Valve Quietly Ends Steam Deck LCD Production, Leaving Just the 512GB and 1TB OLED Variants

Valve has quietly discontinued production of the Steam Deck’s final LCD model, the 256GB version that was formerly the entry point for anyone wishing to purchase a handheld PC gaming device. The Steam store listing for the device now simply states, “We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available.”

That model has been sold out in the United States for quite some time, and there are no plans to restock it, marking the final nail in the coffin for Valve’s original Steam Deck lineup, which was released in 2022. All previous variants, including the 64GB and 512GB LCD devices, have already been removed from regular sales. You’re now just left with the OLED variants, with the 512GB one costing $549 and the 1TB version setting you back $649.

Valve has not provided us with any explanations for why it has decided to cease production. Observers believe this is due to the strong demand for RAM and storage components, which have skyrocketed in the last year. These price hikes have made it difficult for a low-cost product like the Steam Deck to maintain business margins.

People searching for the lowest-cost Steam Deck option no longer have a choice under $400, as this move raises the starting price by $150, putting the handheld in competition with other entry-level devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally X. However, owners of older LCD versions need not be concerned. Valve has promised that software upgrades for SteamOS will continue to arrive, ensuring that their systems are compatible with new titles and features.

The OLED variants have several distinct advantages, including a brighter screen with improved contrast, a 90Hz refresh rate, a longer battery life, and quicker Wi-Fi. For many others, Valve’s move is just a matter of reducing their product portfolio to focus on the more expensive option, which is intended to better withstand price increases.

Unfortunately, for anyone who missed out on the LCD model during the last Black Friday sale when it was reduced to roughly $320, the opportunity has now closed. There may still be a few refurbished LCD devices available on the Steam store, but no promises. Handheld gaming has come a long way since the Steam Deck’s release, and this adjustment demonstrates how quickly the market is moving.
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