Buying the 1TB Steam Deck OLED locally vs getting it through a US freight forwarder

Table of Contents

• Why the 1TB Steam Deck OLED is still the king in 2026
• The Math: Local Australian Retail vs US Direct Shipping
• Shipping Estimates and Logistics Analysis
• How to shop US stores from Australia
• Understanding Australian Import Tax and GST
• Battery Safety and Restricted Goods

Why the 1TB Steam Deck OLED is still the king in 2026

It has been a few years since Valve launched the OLED refresh, and yet, the 1TB Steam Deck OLED remains one of the most sought-after us trends for Australian gamers. While competitors have entered the market, the combination of SteamOS, that gorgeous HDR display, and the massive internal storage makes it a must-have. However, as of February 2026, Valve still hasn't officially launched the hardware in the Australian region, leaving us at the mercy of gray-market importers or international shipping.

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More about shipping to Australia

The Math: Local Australian Retail vs US Direct Shipping

If you look at local Australian marketplaces, you will often find the 1TB model marked up by 30% to 50% over the US MSRP. Smart shoppers know that using a freight forwarder is often the more economical path. By getting a tax-free us address through comGateway, you avoid US sales tax and pay the actual retail price of $649 USD (approx. $980 AUD) rather than the inflated $1,400+ AUD prices seen on local auction sites. Even after adding international shipping costs, the savings are significant enough to buy a few extra AAA games during the next Steam Sale.

Shipping Estimates and Logistics Analysis

To help you plan your budget, here is a breakdown of what to expect when you ship to Australia from a US warehouse.

To get a more precise quote for your specific suburb, you can use the shipping calculator to compare different courier speeds.

How to shop US stores from Australia

Most Aussies hit a wall when they try to check out on the US Steam store or at retailers like Best Buy because of regional credit card blocks. If you run into this, you can use a proxy shopping service like "BuyForMe" where an agent handles the transaction for you. This allows you to shop us store listings as if you were standing in Oregon or Delaware. Once the item hits your US address, you can choose your preferred carrier for Australia delivery.

Understanding Australian Import Tax and GST

When bringing high-value electronics into Australia, you need to be aware of the import tax rules. Currently, for goods valued over $1,000 AUD, you are typically liable for 10% GST plus potential processing fees. If your total order (item + shipping) stays under that threshold, you might save even more. For more details on how these fees are calculated, check out our guide on import duties.

Battery Safety and Restricted Goods

Before you ship, always verify that your items aren't on the list of prohibited items. While the Steam Deck itself is safe, certain accessories—like power banks or loose spare batteries—might be considered restricted goods. Shipping the console on its own is straightforward, but adding extra battery packs can complicate the international shipping process due to aviation safety standards. Stick to the retail package to ensure a smooth customs clearance.