Valve Stops Producing the Original LCD Steam Deck
Valve has made a key decision for its portable hardware line: it has stopped manufacturing the initial Steam Deck model that used LCD technology. The company is now directing all its manufacturing resources toward the improved versions with OLED screens, which offer a superior visual experience and battery life. This change was foreseeable after the launch and rapid adoption of the OLED models late last year. 🎮
The LCD Model Becomes the Budget Option
Although Valve is no longer assembling new units, the Steam Deck LCD does not disappear from the market. The company keeps it available for purchase as a refurbished product in its official store, presenting it as the lower price alternative to enter the Steam ecosystem. This strategy allows maintaining an affordable entry point to the vast game library, while directing users seeking the latest technology toward the OLED variants.
Key Details of the Change:- Valve concentrates its production capacity solely on Steam Deck OLED models.
- The original LCD model no longer comes off new production lines.
- It remains available for sale as a refurbished product with official warranty.
The Steam Deck LCD is described as the lowest price option to access the platform.
The Future Path for Valve's Hardware
This manufacturing decision does not affect Valve's commitment to existing customers. Owners of the LCD model will continue to receive software updates and full technical support. The move represents the natural evolution of the product toward a higher-quality screen. The company's attention is now focused on consolidating the Steam Deck OLED and what might come next.
Perspectives on the Successor:- Support for the LCD model continues fully.
- Future development points to a possible Steam Deck 2, referenced in internal code.
- Valve clarifies that this new hardware will not arrive in the near future.
A Chapter Closes in Production
For Valve, the era of producing the Steam Deck with an LCD screen has ended in its factories. The original model transitions to a state of active retirement, available only as refurbished units, while the company bets everything on the present and future with OLED technology. This step underscores the rapid pace of innovation in the portable gaming sector. 🔄