Steam Deck Becomes Harder to Buy Cheap as Valve Discontinues LCD Models

The Steam Deck has long been praised for offering an accessible way to play PC games on the go. That accessibility, however, just took a hit. Valve recently confirmed that production of the Steam Deck LCD has ended, leaving OLED models as the only new options available.

While prices on paper haven’t changed, the removal of the LCD version has quietly increased the cost of entry for new buyers—especially during the busiest shopping season of the year.

🎮 Steam Deck LCD Is Officially Gone

The Steam Deck originally launched with multiple configurations, including lower-priced LCD models that served as an affordable gateway into handheld PC gaming.

Key points about the discontinued LCD version:

The 256GB LCD Steam Deck has now sold out in the U.S.
Valve confirmed it will not be restocked or produced again.
The lowest-priced Steam Deck available is now the 512GB OLED model.

Previously, buyers could enter the Steam Deck ecosystem for $399, and even less during seasonal sales. That option no longer exists.

💰 OLED Models Raise the Entry Price

With the LCD models gone, shoppers are left with OLED versions that start at a noticeably higher price point.

What changes for buyers:

The 512GB OLED Steam Deck now starts at $549.
That represents a $150 increase compared to the retired LCD model.
Budget-focused buyers no longer have a sub-$400 Steam Deck option.

Just weeks before its discontinuation, the LCD Steam Deck was discounted to under $320 during sales, making it one of the best-value gaming handhelds on the market.

🕹️ Bad Timing for Holiday Shoppers

The decision arrives during the Steam Winter Sale, traditionally a prime window for hardware purchases.

Why the timing stings:

Holiday shoppers now have fewer affordable handheld options.
The LCD model had been cheaper than several competitors during recent sales.
Budget-conscious gamers are pushed toward higher-priced alternatives.

For many players, the Steam Deck LCD was the perfect balance between performance and price—especially as competition in the handheld space continues to grow.

⚙️ Rising Hardware Costs Add Pressure

Valve’s move doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The broader tech industry has been dealing with rising component costs throughout 2025.

Industry factors influencing pricing:

Memory shortages driven by increased demand from AI data centers.
Major manufacturers shifting focus away from consumer components.
Sharp increases in DDR5 RAM pricing over the past few months.

These pressures make it harder for companies to maintain lower-cost hardware offerings, particularly for devices that rely on modern components.

🔮 Looking Ahead to 2026

Valve’s future hardware plans remain uncertain. While new projects have been teased, pricing and release details are still unknown.

What we know so far:

New Valve hardware has been acknowledged but not detailed.
No confirmed timeline for next-generation handhelds.
The Steam Deck remains Valve’s most accessible gaming device for now.

For players heading into 2026, the Steam Deck OLED still offers strong performance—but the days of a truly budget-friendly option may be over, at least for the moment.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Steam Deck hasn’t received a direct price increase, but discontinuing the LCD model effectively raises the bar for entry. For new buyers, the shift means spending more upfront or looking elsewhere for affordable handheld gaming.

As hardware costs continue to climb and Valve’s future plans remain unclear, the Steam Deck OLED stands as both a premium upgrade and a reminder of how quickly value options can disappear.