Valve has officially discontinued the Steam Deck LCD 256GB model, meaning gamers can no longer buy the cheaper version of the popular handheld console directly from the company. The announcement was quietly shared on Valve’s Steam Deck page, where the company confirmed it is “no longer producing” the LCD model and that once existing stock runs out, it will not return.
As of now, the $399 Steam Deck LCD, which many considered the best entry-level gaming handheld, is completely out of stock. Even Valve’s refurbished units have been cleared, effectively ending the LCD era of the Steam Deck.
This move leaves buyers with only OLED models to choose from. The entry-level Steam Deck OLED now starts at $549 for the 512GB version, while users who want more storage will need to pay $649 or more for the 1TB option.
While the price jump may disappoint budget-conscious gamers, the OLED Steam Deck does come with notable improvements. It features a larger OLED display, a higher refresh rate, and longer battery life, making it a clear upgrade over the LCD version. However, for many users, the LCD model’s lower price was its biggest strength, especially for those new to PC handheld gaming.
Valve has reassured existing owners that the discontinued LCD models will continue to receive software updates, so current users won’t be left behind. Still, new buyers no longer have a lower-cost way to enter the Steam Deck ecosystem.
This decision isn’t entirely surprising. Valve previously discontinued the 64GB and 512GB LCD versions, gradually shifting focus to OLED-only models since their introduction.
For now, anyone looking to buy a new Steam Deck will need to pay more—but in return, they’ll get Valve’s most refined handheld gaming experience yet.