Valve has officially begun winding down production of its Steam Deck LCD model, signaling the end of the company’s most affordable handheld gaming PC. The decision effectively leaves the pricier OLED variant as the primary model available to new buyers going forward. While not entirely unexpected given the hardware trends of recent years, the move officially closes a chapter that helped make handheld PC gaming more accessible to a wider audience since the Steam Deck’s debut in 2022.
The End of the Steam Deck LCD
On Valve’s official Steam Deck store page, visitors are now greeted with a notice stating that the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model is being phased out and will no longer be available once remaining stock sells out. Although Valve has not issued a detailed public statement explaining the discontinuation, the decision is widely viewed as part of the company’s shift toward the improved OLED version of the system.
The original Steam Deck LCD was lauded for its affordability and performance, offering a full PC gaming experience in a handheld form factor for $399. It marked a turning point in portable gaming by bringing desktop-quality performance to a smaller, travel-friendly device. That price point made it particularly appealing to PC gaming newcomers or console players looking to explore the world of portable Steam gaming without committing to higher-end hardware.
Possible Reasons Behind the Move
Although Valve has not confirmed the reasoning behind the discontinuation, rising hardware costs likely played a key role. In recent years, global increases in the prices of components such as RAM, flash storage, and screens have made it more difficult to keep lower-cost models profitable. These pressures may have influenced Valve’s decision to focus exclusively on the more technologically advanced OLED build rather than continuing to support the older LCD manufacturing process.
Another potential factor is supply chain optimization. Producing a variety of models across different screen types can complicate logistics and inventory management. By focusing solely on OLED, Valve can simplify manufacturing while delivering a more unified user experience. The company has also made clear that it will continue to support existing LCD owners through software updates and warranty coverage, ensuring that early adopters are not left behind.
What Players Lose — and Gain
The retirement of the LCD model is bittersweet for many gamers. On one hand, the newer OLED Steam Deck offers several substantial upgrades — a more vibrant display, better battery life, improved internals, and refined thermals. For those able to pay the higher price, it represents a clear step forward in quality and comfort.
On the other hand, the $399 LCD version filled an important space in Valve’s lineup. It was the gateway for many players into the world of PC handhelds, delivering impressive value for its cost. Losing that model means the entry-level price for owning a Steam Deck now jumps by $150, with the OLED starting at $549 for the 512GB version. This change could make the handheld market less accessible for some, especially when rival devices like the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go target higher price points as well.
Impact on Valve’s Handheld Ecosystem
The end of the LCD era underscores a shift in how Valve envisions the future of its handheld ecosystem. By standardizing on OLED, the company can focus its development efforts on optimizing performance, display calibration, and battery life for a single SKU. This could lead to faster updates, smoother firmware refinements, and a more consistent gaming experience across all new buyers.
The move also aligns Valve with wider industry trends. As handheld and console manufacturers increasingly adopt OLED displays, users are beginning to expect this level of visual fidelity as standard. OLED panels provide deeper contrasts, more vivid colors, and better energy efficiency compared to traditional LCDs, creating a premium experience that fits the evolution of modern devices.
Looking Back at the LCD’s Legacy
When the original Steam Deck launched in February 2022, it was met with skepticism and excitement in equal measure. No major company had yet succeeded in merging the power of PC gaming with the portability of a console-style form factor. The LCD Steam Deck changed that — it proved such a concept could work and thrive. Its success paved the way for a renaissance of handheld PCs, inspiring competitors to produce their own versions and prompting renewed interest in portable PC gaming.
Even as Valve moves forward with OLED, the LCD version will likely be remembered as a pioneering device, one that made “high-end PC gaming anywhere” a reality for thousands of players around the world. Its affordability, design, and accessibility gave it a special place in gaming history — much like the original Game Boy or the PSP in their respective eras.
The Road Ahead for Valve
As of now, Valve’s lineup is fully transitioning toward the OLED model, available in 512GB and 1TB configurations. The company’s direction seems clear — focus on premium design, maximize performance per watt, and keep improving visuals for an increasingly discerning audience. However, the phaseout of the LCD raises questions about how affordable future Valve hardware might be.
If component costs remain high, it may be challenging for Valve to introduce future devices at lower price points. This could complicate efforts to create console-like affordability, especially as next-generation gaming systems continue moving toward premium pricing.
Still, Valve’s choice to prioritize quality and consistency shows its confidence in the handheld gaming segment. The Steam Deck has proven there’s a strong and passionate market for PC gaming on the go. Even if the LCD version is gone, its legacy endures — as the product that democratized handheld gaming PCs and inspired the next wave of innovation.
