Prospective Steam Deck purchasers face higher costs to join the portable gaming trend, as Valve shifts exclusively to OLED versions. In an update on the device's webpage, the company stated it has ceased manufacturing the 256GB LCD edition, noting that it will vanish from availability once current supplies are depleted. At the time of this report, the $399 LCD model with 256GB storage—previously rated as the top handheld gaming device for general users—remains unavailable for purchase. Valve's inventory of renewed LCD units has also been fully exhausted.
The OLED Steam Deck represents a solid enhancement, featuring extended battery duration and a bigger screen with improved refresh capabilities. Nevertheless, the LCD version provided a compelling low-cost gateway into the Steam Deck ecosystem and budget-friendly portable gaming options. Valve has assured that it will keep delivering software enhancements for LCD owners moving forward.
New customers must now opt for the base OLED configuration at $549, which includes 512GB of storage, or select higher-capacity models starting at $649 for 1TB. This decision to halt the remaining LCD production aligns with Valve's prior moves to end sales of the 512GB LCD and the original 64GB model launched alongside the Steam Deck in 2022.