Steam Deck LCD is getting phased out — the budget handheld gaming PC will no longer be available once stock is gone

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Valve has unexpectedly stopped selling the original Steam Deck LCD model in the United States, though this isn’t entirely shocking given the current market. It’s unclear if this change will affect other countries, and Valve hasn’t made an official statement about discontinuing the LCD version.

The Steam Deck LCD has been Valve’s least expensive handheld gaming device so far. It’s possible that increasing costs for components like RAM and storage are making the LCD model less appealing compared to other options right now.

The Steam Deck LCD usually costs $399, making it a relatively inexpensive handheld gaming PC, particularly considering its capabilities. It became even more affordable during the recent Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales with a 20% discount, hinting that Valve wanted to clear out remaining inventory.

Steam Deck LCD, a great handheld

I recently bought a Steam Deck OLED for my sister as a Christmas gift, but I’m still a little disappointed to see the older LCD model being discontinued. It’s possible increasing parts costs are the reason, though Valve hasn’t officially said why.

When visiting the Steam Deck storepage, users are given a disclaimer stating:

We’re discontinuing the 256GB Steam Deck LCD model. Once current stock is gone, it won’t be available for purchase anymore. However, we’ll still offer ongoing support for existing Steam Deck LCD devices.

Valve – Steam Deck Store Page

The first Steam Deck was released in February 2022 and played a key role in making handheld gaming PCs popular.

If it remains difficult to find the standard Steam Deck with the LCD screen, the OLED model will likely become the go-to choice for most new customers. While Valve highlights the OLED’s improvements, it starts at $549, which is more expensive than the original Steam Deck’s starting price and may be a barrier for some.

If you’re hoping to buy a Steam Deck LCD, now might be the best time. Prices could go up and it might become harder to find one as supplies run low and resellers start taking advantage. Unfortunately, scalpers often appear when demand is high.

Despite its flaws, the Steam Deck’s screen will likely be viewed positively in the future. However, its price does create a challenge for future Valve hardware, as many hoped for a more affordable, console-like experience. With component costs remaining high, it’s becoming less likely we’ll see an genuinely affordable Steam Machine-type device, especially now that the next Xbox is confirmed to be a premium, high-end console.

It’s a little disappointing that the original Steam Deck with the LCD screen is no longer available, considering how important it was in making handheld gaming PCs popular. Now that the OLED model is the standard version, I’m interested to know what people think about Valve’s choice, and if the price is still a major factor when they’re deciding to buy one.

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2025-12-20 02:39