one that would be with you by the 30th… give him some random clues for him- like picture of a kettle (steam) or a wee train (steam engine) and a boat (deck) or a chair (deckchair) as wee clues on the day to unwrap… and the news he is getting it?

Or if you could order from a CEX near a mumsnetter they might be able to post 48 hour tracked?

I agree with trying CEX.

Theyre usually around 420 new.

CEX does sell them but they sell the older version for the same as the new fancy version!

CEX say delivery available?

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=SHGPVSDO1TBA

What’s the version you are looking for?

Which version are you looking for? If he wants the newer version then he's old enough to know that given he's only just told you a week before Christmas that he wants it he will have to wait until after Christmas for it to be delivered.

Cash converters have quite a few. https://www.cashconverters.co.uk/search-results?Sort=default&page=1&query=Steam%20deck&f%5Bcategory%5D%5B0%5D=all&f%5Blocations%5D%5B0%5D=all

DO NOT go for ebay, Facebook or Vinted. Cex and Cash Converters have warranties and return policies.

Vinted - uploaded an hour ago

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7791479122-valve-steam-deck-oled-1tb

Yeah do this xx

Honestly the anticipation is as good as the gift! Tell him you've ordered it, it's very rare (kids love that) and coming a long way, it makes it sound even more special. He's going to love telling his friends about it, even before it arrives. Print a small photo, laminate it, make it into a keyring... he will open it and be very confused but very excited when he reads the voucher included to say it's been ordered. Maybe even make an advent type calendar to mark off 5 weeks?

The 512gb OLED one? They are 470 new.

Id rather not pay 550+ for a used one :/

is the one on Amazon not new?

Yes but I'm weary of amazon as I bought something from them recently and it was fake, an electrical item from Amazon themselves, not a 3rd party seller.

Some of the reviews say that they have paid for an OLED and an LCD one has been sent.

It might be worth a try though.

They are good with returns if it goes south?

£457 https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7788024014-steamdeck-oled-512gb

I absolutely would NOT buy something like this off vinted.
It also will definitely not arrive before Christmas (if at all) so you're just setting yourself up to be 500 quid out of pocket.
Others suggestions are good of making up a little voucher gift to say it is on its way

The offical website is saying 6-10 days. So you'll likely get it before New Year's. If that was what he really wants, and you can afford it, then that's what I'd do.

To be honest what young people most like out of everything is a whole lot of cash. So you could give him the cash to buy one or part of what it would cost. If you son then buys a steam deck he will be making sure he gets the exact one he likes. If he doesn’t buy one and spends his money on something else it will just prove him wanting one was a fleeting fancy

How old is he?

I would just be honest and say you have looked into it and they’re all sold out and so if that’s what he really wants then he can choose one for himself after Xmas.

Chances are he’ll know more about them than you do and so he’ll get to pick the one he wants.

Hopefully it’ll be in the sale too!

He’ll have presents to open on Xmas day and an additional big gift to look forward to.

Given his age I would order it if you can afford and show him proof of order in a card with a little note. Santas left your steam deck at the at the work shop! My elves will have it delivered as soon as we can! Put a little note in a card like that or a more suitable note that your son would appreciate. I’m sure he’ll be happy to get one even if he has to wait.

OP, why wait until his birthday? Just tell him it won't arrive until January and to hold tight, it is coming.
Growing up my parents would often wait too long to buy stuff and it was quite common to wait some more - I agree with PP, the anticipation can be awesome! Maybe get him a steam gift card so he can spend his waiting time picking a couple games to play?