Valve has officially brought an end to the era of LCD Steam Decks, leaving OLED models as the only option for new buyers. The company confirmed that it has stopped producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model, marking the final step in a gradual shift away from its original hardware lineup. As a result, anyone looking to buy a Steam Deck for the first time will now need to pay more than before, as the lowest-priced entry point has been removed.
In a short notice published on its Steam Deck page, Valve said it is “no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model,” and added that “once sold out, it will no longer be available.” At the time of publication, the US$399 LCD Steam Deck with 256GB of storage is already listed as out of stock. Valve has also exhausted its refurbished supply of LCD units, effectively closing the door on new purchases of the older display version.
The decision confirms what many observers had expected following the launch of the Steam Deck OLED models. While Valve never described the OLED versions as replacements at launch, the company has steadily reduced the availability of LCD options. With the 256GB LCD model now discontinued, the OLED range stands as the only officially supported option for new buyers.
An affordable entry point quietly disappears
The removal of the 256GB LCD Steam Deck is notable because it represented the most accessible way to enter Valve’s handheld gaming ecosystem. Priced at US$399, it offered a strong balance of performance and value, especially for players curious about PC gaming on a handheld without wanting to spend premium prices. For many, it was seen as the sweet spot in the range and was often recommended as the best option for most users.
The Steam Deck’s appeal has always rested on its ability to deliver a full PC gaming experience at a relatively low cost. By supporting a wide range of Steam titles and allowing access to third-party launchers and software, it stood apart from more closed console-style handhelds. The LCD model played a major role in building that reputation, particularly among price-conscious buyers.
With that option gone, the lowest-priced Steam Deck now starts at US$549 for the OLED model with 512GB of storage. Buyers who want more space can opt for the 1TB version, which costs at least US$649. While these prices are not unusual for premium handheld gaming devices, they do represent a noticeable increase compared with the earlier LCD entry point.
For some potential buyers, this change may delay or even prevent a purchase. The higher starting price raises the barrier to entry, especially in markets where taxes, shipping costs, or currency conversion already push prices higher. While the OLED model offers meaningful improvements, not every buyer will see those upgrades as essential.
OLED models take centre stage
Valve’s focus on OLED hardware reflects a broader trend in the handheld and console market. OLED displays are widely valued for their deeper blacks, richer colours, and improved contrast compared with traditional LCD panels. In the case of the Steam Deck OLED, Valve has paired the new screen with other hardware upgrades that go beyond visual quality.
The OLED version features a slightly larger display with a higher refresh rate, offering smoother motion during gameplay. Valve has also improved battery life, addressing one of the most common criticisms of the original Steam Deck. These changes make the OLED model a more refined and comfortable device for longer gaming sessions.
Performance between the LCD and OLED versions remains broadly similar in terms of raw processing power, meaning existing games run much the same on both. However, the overall experience is enhanced through better efficiency and display technology. For new buyers who can afford the higher price, the OLED model represents a more polished version of Valve’s original vision.
Valve’s pricing strategy suggests confidence that these improvements justify the cost increase. By discontinuing the LCD models rather than keeping them as budget alternatives, the company appears to be simplifying its product range and focusing on a single, more premium offering.
Continued support for existing owners
Despite ending production of the LCD hardware, Valve has made it clear that current owners will not be left behind. The company has said it plans to continue supporting LCD Steam Decks with future software updates. This means operating system improvements, performance tweaks, and compatibility updates should still reach older devices alongside OLED models.
This approach aligns with Valve’s history of long-term software support across its platforms. Steam itself continues to evolve, and the Steam Deck benefits directly from those updates. For users who already own an LCD Steam Deck, there is little immediate reason to worry about reduced functionality or early obsolescence.
The decision to maintain software support also reflects the size of the installed base. Since the Steam Deck’s launch in 2022, a significant number of units sold have been LCD models. Cutting off updates would risk damaging trust among early adopters and could discourage future hardware purchases.
Valve’s move to discontinue the last LCD model follows earlier decisions to phase out other configurations. The company previously stopped offering the 512GB LCD version and the original 64GB model available at launch. Seen in this context, the end of the 256GB LCD version represents the final step in a long transition rather than a sudden shift.
For the handheld gaming market as a whole, the change highlights how quickly product lines can evolve. What began as a range with multiple price tiers has now been streamlined into a single display technology with higher base pricing. While this may simplify buying decisions, it also narrows choice.
As the Steam Deck continues to compete with other handheld PCs and gaming devices, Valve is betting that quality improvements will matter more than entry-level pricing. Whether that bet pays off will depend on how consumers respond to the higher cost of entry and whether competitors step in to fill the gap left by the discontinued LCD models.
