Valve Discontinues Final Steam Deck LCD Model in 2025

Valve has discontinued production of the final Steam Deck LCD model, the 256GB variant, as announced on its official Steam Deck page. The company stated it is "no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model," and once current stocks are sold out, it will no longer be available. At the time of this update, the $399 LCD model with 256GB storage is out of stock, including all refurbished units.

The OLED version represents a significant upgrade, featuring a longer battery life, a larger display, and a higher refresh rate. While the LCD model provided an accessible entry price for handheld gaming, potential buyers must now opt for the OLED 512GB model at $549 or the 1TB version starting at $649. Valve previously phased out the 512GB LCD and the original 64GB model from the 2022 launch.

Existing LCD owners will benefit from ongoing software updates, ensuring long-term support. This move aligns with Valve's shift toward advanced display technology in its popular gaming handheld lineup.

Valve made a clear statement on its Steam Deck product page regarding the discontinuation of the LCD model. The company noted that it is "no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model." This decision eliminates the last remaining LCD option in the lineup.

Production has ceased, and availability depends on existing inventory. Valve emphasized that "once sold out, it will no longer be available," signaling a permanent shift away from LCD variants.

This announcement follows a pattern in Valve's product strategy. The company had already discontinued the 512GB LCD model and the initial 64GB version introduced with the Steam Deck launch in 2022.

The 256GB LCD Steam Deck, priced at $399, is currently out of stock. This model served as the primary entry point for many gamers seeking an affordable handheld device.

Even refurbished stocks of LCD models have been fully depleted. Buyers interested in a new Steam Deck must now consider OLED options exclusively.

New Entry-Level Options

The base OLED model comes with 512GB storage at $549. For those needing more space, the 1TB OLED variant starts at $649.

• The price increase reflects the transition to advanced OLED technology.
• This change raises the barrier for first-time handheld gaming adopters.
• Existing inventory may vary by region, but global stocks are limited.

The LCD model's role in making handheld gaming accessible at a lower cost is now history, prompting gamers to evaluate the value of the OLED upgrade.

The OLED Steam Deck offers several enhancements over its LCD predecessor. It includes a longer battery life, which extends play sessions without frequent charging.

The display is larger and supports a higher refresh rate, improving visual smoothness during gameplay. These features make the OLED version a compelling choice for performance-oriented users.

Despite these advantages, the original LCD model stood out for its impressive entry price. It introduced many to the world of affordable gaming handhelds since the 2022 release.

• Battery Life: Extended duration compared to LCD.
• Display Size: Larger screen for immersive experiences.
• Refresh Rate: Higher rate for fluid motion in games.

Valve's focus on OLED aligns with industry trends toward superior display technologies, though it comes at a higher initial investment.

Valve has committed to continued support for LCD models. The company plans to provide future software updates, ensuring that existing devices remain functional and up-to-date.

This support extends the lifespan of the hardware for current owners. Gamers who purchased LCD variants can expect ongoing compatibility with new features and optimizations.

Historical Context

The discontinuation of the 256GB LCD follows earlier phase-outs. The 512GB LCD and 64GB models from the initial 2022 lineup were removed progressively as OLED gained prominence.

In conclusion, Valve's move to exclusively offer OLED Steam Deck models reflects a strategic evolution in handheld gaming. While it increases costs for new buyers, the enhanced features and sustained support for legacy devices maintain the platform's appeal. Gamers weighing options should consider the long-term benefits of the OLED upgrade against the original LCD's affordability legacy.