Valve's handheld gaming PC, the Steam Deck, has been a landmark device, bringing a full PC gaming experience into a portable form factor. Its launch in 2022 with an LCD screen democratized handheld PC gaming with a compelling price point. Now, as the market evolves and component costs shift, Valve is streamlining its lineup, marking the end of an era for its most accessible model.
Valve Confirms Discontinuation of Original Steam Deck Model
Valve has officially ceased production of the 256GB LCD model of the Steam Deck. The company updated the official Steam Deck store page with a discreet disclaimer stating, "We are no longer producing the Steam Deck LCD 256 GB model. Once sold out, it will no longer be available." This move was first reported by outlets like GamingOnLinux. As of December 2025, the model is listed as sold out in regions like the United States, confirming that remaining inventory has been depleted. This strategic decision simplifies Valve's product offerings, leaving consumers with the choice between the newer Steam Deck OLED models or looking to competitors in the bustling handheld PC market.
Steam Deck Model Availability & Pricing (as of Dec 2025):
| Model | Storage | Screen Type | Status | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck LCD | 256 GB | LCD | Discontinued/Sold Out | 399 |
| Steam Deck OLED | 512 GB | OLED | Available | 549 |
| Steam Deck OLED | 1 TB | OLED | Available | 649 |
The End of a Budget-Friendly Gaming Workhorse
The discontinuation signals the close of a significant chapter for budget-conscious gamers. Priced at USD 399, the 256GB LCD Steam Deck was widely praised for its value, offering a bespoke SteamOS experience, docking capabilities, and respectable performance for its cost. Reviewers, including PC Gamer, hailed it as a "stellar deal," especially following a price reduction earlier in 2025. Its departure raises the effective entry price for a new Steam Deck by USD 150, as the cheapest available model is now the 512GB Steam Deck OLED at USD 549. This shift potentially alters the value proposition that made the device so popular, especially during the holiday shopping season leading up to Christmas in the United States.
Market Forces and Valve's Future Hardware Strategy
While Valve has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the decision, industry context provides clues. A significant global surge in DRAM prices, driven by intense demand from AI and data center companies, has inflated component costs across the electronics sector. Manufacturing the older LCD model at its original price point may have become financially untenable. Furthermore, Valve is reportedly preparing to launch new hardware, including a rumored "Steam Machine," suggesting a strategic pivot to focus resources on next-generation products and its higher-margin OLED lineup. This consolidation allows the company to navigate a competitive landscape filled with devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
Competitor Pricing Context:
- Asus ROG Ally (Base Model): Starting at USD 489
- Note: The Lenovo Legion Go with SteamOS is mentioned as a more powerful, but likely more expensive, alternative.
The Evolving Handheld PC Landscape
The removal of the budget Steam Deck model reshapes the entry-level segment of the handheld PC market. The new lowest-priced option from a major manufacturer is now the base Asus ROG Ally, which starts at USD 489. For consumers, this means the barrier to entry for portable PC gaming has risen. However, the market continues to expand rapidly, with new Android-based and Windows handhelds appearing frequently. Gamers seeking alternatives must now weigh factors like performance, ecosystem, and price more carefully than before, as the definitive budget champion has officially left the arena.